Victor Argo

Victor Argo
Born	Victor Jimenez November 5, 1934 Brooklyn, New York City
Died	7 April 2004 New York City, New York

Victor Argo (November 5, 1934 – April 7, 2004) was a Puerto Rican - American actor who usually played the part of the tough bad guy in the movies.

Early years

Argo was born Victor Jimenez in New York City. Both of his parents were born in the town of Quebradillas, Puerto Rico.

Acting career

Argo began his career as a stage actor. While performing in an Off-Broadway play during the 1960s, Argo met Yoko Ono, with whom he participated in the so-called "Happening" movement. He also became friends with the then fledgling actor Harvey Keitel, with whom he remained close for nearly forty years. In 1977, Argo became a founding member of the Riverside Shakespeare Company on New York City's Upper West Side. As a member he toured the parks of Manhattan playing Lord Montague.^[1]

In the 1970s, Argo made his film debut with a small part in Unholy Rollers and his television debut in a made-for-TV film Smile Jenny, You're Dead. He became a durable movie tough guy and a favorite of such directors as Martin Scorsese and Woody Allen. His film credits include Taxi Driver, King of New York, The Rose, New York Stories, The Last Temptation of Christ, Bad Lieutenant, True Romance and Coyote Ugly. In 2001, he played Jennifer Lopez's father in Angel Eyes. His television guest appearances include Law & Order and Miami Vice. Argo lent his talents to seventy-five films and twenty-one television guest roles in total.

Later years

Shortly before his death, Argo realized a lifelong dream of performing on Broadway when he was cast as Santiago, the owner of a cigar factory, in the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Anna in the Tropics. In his last on-screen role, in the independent film Lustre by director Art Jones, Argo portrayed a New York City loan shark who retreats from his everyday, hard-nosed rants to a deeply spiritual disconnect with the world. The film was released in 2005. Argo died in New York City on April 7, 2004 from complications of lung cancer.

In 2005, Electronic music group Bodega System releases a 12" vinyl LP which includes the track "Victor Argo".

Filmography

References

See also

Puerto Rico portal

• List of famous Puerto Ricans

External links

• Victor Argo at the Internet Movie Database
• Victor Argo at Allmovie
• Victor Argo at Find A Grave