Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez, an early Latino performer in TV and film, died last week in Arizona at the age of 80. Gonzalez Gonzalez was a fixture in John Wayne movies and was often accused of perpetuating negative Latino stereotypes in his performances.

The films with Wayne, among them “The High and the Mighty,” “Rio Bravo” and “Hellfighters,” and guest appearances on such TV series as “Gunsmoke” made Gonzalez Gonzalez one of the most recognizable Mexican-American actors at the time.

Because he often played sterotypical roles, had a heavy accent and frequently served as comic relief, Gonzalez Gonzalez was criticized in later years as perpetuating negative Latino images.

But his grandson said Gonzales Gonzales took what roles were available.

Gonzalez Gonzalez’ story is typical of Latino immigrants to the U.S. in that era, and the actor found success in Hollywood with no education and without being able to read:

The early end to his education meant he never learned to read or write. Collins said his grandfather memorized lines by having his wife read to him, and that if a script changed, directors would feed him lines on the set.

His bio at IMDB

Via / SouthFlorida.com