José Ferrer (1912-1992) became the first Puerto Rican actor to win the
Best Actor Academy Award for the 1950 film version of Cyrano de
Bergerac. His iconic portrayal of the lovelorn poet/swordsman had
already won him the Tony in 1947, and he would be identified with Cyrano
for the rest of his life. Ferrer was a theatrical dynamo with limitless
energy; in 1952 he directed Stalag 17, The Fourposter, and The
Shrike (which he starred in) on Broadway, while New York City movie
marquees were heralding his appearance in Anything Can Happen.
At his apex in the 1950s, Ferrer was in constant demand both in theater
and movies. He capitalized on his Oscar with such triumphs as Moulin
Rouge and The Caine Mutiny. Not content with merely acting, Ferrer
soon became a force behind the camera, acting and directing such
critically well-received films as The Shrike and The Great Man.
Success proved difficult to sustain. In the late 1950s, such ambitious
theatrical productions as Edwin Booth and Juno were critical and
commercial flops*,* while film studios also lost their patience with
him. By the mid-1960s, Ferrer took whatever roles he could get in films,
television, or regional theater.
In addition, Ferrer had a turbulent personal life. His first marriage to
actress Uta Hagen ended in divorce and scandal*.* His personal and
professional relationship with his Othello costar Paul Robeson landed
Ferrer before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Ferrer's
marriage to actress/dancer Phyllis Hill was marred by his infidelity,
while his initial wedded bliss with singer Rosemary Clooney eroded as
his career began to ebb while hers started to peak. In spite of
everything, Ferrer managed to endure and was working practically right
up to his death. Ferrer maintained his pride in his Puerto Rican
heritage, donating his Oscar to the University of Puerto Rico while
championing the work of Latino poets and playwrights. He continuously
evolved, striving to remain relevant, stretching his talents (including
cabaret, operas, musicals, and yes, ballet!), and writing the occasional
guest column for major newspapers. Ferrer's life is an American success
story and a testament to reinvention and resilience.
