During the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema, one actor emerged that will have a tremendous impact in the industry. Born as Pedro Infante Cruz on November 18, 1917, the famous actor and singer was one of the most successful artists in Latin American cinematic history. Even today the talent of Infante and influence he had is talked about. He is one of the most influential stars even years after his unfortunate demise in a fatal plane crash. Here’s a small look at how his legacy lives on:
Infante and His Music
Infante had the early influences in music given that his father played double bass in a band. Growing up with music in his life, it was only natural that he would find interest in it later on, which started when he was only a teenager. During a short time, Infante managed to learn how to play various string, wind, and percussion instruments on his own. When he was 26 years old in 1943, he released his first musical recording known as El Soldado Raso. However, it’s his work in cinema that will truly make a difference in his life and the life of so many others.
Infante in Film
The actor’s first roles were small. Infante’s first role ever was an extra in the movie En un Burro Tres Baturros, which translates to Three Baturros on a Burro. He was 2 years old at the time when that movie came out. In the next couple of years, Infante would build himself up to a stellar career, and by 1943, he managed to get his first leading role in the movie La Feria de las Flores. After this pivotal introduction to mainstream cinema, Infante’s career just took off. From 1943 until his death in 1957, Infante managed to star in every single one of his movies. Out of the 59 movies that he made throughout his career, he had the lead role in 55 movies and the rest were cameos. Some of his best films include Los Tres Huastecos (1948), The Three Garcias (1947), Tizoc (1957), and Dicen Que Soy Mujeriego (1949).
Infante and Mexico
It’s difficult to understand how Infante managed to acquire such a following in his career. There were many talented actors and actresses that came out of that time in Mexican cinema, but for some reason, Infante was able to connect to the public better than most. Some claim that it’s his music that bridged the gap between people and the movies. Music is an important component in Mexican culture, after all, and Infante had the natural talents for it. Others say that it was his natural charm and charisma that made women gush in delight and men enjoy his company.
The truth is no other Mexican actor was able to replicate the phenomena of his career and existence. Many consider Infante to be the most beloved person in all of Mexican history. Even after his death, Infante’s fame and popularity did not die down. Many can even claim to the fact that no Mexican movie star has ever gotten close to what Infante was able to achieve in his career. Almost all of the movies that Infante starred in were box-office hits (excluding the cameos), and that alone is a testament to his talent and his draw. Infante was able to play every role imaginable, which made him even more relatable to the masses. He played the father and the son; he played the friend and the lover; he also played the singer and the macho guy. With every single role that Infante played, he put his heart and soul into it, making him absolutely and impressively believable.
Death
Infante’s legacy continues to shine, and his death is still considered to be one of the most remembered events in Mexican history. Infante died in a plane crash that left many heartbroken in 1957 and in subsequent years. His life and career has been an example for many young and aspiring Mexican actors to emulate. Many of Infante’s movies are also finding a new generation of watchers from Mexico and from all over the globe. His ability to move people simply through the big screen is everything that actors aspire to be. There have been four statues erected to honor this late actor, another testament to just how beloved he truly was and is. Not many actors can claim to this fame, but for Infante, it was a natural thing. It was so natural that many Mexicans claim if you don’t know who Infante was, then you couldn’t be a true Mexican at all.
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