Victor Argo

Infobox actor


imagesize = 125px
caption =
birthname = Victor Jimenez
birthdate = November 5 1934
birthplace = Brooklyn, New York City
deathdate = 7 April 2004
deathplace = New York City, New York

Victor Argo (November 5 1934 – April 7 2004) was an 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 participated in some Off-Broadway shows at the beginning of his artistic career. While doing an Off-Broadway in the 1960's, Victor made the acquaintance of Yoko Ono, with whom he participated in the so-called "Happenings" movement. He also made the acquaintance of fledging actor Harvey Keitel, who remained his close friend for nearly forty years.

In the 1970s, Argo made his major 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". On TV he made guest appearances in "Law & Order" and "Miami Vice", among others. Argo participated in a total of 75 films and had a total of 21 TV guest appearances.

Later years

Shortly before his death, Argo realized a lifelong dream of acting 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 role in the 2004 movie "Ilustre", Argo was cast as a New York loan shark who regresses 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

*Lustre (released in 2005)
*Don't Say a Word (September 24, 2001)
*Queenie in Love (May 18, 2001)
*Angel Eyes (May 15, 2001)
*'R Xmas (May 9, 2001)
*Double Whammy (January 20, 2001)
*Coyote Ugly (July 31, 2000)
*Fast Food Fast Women (May 15, 2000)
*The Yards (April 27, 2000)
* (May 18, 1999)
*Coming Soon (April 17, 1999)
*On the Run (January 29, 1999)
*New Rose Hotel (October 14, 1998)
*Lulu on the Bridge (August 14, 1998)
*Next Stop Wonderland (January 17, 1998)
*The Funeral (September 8, 1996)
*Blue in the Face (September 15, 1995)
*Smoke (June 9, 1995)
*Somebody to Love (September 15, 1994)
*Monkey Trouble (March 18, 1994)
*Dangerous Game (October 13, 1993)
*Household Saints (September 12, 1993)
*True Romance (September 10, 1993)
*Bad Lieutenant (September 16, 1992)
*Shadows and Fog (March 30, 1992)
*McBain (September 30, 1991)
*King of New York (July 18, 1990)
*Quick Change (July 13, 1990)
*Crimes and Misdemeanors (October 13, 1989)
*New York Stories (March 1, 1989)
*Her Alibi (February 3, 1989)
*The Last Temptation of Christ (August 12, 1988)
*The Pick-up Artist (September 18, 1987)
*Raw Deal (June 6, 1986)
*Off Beat (April 7, 1986)
*Florida Straits (1986)
*After Hours (September 13, 1985)
*Desperately Seeking Susan (March 29, 1985)
*Falling in Love (November 21, 1984)
*Hanky Panky (June 4, 1982)
*The Rose (November 7, 1979)
*Which Way Is Up? (1977)
*Taxi Driver (February 8, 1976)
*The Terminal Man (February 14, 1975)
*Mean Streets (October 2, 1973)
*Boxcar Bertha (June 14, 1972)

ee also

*List of famous Puerto Ricans

External links

*imdb name|id=0034519|name=Victor Argo
*amg name|2:2171
*findagrave|8628976