Antonio Aguilar Barraza - Acting Career

Acting Career

Aguilar began his acting career in 1952 during the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. He is credited with popularising la charrería, considered to have originated in Mexico, to international audiences.

Antonio Aguilar was the first Mexican performer to mix rodeos and concerts while touring his show in Latin America and the United States. He made 167 movies and has been compared to American actors like Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and Ronald Reagan.

In the 1950s, Aguilar was cast in a series of films centered on rural hero "Mauricio Rosales" in El rayo justiciero (1955), La barranca de muerte (1955), La sierra del terror (1956), La huella del chacal (1956), La pantera negra (1957), La guarida del buitre (1958), and Los muertos no hablan (1958). A total of seven low-budget ranchera films produced by Rosas Films S.A.

Aguilar gained cinematic notice when cast in Ismael Rodríguez's Tierra de hombres in 1956. Other collaborations with Rodríguez include La Cucaracha (1959) and Ánimas Trujano (1962), where he received starring roles. Amongst his best ranchera films are Yo... el aventurero (1959), Caballo prieto azabache (1968) El ojo de vidrio (1969), and Valente Quintero (1973). Aguilar appeared in American western films like 1969's The Undefeated starring John Wayne. He also made a memorable starring role alongside Flor Silvestre in Triste recuerdo (1991).

For contributions to the recording industry, Antonio Aguilar Barraza was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7056 Hollywood Boulevard. He was similarly honored with his handprints and star on the Paseo de las Luminarias in Mexico City for his work in movies and in the recording industry.