Lupe Vélez (1908–44,) born María Guadalupe Villalobos Vélez, was a Mexican actress, singer, and dancer, among the first Mexican stars to succeed in Hollywood.
Born in San Luis Potosí, she started in Mexican vaudeville before moving to Hollywood in the late 1920s. Her fiery personality and dynamic screen presence earned her the nickname “The Mexican Spitfire.”
Vélez débuted in The Gaucho (1927) and gained recognition in Lady of the Pavements (1928) and Wolf Song (1929.) Transitioning to sound films, she starred in comedies such as Hot Pepper (1933,) Strictly Dynamite (1934,) and Hollywood Party (1934.) Her most famous role was in the Mexican Spitfire film series (1939–43,) showcasing her vibrant persona.
Beyond acting, Vélez’s life included high-profile romances, including a turbulent marriage to Olympic swimmer Johnny Weissmuller. She died at 36 from an intentional overdose of barbiturates.
Books on her life include Michelle Vogel’s Lupe Velez: The Life and Career of Hollywood’s “Mexican Spitfire” (2012) and Floyd Conner’s Lupe Velez and Her Lovers (1993.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Lupe Velez
The first time you buy a house you see how pretty the paint is and buy it. The second time you look to see if the basement has termites. It’s the same with men.
—Lupe Velez
Topics: Men
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