Ricardo Cortez

Biography

Ricardo Cortez, originally named Jacob Krantz, was born on September 19, 1900, in New York City. Coming from a Jewish family, he initially navigated a career on Wall Street as a broker and even dabbled in boxing. His striking looks caught the attention of Hollywood, leading to a career in film that began during the silent era. To enhance his appeal as a "Latin lover," studio executives rebranded him as Ricardo Cortez, hoping to position him alongside popular contemporaries like Rudolph Valentino and Ramon Novarro. When questions arose about his heritage, studios attempted to market him as French before settling on a fabricated Viennese background.

Over his career, Cortez starred in more than 100 films, showcasing his versatility. Notable roles included his performance alongside Joan Crawford in *Montana Moon* (1930), and as Sam Spade in the original *The Maltese Falcon* (1931). He further co-starred in *The Big Shakedown* and *Wonder Bar* (both 1934), and portrayed Perry Mason in the 1936 film *The Case of the Black Cat*. As sound films emerged, Cortez transitioned from romantic leads to become a compelling villain, leveraging his distinctive New York accent and commanding presence.

Cortez was married to silent film actress Alma Rubens until her untimely death in 1931. Following his retirement from acting, he returned to Wall Street as a stockbroker with Solomon Brothers. He passed away on April 28, 1977, in New York City and was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx. He was also the elder brother of acclaimed cinematographer Stanley Cortez.