PEDRO GONZALES-GONZALES


139

INFORMATION FROM IMDb

Date of birth (location)
21 December 1926
Aguilares, Texas, USA
Date of death (details)
8 February 2006
Willcox, Arizona, USA. (natural causes)

Sometimes Credited As:
Gonzales Gonzales / Pedro Gonzales Gonzales / Pedro Gonzales / Gonzales-Gonzales / Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez / Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzales / Gonzalez-Gonzales / Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzalez / Gonzalez-Gonzalez

Biography for
Pedro Gonzales-Gonzales

Birth name
Ramiro Gonzalez-Gonzalez

Trivia

Grandfather of Clifton Collins Jr.

Was featured in the EPCOT Mexico ride at Disney World.

Brother of Jose Gonzales-Gonzales.

From his appearance on "You Bet Your Life" (1950): Groucho Marx: "If we got together as an act, what would it be called?" Pedro Gonzales-Gonzales: "It would be Gonzales-Gonzales and Marx." Marx (to audience): "Do you believe that? Two men in the act, and I get third billing!"

Had only the most elemental schooling as a youngster and remained functionally illiterate for much of his life.

Trade mark

Often played "comedy relief" roles in Westerns. Almost always played a Mexican in a service job (barber, bartender, etc.).


Mini biography

First came to notice as a contestant on Groucho Marx's quiz show, "You Bet Your Life." His highly amusing personality won him bit parts in films, and he continued to work as a minor supporting player for years.

Jim Beaver

Arizona Range News / October 7, 1998

For 41 years, Willcox area residents have laughed at the comedy of Pedro Gonzales Gonzales during the annual Rex Allen Days celebration.

Appearing as a sidekick to both Rex Allen and Rex Allen Jr., the 73-year-old's energy and attitude continue to delight audiences here in Willcox and around the globe.

Born in Aguilaras, Texas, in 1925, to a Spanish dancer and a trumpet player, Pedro Gonzales Gonzales grew up in the entertainment business.

"My mother was a big star in the silent movies in Mexico. She was a Spanish dancer and she danced with her brother and sister. The three of them danced together for Poncho Villa," Gonzales said.

"My father was a trumpet player. He was playing in a theater in San Antonio, Texas, when my mother came from Mexico to dance in the same theater. They fell in love and got married there in that theater," Gonzales said, adding, "My wife and I also got married in that same theater."

Gonzales was one of nine children growing up during the depression. He was born by a midwife who did not register his birth and Gonzales said that when he was 17 he went to register for the draft but there was no record of his birth. He said it took him two years to get it, and he only obtained with the help of two witnesses who were there when he was born.

"One was 72-years-old and one was 80," he said. As soon as his birth was recorded, Gonzales said the military drafted him immediately. Though he had already started entertaining at a very young age, the military offered him more opportunities to entertain. He said he began performing comedy in Spanish, but it wasn't until he learned English that he began to be successful with entertaining.

"I never learned to speak English too good, but the audience liked it like that," he said. Gonzales also taught himself to play drums, guitar and piano, along with wide variety of non-traditional musical instruments, such as his famous pots and pans.

When television came along, Gonzales was one of the first Hispanic entertainers to break into the business.

"In 1953, I performed with Groucho Marx in his biggest television show ever,"

Gonzales said, adding that John Wayne saw him in that performance and signed him up after the show to perform with him in more movies than Gonzales can remember.

"I think I worked in more than 20 movies with John Wayne, but it may have been more like 30," he said. From then on, Gonzales performed in dozens of movies, including many Walt Disney movies, such as "The Love Bug," and "The Odd Couple."

He met Rex Allen in a studio one day while Allen was there to film "The Frontier Doctor." Allen asked Gonzales to work with them and the two hit it off. To this day, they remain good friends. Neither can remember how many times they have worked together.

In his book, "My life, Sunrise to Sunset," Rex Allen wrote, "Pedro Gonzales Gonzales traveled the country with me for so many years, he is like a brother to me. Every time I needed an act to work on stage with me, I chose Pedro because is a showman,' a hard act to follow. He has never missed a date."

Gonzales is still performing, and not just as an invited guest to the Rex Allen Days celebration in Willcox each year. He just recently finished working in "The Wonderful Ice Cream Man," a Disney film produced by Mel Gibson. His grandson, Clifton Gonzales Gonzales co-starred in the movie with him.

"My grandson's name was Clifton Craig Collins, but he was getting no work. He called me one day to tell me he was changing his last name to Gonzales Gonzales. Then he began to get work," Pedro said.

Clifton Gonzales Gonzales has performed in movies such as the Australian flick "Fortress," and "187," with Samual Jackson. And he's just getting started. "He is now working with Vanessa Williams and Forrest Whittaker in a movie called Light up,'" Gonzales said.

Though Pedro Gonzales Gonzales never went to school and never learned to read or write, he said he has an exceptional memory, and that he has always memorized the scripts his wife, Lee, has read to him.

He has entertained at 41 consecutive Rex Allen Days celebration, more than Rex Allen and Rex Allen Jr. have. This year the Rex Allen Days Museum paid for his trip back to Willcox. At the stage show on Saturday, he joked with the audience that he thought he better show up because he was afraid someone might take away the Willcox alley that is named after him.

Joking aside, Gonzales said he believes that every one of us, "are here in this world to serve. If you have no desire to serve, you have no business being here. I like to see kids laugh, enjoying life. To end a life with drugs is such a tragedy. I just want to say thanks to the world and help to make it a little happier."

By Karen Weston Gonzales / Arizona Range News / October 7, 1998

Actor - filmography

1. "Land's End"
- The Curse of Willis (1995) TV Episode
2. Dazzle (1995) (TV) .... Juan
... aka Judith Krantz's 'Dazzle' (USA: complete title)
3. Ruby Cairo (1993) .... Uncle Jorge
... aka Deception (USA: video title (recut version))
... aka The Missing Link: Ruby Cairo
4. Donor (1990) (TV) (as Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzalez) .... Hispanic Man
5. Down the Drain (1990) .... Amigo Rodriguez

6. Ghost Writer (1989) (TV) .... Mr. Carillo
7. Bates Motel (1987) (TV) .... Mexican Gardner
8. Y... se hizo justicia (1986) (as Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzalez)
9. Uphill All the Way (1986) .... Chicken Carlos
10. Lust in the Dust (1985) .... Mexican, Hard Case Gang
11. "The Fall Guy"
- The Meek Shall Inherit Rhonda (1981) TV Episode .... Taxi Driver
12. There Goes the Bride (1980) (as Gonzales Gonzales) .... Mr. Ramirez

13. "Disneyland"
... aka Disney's Wonderful World (USA: new title)
... aka The Disney Sunday Movie (USA: new title)
... aka The Magical World of Disney (USA: new title)
... aka The Wonderful World of Disney (USA: new title)
... aka Walt Disney (USA: new title)
... aka Walt Disney Presents (USA: new title)
... aka Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color (USA: new title)
- The Love Bug (1979) TV Episode (as Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzalez) .... Mexican Driver
- The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin: Part 3 (1971) TV Episode (as Pedro Gonzales) .... Bandido
- The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin: Part 2 (1971) TV Episode (as Pedro Gonzales) .... Bandido
- The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin: Part 1 (1971) TV Episode (as Pedro Gonzales) .... Bandido
14. Dreamer (1979) .... Too
15. Flush (1977) .... Miguelito
16. Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood (1976) .... Mexican projectionist
17. Sixpack Annie (1975) .... Carmello
18. Chase (1973) (TV)
19. "Adam-12"
- Anniversary (1971) TV Episode .... Rudlofo Diaz
20. Support Your Local Gunfighter (1971) (as Pedro Gonzales Gonzales) .... Ortiz
21. "The Bill Cosby Show"
- The Sesame Street Rumble (1971) TV Episode .... Bob
22. Chisum (1970) (as Pedro Gonzales Gonzales) .... Mexican rancher
23. "The Flying Nun"
- Operation Population (1970) TV Episode .... Farmer
- The Moo Is Blue (1969) TV Episode (as Pedro Gonzales Gonzales) .... Gonzalo
24. "The High Chaparral"
- Mi Casa, Su Casa (1970) TV Episode (as Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzalez) .... Pepe
- The Firing Wall (1967) TV Episode (as Pedro Gonzales) .... Bartender

25. "The Mod Squad"
- Never Give the Fuzz an Even Break (1969) TV Episode (as Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez) .... Restaurant Owner
26. "I Dream of Jeannie"
- See You in C-U-B-A (1969) TV Episode .... Jose
27. "Mayberry R.F.D."
- Sister Cities (1969) TV Episode .... Santos
28. Hook, Line & Sinker (1969) (as Pedro Gonzales Gonzales) .... Perfecto
29. The Love Bug (1968) (as Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzalez) .... Mexican Driver
30. Hellfighters (1968) (uncredited) .... Hernando (houseboy)
31. "Tarzan"
- End of a Challenge (1968) TV Episode .... Sebastian
32. "Hondo"
- Hondo and the Death Drive (1967) TV Episode .... Sancho
33. "The Monkees"
- A Nice Place to Visit (1967) TV Episode .... Lupe
34. Hostile Guns (1967) (as Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez) .... Angel Dominguez
35. The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin (1967) .... Bandido
36. "Laredo"
- Scourge of San Rusa (1967) TV Episode .... Liveryman
- The Treasure of San Diablo (1966) TV Episode .... Gonzales
37. A Taste of Catnip (1966) (voice) (as Gonzales Gonzales) .... Additional voices
38. Daffy Rents (1966) (voice) (as Gonzales Gonzales) .... Additional Voices
39. "I Spy"
- The Conquest of Maude Murdock (1966) TV Episode .... Jaime
40. Go Go Amigo (1965) .... Voice
41. "Branded"
- Fill No Glass for Me: Part 2 (1965) TV Episode .... Jose
- Fill No Glass for Me: Part 1 (1965) TV Episode .... Jose
42. Chili Corn Corny (1965) (voice) (as Gonzales Gonzales) .... Voices
43. "Burke's Law"
... aka Amos Burke, Secret Agent (USA: new title)
- Who Killed the Rest? (1965) TV Episode (as Gonzales-Gonzales) .... Pancho, First Policeman
44. Low Man on the Totem Pole (1964) (TV) .... Pepe Martinez
45. "Perry Mason"
- The Case of the Wednesday Woman (1964) TV Episode .... 'Rosie' Dell
46. "Gunsmoke"
... aka Gun Law (UK)
... aka Marshal Dillon (USA: rerun title)
- The Quest for Asa Janin (1963) TV Episode (as Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzalez) .... Bartender
47. McLintock! (1963) (uncredited) .... Carlos
48. "Alcoa Premiere"
- The Hat of Sergeant Martin (1963) TV Episode .... Private Sanchez
49. "Cheyenne"
- The Wedding Rings (1962) TV Episode .... Pepe
50. "The Dick Powell Show"
... aka The Dick Powell Theatre (new title)
- Open Season (1961) TV Episode .... Driver
51. "National Velvet"
- Grandpa Returns (1961) TV Episode (as Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzalez) .... Pedro
52. "Wanted: Dead or Alive"
- Baa-Baa (1961) TV Episode
- Triple Vise (1960) TV Episode .... Tomas
53. "The Texan"
- Lady Tenderfoot (1960) TV Episode (as Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzales) .... Pedro Vasquez
- Trouble on the Trail (1959) TV Episode (as Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzalez) .... Pedro Vasquez
- The Reluctant Bridegroom (1959) TV Episode (as Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzales) .... Pedro Vasquez
- Showdown at Abilene (1959) TV Episode (as Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzalez) .... Pedro Vasquez
- Stampede (1959) TV Episode (as Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzales) .... Pedro Vasquez

54. "The DuPont Show with June Allyson"
... aka The June Allyson Show
- Love Is a Headache (1959) TV Episode .... Firmino
55. The Young Land (1959) (as Pedro Gonzales Gonzales) .... Deputy Santiago
56. "Frontier Doctor"
... aka Man of the West (USA: syndication title)
... aka Unarmed (USA: syndication title)
- South of the Rio Grand (1959) TV Episode
57. Rio Bravo (1959) .... Carlos Robante
58. "Hudson's Bay"
- Black Barrier (????) TV Episode
59. The Sheepman (1958) .... Angelo
... aka Stranger with a Gun (USA: new title)
60. Man in the Vault (1956) (as Gonzales Gonzales) .... Pedro
61. "Sheriff of Cochise"
- The Great Train Robbery (1956) TV Episode (as Pedro Gonzales)
62. "Telephone Time"
- Felix the Fourth (1956) TV Episode (as Gonzales-Gonzales)
63. The Bottom of the Bottle (1956) (as Gonzales-Gonzales) .... Luis Romero
... aka Beyond the River (UK)
64. I Died a Thousand Times (1955) .... Chico
65. Bengazi (1955) (as Gonzales Gonzales) .... Kamal
66. "Willy"
- Willy and El Flamenco (1955) TV Episode (as Gonzales Gonzales) .... Luis Hernandez
67. Strange Lady in Town (1955) .... Trooper Martinez-Martinez
68. Ricochet Romance (1954) .... Manuel Gonzales
69. Ring of Fear (1954) (as Gonzalez-Gonzales) .... Pedro Gonzales
70. The High and the Mighty (1954) (as Gonzales Gonzales) .... Gonzales
71. Wings of the Hawk (1953) .... Tomas

Himself - filmography

1. "You Bet Your Life"
... aka The Groucho Show (USA: last season title)
- Episode #2.22 (1953) TV Episode .... Contestant

Hi,
Sadly Pedro past away last week, and he appeared in
5 films with Duke:-

Chisum ([Only registered and activated users can see links])(1970) (as Pedro Gonzales Gonzales) .... Mexican rancher
Hellfighters ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) (1968) (uncredited) .... Hernando (houseboy)
McLintock! ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) (1963) (uncredited) .... Carlos
Rio Bravo ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) (1959) .... Carlos Robante
The High and the Mighty ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) (1954) as Pedro Gonzales-Gonzales
General Sterling Price
post Today, 04:40 PM

Wow...was sorry to hear of the recent passing of Pedro Gonzales-Gonzales. I don't think there is much funnier stuff than the scene in Rio Bravo where John Wayne and Pedro argue about what "responsible" means and whether or not Feathers got on the stage.

It was also cool to see the recent documentary on the High and Mighty where Pedro was recently interviewed.

May he rest in peace.

GSP
Thanks to GSP, for posting this today.

Her is a link to Pedro's Obituary,

Pedro Gonzales-Gonzales ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Hi

I too was sad to hear of the death of Pedro, I wrote to him some years ago and he sent me an autographed photo and a poster advertising his act.

I wonder if he ever got his satr on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I feel he certainly deserved it.

Rip

Regards

Arthur

I noticed he is listed in IMDB as having been in Mclintock! but I don't recall seeing him. Could someone please refresh my memory? Thanks!


-ncb

Hi nathan_brittles,
Interesting point, and one that I am glad you've mentioned.
I cannot recall seeing him in McLintock either!!
I have just scanned the film ,and nope I couldn't see him!!
When I researched the Biog, It would appear, that IMDb
are the only ones listing him ,however, uncredited as Carlos.
It makes me wonder, as his character in Rio Bravo
was also Carlos, they may have got confused.
I used benefit of the doubt and included him,
however, if the general opinion, is that he was not in McLintock
then I will amend the biography, accodingly,

Thanks for your post,

Wow, somehow we missed hearing about this until signing onto the board this evening.

If you'd like to read more about Pedro, here's the USA Today ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) article, from earlier today.

Chester :newyear:

Thanks for the link Chester. I feel sad everytime someone who acted with the Duke passes away. Its like we lose just a little bit more of the Duke.

GSP

^I know what you mean GSP.

Thanks for the link Chester.

Originally posted by ethanedwards@Feb 15 2006, 05:52 PM
It would appear, that IMDb*
are the only ones listing him ,however, uncredited as Carlos.
It makes me wonder, as his character in Rio Bravo*
was also Carlos, they may have got confused.
I used benefit of the doubt and included him.
27278
According to Les Adams, who has done quite a bit of writing for IMDb, and also quite a bit of correcting for them, IMDb frequently makes errors.

Keith, you are doing the best you can with the sources at your disposal - you can't know EVERYthing! :D

Mrs. C :angel1:

He died on my birthday :(
May he rest in peace :cowboy:

chester7777*
Posted Today, 06:28 AM

Keith, you are doing the best you can with the sources at your disposal - you can't know EVERYthing! :D
Hi Sue,
Thanks, and it can be difficult.
However, 9 times out of 10, it's OK!
I also source from the New York Times, and other sites,
particularly, if IMDb, don't include a biography.
As you say no one is a complete knowledge on Duke,
and we learn day by day.
We were not around, at the time, so we have to rely
on the written word, all be it IMDb, NYT, or say
John Wayne:American, or whatever.

When writing my own pieces, I use up to 12 books,
and pick pieces out of them.
It takes, up lots of time, but if the end result, encourages
members to post, and enter discussion, then the project is worthwhile,
just look at some of the members names, recently,
that have suddenly popped up!!

We are planning to commemorate Pedro's life by watching either Rio Bravo, Hellfighters, or High and Mighty this weekend....probably will go with Rio Bravo. You just have to love the dialog he had with Wayne, and even though he seemed like he was four feet shorter than the Duke, Pedro was still spunky..."Senior Chance...this is my hotel, you are a guest under my roof, and you will not tell me what I shall do and what I shall not do."

Originally posted by General Sterling Price@Feb 15 2006, 04:27 PM
Ringo...you were thinking about Chisum, where Pedro briefly appeared as a rancher who was threatened to give any information he might have as to the whereabouts of Billy the Kid.
27262


Thanks General, :) I think you are correct on the movie I saw him in. I can't believe that I could not remember that he was in Chisum. :rolleyes:

I think i'll do like you all and honor his memory by watching him in what films I have w/ him in them. Rio Bravo sounds like a great movie to start with. It's also my favorite film of his.

Hi Carl,My sneaky Texan friend,
sneaking up with six guns, whilst I'm not looking at the RSM thread!!!

Carl,
After GSM posted this Obituary, I posted a biog, with some of the information
you were just mentioning,

Here's the link, I think you'll find it interesting

Pals of the Saddle- Pedro Gonzales-Gonzales ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Best Wishes,to the Texan stud, ha ha,

Very sad indeed. Pedro Gonzales Gonzales was, in my mind, a very fine actor. While it is true that many felt he was simply stereotyped "window dressing" in many of his films, I think that he added a degree of realism to his films that, if he were not in them, those films would have suffered very much. Although I was never honored enough to meet Mr. Gonzales Gonzales, I will miss him.
Colorado Bob

Keith,

Wow, sounds impressive!

Keep up the good work :rolleyes: !

Mrs. C :angel1:

Originally posted by ethanedwards@Feb 16 2006, 04:20 PM
Hi Carl,My sneaky Texan friend,
sneaking up with six guns, whilst I'm not looking at the RSM thread!!!

Carl,
After GSM posted this Obituary, I posted a biog, with some of the information
you were just mentioning,

Here's the link, I think you'll find it interesting

Pals of the Saddle- Pedro Gonzales-Gonzales ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Best Wishes,to the Texan stud, ha ha,
27326


Heh heh heh, not I also carry a Thompson .45 as well. Thanks for the updates though.

Originally posted by The Ringo Kid@Feb 17 2006, 02:16 PM
Heh heh heh, not I also carry a Thompson .45 as well. Thanks for the updates though.
27434
Ringo,

I've been looking for a Thompson, have you thought of selling?

Chester :newyear:

Originally posted by chester7777@Feb 18 2006, 12:05 PM
Ringo,

I've been looking for a Thompson, have you thought of selling?

Chester* :newyear:
27471


Hi Chester, if your serious, I can find one for you. Bad thing is is that these can go for up to around $100,000 but that is usually exclusive to those that have violin cases and all the other extra goodies.

Can you believe that when these first came on the market that anyone with $200.00 could get one. :)

Mexican-American star acted with John Wayne

CULVER CITY, Calif. - (AP) -- Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez, a comedic entertainer and character actor who appeared in John Wayne films and other movies, has died. He was 80.

Gonzalez Gonzalez died of natural causes at his home Feb. 6, said his grandson, actor Clifton Collins Jr.

Gonzalez Gonzalez began his entertainment career at age 7, when his parents pulled him out of school to entertain migrant workers and residents in the American Southwest.

In 1953, he appeared as a contestant on Groucho Marx's TV quiz show You Bet Your Life, and his banter with the legendary entertainer stole the show. John Wayne saw the performance and signed Gonzalez Gonzalez to his production company.

The films with Wayne, among them The High and the Mighty, Rio Bravo and Hellfighters, and guest appearances on such TV series as Gunsmoke made Gonzalez Gonzalez one of the most recognizable Mexican-American actors at the time.

Because he often played stereotypical roles, had a heavy accent and frequently served as comic relief, Gonzalez Gonzalez was criticized in later years as perpetuating negative Hispanic images.

But his grandson said Gonzales Gonzales took what roles were available.
The early end to his education meant he never learned to read or write. Collins said his grandfather memorized lines by having his wife read to him, and that if a script changed, directors would feed him lines.

Gonzalez Gonzalez, whose name was a traditional combination of his mother's and father's identical surnames, is survived by his wife, Leandra, three children and other descendants.

From the Miami Herald

[Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Of course, the recent death of Pedro Gonzales-Gonzales brought him to the forefront.

Here are a few more sites -

[Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
[Only registered and activated users can see links](dfnsrw45c...w.aspx?ID=17338 ([Only registered and activated users can see links](dfnsrw45clk1zm45z2y50fvc)/view.aspx?ID=17338)
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]
(Pedro is listed in alphabetical order, with other notable Texans)

Mrs. C :angel1:

I enjoy this Mrs. C. You and Keith make this a fun place to learn.

Cheers B)

Hi Sue,

Thanks for the links, it all helps!

Hi

Nice autographed photo of Pedro

Regards

Arthur

Pedro Gonzales-Gonzales always considered San Antonio his home. He was very popular with Spanish-speaking fans and would frequent the Alameda Theatre when he was in town.
Cheers - Jay:beer:

This guy was always talked about by my parents. When my parents were living in San Antonio and dating, my father took my mother to see several of his performances that took place there. Pedro G-G was another that I liked from the giddyup. When I heard of his passing, I was listening to the radio at the CC Museum of Science and History - while doing some research on some Mexican Militaria-of all things.

I like the comment in his bio that if you are not here to serve others you have no business being here. It's not hard to get wrapped up in our own lives and or those of family or close friends but having a helping attitude goes a long way. He also said he loves to hear children laughing that is one of my fav sounds as well.