Years ago, Peruvian television broadcast a series that brought together adults and children in front of the television: The Fox. With broadcasts on Panamericana Televisión and Latina, the fiction starring Guy Williams led us to discover the version of the masked hero who fought for justice in California.
But, beyond remembering the story produced by Disney in the late 1950s, in this note we review the life of its protagonist, who spent his last years in Argentina away from his family and from the fame he once enjoyed.
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Guy Williams: The Man Behind the Mask of Zorro
Williams, who was born on January 14, 1924 in New York under the name of Armando Joseph Catalano, managed to have an important career on television, which gained greater notoriety between 1957 and 1961, when he was chosen to play Diego de la Vega, The Fox.
According to a report by The New York Times, the actor was molded for the character, but his physical characteristics gave him an additional plus to get the role. “Walt Disney himself interviewed Guy and immediately asked him to grow a mustache, not too long and not too thick, to make it perfect,” it reads.
Guy Williams brought Zorro to life in the 1950s. Photo: Disney
Guy Williams’ father and how he helped him in his character
The actor had another advantage for the role: his father was an avid fencer who taught him the sport. When it came time to play the character, Williams took a course with Belgian fencer Fred Cavens, who had taught both Douglas Fairbanks and Tyrone Power in their respective Zorro feature films. He also took guitar and horseback riding lessons.
The end of Zorro and his trips to Argentina
Four years after playing Zorro, appear in several episodes of Bonanza and being part of the series Lost in space (1965-1968), the interpreter traveled to Argentina to see that the fiction, which was broadcast in that country, was a success. The actor arrived in 1973 and was received like any movie star. For 10 years, Guy Williams lived a second fame.
Final years: the lonely death of Guy Williams and the anecdote of Mirtha Legrand
Years later, Guy Williams separated from his wife Janice and decided to settle in Argentina, where he met Araceli Lizaso, with whom he began a relationship. On April 30, 1989, the actor’s neighbors entered his apartment in Buenos Aires, not knowing anything about him. The interpreter was found dead in the middle of the room. It was reported that his death had occurred due to a heart attack, eight days before being found.
Who spoke about him on television years later was the popular Argentine television host Mirtha Legrand, whose statements sparked more than one comment by revealing details of his lonely farewell. “He was a lovely man. I went to the funeral. We were two people: Fernando Lúpiz and I. We went to Chacarita and I was impressed, because the flag of the United States had been placed on the coffin, something that impressed me,” he said.
According to Infobae, the Argentine Association of Actors claimed the actor’s remains, which were housed in the organization’s pantheon at the Chacarita Cemetery, Buenos Aires. Years later, the actor’s eldest son, Guy Williams Jr., removed his ashes and fulfilled his father’s last wish: spread them over the mountains of California and the Pacific Ocean.
How old is Guy Williams?
Renowned actor Guy Williams died on April 30, 1989, at the time he was 65 years old. If he were alive, this January 14, 2022, he would be 98 years old.
How tall is Guy Williams?
Guy Willimans, the very memorable Hollywood figure for his role as Zorro in the 50s, was 1.90 cm tall.
What is the real name of Guy Williams?
Guy Williams was born as Armand Joseph Catalano (nicknamed “Armando” by his family) of Italian descent in New York City on January 14, 1924.
Guy William participated in the Lost in Space series. Photo: diffusion
Which actors have played the fox?
- Douglas Fairbanks
- Tyrone Power
- Guy Williams
- Tony Russel
- George Ardisson
- Henrry Darrow
- Duncan Regehr
- Anthony Hopkins
- Antonio Banderas
- Christian Meier
.