Victor Argo

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Victor Argo

Born Victor Jimenez
November 5, 1934
Brooklyn, New York City
Died 7 April 2004
New York City, New York

Victor Argo (November 5, 1934April 7, 2004) was an American actor who usually played the part of the tough bad guy in the movies.

[edit] Early years

Argo was born Victor Jimenez in New York City. Both of his parents were born in the town of Quebradillas, Puerto Rico.

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[edit] Acting career

Argo participated in some Off-Broadway shows at the beginning of his artistic career. While doing an Off-Broadway in the 1960's, Victor made the acquaintance of Yoko Ono, with whom he participated in the so-called "Happenings" movement. He also made the acquaintance of fledging actor Harvey Keitel, who remained his close friend for nearly forty years.

In the 1970s, Argo made his major film debut with a small part in Unholy Rollers and his television debut in a made-for-TV film Smile Jenny, You're Dead. He became a durable movie tough guy and a favorite of such directors as Martin Scorsese and Woody Allen. His film credits include Taxi Driver, King of New York, The Rose, New York Stories, The Last Temptation of Christ, Bad Lieutenant, True Romance and Coyote Ugly. In 2001, he played Jennifer Lopez's father in Angel Eyes. On TV he made guest appearances in Law & Order and Miami Vice, among others. Argo participated in a total of 75 films and had a total of 21 TV guest appearances.

[edit] Later years

Shortly before his death, Argo realized a lifelong dream of acting on Broadway when he was cast as Santiago, the owner of a cigar factory, in the Pulitzer Prize winning drama Anna in the Tropics. In his last role in the 2004 movie Ilustre, Argo was cast as a New York loan shark who regresses from his everyday, hard-nosed rants to a deeply spiritual disconnect with the world, the film was released in 2005. Argo died in New York City on April 7, 2004 from complications of lung cancer.

In 2005, Electronic music group Bodega System releases a 12" vinyl LP which includes the track "Victor Argo".

[edit] Filmography

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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