Montez, Mario, 1935-2013

Moved to New York City when he was eight ; an actor and drag performer ; a regular with the Ridiculous troupe ; appeared in films by Jack Smith, including his 1963 Flaming Creatures, Normal Love (1963-1965), The Borrowed Tambourine (1967), Reefers of Technicolor Island/Jungle Island (1967), and No President (1967-1970s) ; performed in 13 of Andy Warhol’s films from 1964 to 1966, including Batman Dracula (1964, unfinished), Mario Montez Dances (1964), Harlot (1964), Camp (1965), More Milk, Yvette (1965), and The Chelsea Girls (1966) ; also acted in films by Piero Heliczer, Bill Vehr, Jose Rodriguez-Soltero, Frank Simon, Avery Willard (including The Gipsy’s Ball), Roberts Blossom, Alfredo Leonardi, Mary Jordan, and others ; in January 1977, Montez moved to Florida and quit performing ; appeared in a 2006 documentary about Jack Smith ; honored by Columbia University’s Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race in 2010 ; given the Special Teddy Award 2012 at the Berlinale ; died from a stroke in 2013.

Born Rene Rivera ; known professionally as Mario Montez ; appearing in thirteen of Andy Warhol's underground films from 1964 to 1966 ; took his name as a male homage to the actress Maria Montez ; appeared in Jack Smith's important underground films ; born 1935 ; died 2013.