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Ramon Novarro! One of the screen's biggest box office draws (particularly with the ladies) was a highly talented and very handsome actor...who had no problem staying out of trouble with women. The reason? He was a "man's man". That's right, our super-good-looking screen hero was, in fact, gay.
1899 - 1968
IMDb: Ramon Novarro - IMDb
José Ramón Gil Samaniego was born in Mexico to a wealthy family - the fourth of 12 children, during the Mexican Revolution. His family eventually relocated to Los Angeles to escape the conflict in their country, and the handsome teenager "Ramon" soon began film acting in bit parts, as well as working as a singing waiter. He continued singing professionally during his acting career.
His second cousin, actress Dolores Del Rio, and prominent director Rex Ingram, knew he had talent, and he got his first major role in Scaramouche (1923) - changing his last name to Novarro. Just 2 years later, he got the lead role in Ben-Hur, and won the hearts of female audiences all over the world! Apparently, his costumes were considered very revealing, which caused quite a frenzy. "Revealing". HA! *snort*
Ramon on set during the filming of Ben-Hur, in one of his "revealing" costumes.
Ramon had an ongoing struggle due to being both homosexual and a Roman Catholic. He could never manage to reconcile both parts of his heritage and identity, and he suffered greatly because of this. Alcohol and drugs were something he often used to escape his inner turmoil. Throughout the 1920's, he had several secret boyfriends - all of which were carefully kept out of the public eye. One of his long-time boyfriends was a prominent Hollywood journalist! His close friend and frequent co-star, actress Alice Terry, was one of the few people he trusted with his secret - and she was happy to appear with him in public places to help him look "straight".
The two friends in a scene from Ben-Hur
Fast fact: being a "cover" for a gay person in Old Hollywood sometimes went as far as getting married, to continue the charade. Studios often arranged marriages in order to save a star's image. These unhappy but obligatory unions are known as "lavender marriages". Thankfully, Alice was already married, so this never happened in their case!
With boyfriend Jose Caraballo, an Olympic swimmer (1930's)
After the sudden, tragic death of superstar (and rival) Rudolph Valentino, Ramon's popularity grew and he worked steadily into the early sound era. However, his work stream slowed in the mid 1930s, and personal struggles began to mount. Like many stars of the silent era, Ramon began to feel obsolete in an ever-changing industry. Nevertheless, he continued acting, although there were far less jobs as he began to age. He even appeared in TV shows as late as the 1960's, in Westerns such as The High Chaparral, Bonanza and The Wild Wild West. Thankfully, he had invested some of his income in real estate and was able to live comfortably even when there wasn't any work! Smart move, Ramon!
Ramon in 1945
Well, after a while Ramon's romances faded, and he started "hiring" dates through an "escort" agency. *ahem* And one fateful night in 1968, he hired two young men (that he didn't know) to come to his house. Bad idea, folks! These two brothers had allegedly gotten his phone number from someone else he'd hired in the past, and they called to offer their, ah..."services". But in reality, these young men had the idea that Ramon had a great deal of money hidden in his house (which he didn't), and that was probably their true motive for arranging the get-together.
Long story short, they came over - and Ramon was beaten and died of asphyxiation (choking on his own blood). The two young men left his house with a mere $20. They were arrested and put in prison, released in the mid-1970's, and put away AGAIN for other crimes. Maybe they should have just...welded them in, I mean... At the time, media from all over the country practically turned the two into celebrities, constantly reporting on them, featuring them, interviewing them, etc. We aim not to follow suit - which is why their names are omitted here. They've had enough attention.
What can be said, then? Even today, Ramon's murder is what outlives his brilliant talent and lengthy career. He is more often remembered for his tragic end than his decades of acting experience. It's important to keep in mind, Ramon Novarro was one of many, many people in Old Hollywood who may have had a much better life (and a much more graceful ending), had he simply been accepted for who he was. If he'd had more love and support from friends (like Alice Terry) and his family - maybe his life would have never come to an end in such a horrible way. It costs nothing to be kind and respectful to others, and to treat them as you would want to be treated. Ramon's tragic death can be seen as a serious reminder to us today: your kindness just might prevent those around you from making risky choices...that could possibly end their lives.
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