Biography
Tall, handsome, cool, and intimidating, Native Latino American paratrooper, professional boxer, and character actor. Was of Yaqui Native Mexican descent, and possibly more tribes. Was from East Los Angeles, California. Fernandez was born in Los Angeles, California, on July 14, 1930. His mother was a Yaqui Native Mexican woman, and his father was a Native Mexican man. He was the youngest of a large family and lost his mother at birth. He attended Belmont High School in Los Angeles, and at the age of 16, enlisted in the United States Army and became a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division. While there he won the title, Middleweight Boxing Champ of the Asiatic Forces. In 1950, as an amateur, he won the light heavyweight title in the Los Angeles Golden Gloves competition. After his discharge, he became a professional boxer from 1950 to 1953. During that time he studied acting and began appearing in films. In 1964, Fernandez was sentenced to 90 days in jail after pleading guilty to failing to file state tax returns in California for four years. Additionally, he had to pay $4,750 in taxes, plus penalties, and be on probation for four years. Best known for his role as Federal Agent …
Movies & TV Shows
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Batman (1966) — Thug
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Bonanza (1959) — Lean Knife
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Topaz (1969) — Cuban Guerrilla Fighter (uncredited)
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The Time Tunnel (1966) — Bowman
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The Harder They Fall (1956) — Chief Firebird (uncredited)
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The Untouchables (1959) — William Youngfellow
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Gunsmoke (1955) — Little Wolf
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Quicksilver (1986) — Guyamo
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Madigan (1968) — Detective Rodriguez
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The Last Wagon (1956)
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Decision at Sundown (1957) — Pete (uncredited)
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Pork Chop Hill (1959) — Kindley
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Lassie (1954) — Grady
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Rio Conchos (1964) — Mexican at Corral (uncredited)
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The Wonderful World of Disney (1954) — Kiasax
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Daniel Boone (1964) — Warrior
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Wagon Train (1957) — Tonino (uncredited)
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77 Sunset Strip (1958) — Officer
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Cheyenne (1955) — Abel - Cowhand (uncredited)
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Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round (1966) — Aztec Airlines Attendant (uncredited)
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Fort Yuma (1955) — Mangas
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The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin (1954) — O-Ye-Tza
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Marcus Welby, M.D. (1969) — Angelo Rodrigues
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Many Rivers to Cross (1955) — Slangoh
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Apache Uprising (1965) — Young Apache Chief
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The Tijuana Story (1957)
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The 20th Century Fox Hour (1955) — Indian Chief (uncredited)
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The Scarface Mob (1959)
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Rose Marie (1954) — Indian warrior
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The Texan (1958) — Juan
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Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (1958) — William Youngfellow
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The Barbara Stanwyck Show (1960) — Tom Tall Bear
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Buster's Bedroom (1991)
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Devil Goddess (1955) — Teinusi (as Abel M. Fernandez)
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Steve Canyon (1958) — Airman Abel Featherstone
- Alcatraz Express (1961) — William Youngfellow
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The Troubleshooters (1959) — O'Riley