Larry Duran

Larry Duran
Duran in One-Eyed Jacks, 1961
Born
Lawrence Duran

(1925-07-26)July 26, 1925
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
DiedNovember 27, 2002(2002-11-27) (aged 77)
Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Occupation(s)Actor, stuntman
Years active1952–1997
SpouseKaren Duran
Children2

Lawrence Duran (July 26, 1925 – November 27, 2002) was an American actor and stuntman.[1][2] He was perhaps best known for playing Chico Modesto in the 1961 film One-Eyed Jacks.[3]

Life and career

Duran was born in Los Angeles, California, of Filipino descent.[4] He became an amateur boxer while serving in the United States Navy for three years.[5][6] After being discharged, Duran became a professional boxer before he was recruited by Marlon Brando to make his screen debut in 1952 in the film Viva Zapata!.[5] This led to a lasting friendship between Brando and Duran[5][6] who later often worked as a stand-in and double for Brando.[6]

Duran was a stunt performer in films including What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?, The Towering Inferno, The Magnificent Seven, Naked Gun 33+1⁄3: The Final Insult, Guys and Dolls, Battle for the Planet of the Apes, The Ugly American, The Great Bank Robbery, Every Which Way but Loose, Mutiny on the Bounty, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes and Earthquake.[6] Brando signed him for the role of Chico Modesto in the 1961 film One-Eyed Jacks.[3] Duran co-starred in the 1967 film Good Times.

Duran guest-starred in television programs including Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible, Fantasy Island, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Fall Guy, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Get Smart, Hill Street Blues, Vega$, The Six Million Dollar Man,The Wild Wild West, Barnaby Jones and I Spy.[7][8][9]

Personal life and death

Duran was married to Karen, with whom he had two children.[5] Duran died in November 2002 in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 77.[5]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1952 Viva Zapata! Young Farmer in Opening Uncredited
1953 Tropic Zone Minor Role Uncredited
1953 The Wild One Black Rebels Motorcycle Gang Member Uncredited
1954 The Egyptian Minor Role Uncredited
1955 Guys and Dolls Dancer Uncredited
1956 Around the World in 80 Days Minor Role Uncredited
1958 The Flame Barrier Bearer
1958 The Young Lions German Soldier Uncredited
1960 The Mountain Road Minor Role Uncredited
1960 The Magnificent Seven Calvera Henchman Uncredited
1961 One-Eyed Jacks Chico Modesto
1962 Mutiny on the Bounty Minor Role Uncredited
1963 4 for Texas Townsman Uncredited
1965 The Hallelujah Trail Brother-in-law #1
1965 The Cincinnati Kid Gambler - First Game
1966 The Last of the Secret Agents? Them #2
1966 The Sand Pebbles Brawler at Red Kettle Bar Uncredited
1967 Good Times Smith
1968 Coogan's Bluff Zig Zag Uncredited
1968 The Boston Strangler Police Officer Uncredited
1971 Dirty Harry Minor Role Uncredited
1972 Lady Sings the Blues Hood #1
1972 They Only Kill Their Masters Fisherman Uncredited
1973 Lost Horizon Asian Pilot
1974 Hangup Mexican Vendor
1979 The Champ Bowers' Handler #2
1979 Buck Rogers in the 25th Century Draconian Guard
1979 The Glove Cookie
1980 The Kidnapping of the President FBI agent Uncredited
1981 Charlie Chan and the Curse of the Dragon Queen Man Getting Traffic Ticket
1987 Extreme Prejudice Jesus
1989 Cage Chinese Guard #2
1990 Solar Crisis Bandit #3 (final film role)

References

  1. ^ Freese, Gene (1998). Hollywood Stunt Performers: A Dictionary and Filmography of Over 600 Men and Women, 1922-1996. McFarland. p. 65. ISBN 9780786405114 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ "Lunchtime is excellent time for big argument on desert film location". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Santa Fe, New Mexico. February 20, 1966. p. 47. Retrieved February 15, 2022 – via Newspapers.com. Closed access icon
  3. ^ a b Klinowski, Jacek; Garbicz, Adam (February 25, 2016). Cinema, the Magic Vehicle: Volume Two 1951-1963 A Comprehensive Guide. Planet RGB Limited. p. 485. ISBN 9781513607238 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ Reyes, Luis; Ruble, Peter (2000). Hispanics in Hollywood: A Celebration of 100 Years in Film and Television. Lone Eagle Publishers. p. 460. ISBN 9781580650250 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Larry Duran Obituary (1925-2002)". Los Angeles Times. March 2, 2003. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  6. ^ a b c d Freese, Gene (April 10, 2014). Hollywood Stunt Performers, 1910s-1970s: A Biographical Dictionary, 2d ed. McFarland. p. 81. ISBN 9780786476435 – via Google Books.
  7. ^ "'Heavy' Lands Role With Martin-Rossi". Edmonton Journal. Edmonton. November 26, 1965. p. 67. Retrieved February 15, 2022 – via Newspapers.com. Closed access icon
  8. ^ "Larry Duran Has Role In 'Agents'". Quad-City Times. Davenport, Iowa. December 4, 1965. p. 5. Retrieved February 15, 2022 – via Newspapers.com. Closed access icon
  9. ^ "Duran Selected For Key Part". Reno Gazette-Journal. Reno, Nevada. December 30, 1965. p. 25. Retrieved February 15, 2022 – via Newspapers.com. Closed access icon