Manuel Padilla Jr.

Manuel Padilla Jr.
Born(1955-07-13)July 13, 1955
DiedJanuary 29, 2008(2008-01-29) (aged 52)
OccupationActor
Years active1963–1983

Manuel Padilla Jr. (July 13, 1955 – January 29, 2008)[1] was an American child actor who began appearing in films at age 8. He is best remembered for playing Jai on the 1960s Tarzan television series starring Ron Ely. He also co-starred with Mike Henry in two mid-1960's "Tarzan" feature films. As a young adult, he appeared in American Graffiti (1973) as well as its 1979 sequel. He also appeared in episodes of Rawhide, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, Happy Days and The Flying Nun. His last role was a small part in Brian De Palma's 1983 film Scarface.[2]

Manuel Padilla Jr. died from colon cancer on January 29, 2008, at age 52. Shortly before his death, he told people he had almost no assets whatsoever.[citation needed]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1963 Dime with a Halo Rafael
1963 The Young and The Brave Han
1963 4 for Texas Boy with Pea Shooter Uncredited
1964 Robin and the 7 Hoods Orphan Boy Uncredited
1965 Sylvia Pancho Uncredited
1965 Taffy and the Jungle Hunter Beau
1965 Black Spurs Manuel Reese
1966 Tarzan and the Valley of Gold Ramel
1967 Tarzan and the Great River Pepe
1970 A Man Called Horse Leaping Buck
1970 The Great White Hope Paco
1970 Cutter's Trail (TV Movie) Paco Avila
1973 American Graffiti Carlos
1979 More American Graffiti
1978 Cotton Candy Julio Sanchez
1983 Scarface Kid #2 (final film role)

See also

References

  1. ^ British Film Institute(BFI) Manuel Padilla Jr.
  2. ^ The Gridley Wave Manuel Padilla, Jr. Dead At 51; March 2008