It is easy to say that actor Raul Julia would easily belong on the Mount Rushmore of Latino actors on just his body of work alone. Although we lost this fine man on October 24, 1994 at age 54 his work continues to inspire.

One such gem is “Romero” (1989/dvd 2009) directed by John Duigan about the life of Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, who made the ultimate sacrifice in a passionate stand against social injustice and oppression in his country. It shows his rise from humble servant of the church to a champion of the people. While not as polished a movie as any of the “Addams Family”, “Harrison Ford’s Presumed Innocent”, or “Tequila Sunrise” the movie relies mostly on passion and Raul’s presence.

The movie was released in Raul’s best years beginning with 1985’s “Kiss of the Spider Woman”, 1988’s “Moon Over Parador”, 1988’s “Tequila Sunrise”, 1991’s “The Addams Family”, and 1993’s “Addams Family Values”. His Career ended on the high note with 1994’s “The Burning Season” in which he played the slain environmental activist Chico Mendez.

Raul’s acting rose above stereotypes that can limit a Latino/a actors career and in his acting he emerged as a versatile and distinctive performer of stage, television, and film.

Read more on Raul Julia at imdb.com