Arnaldo Santana
American film, stage and television actor (1950–1987)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Luis Arnaldo Santana (September 1, 1950[1] – October 8, 1987) was an American film, stage and television actor. He was best known for playing Tony Montana's henchman Ernie in the 1983 film Scarface.[2]
September 1, 1950
Arnaldo Santana | |
|---|---|
Santana in 1972 | |
| Born | Luis Arnaldo Santana September 1, 1950 El Paso, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | October 8, 1987 (aged 37) New York, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Texas at Austin |
| Occupations | Film, stage and television actor |
Life and career
Santana was born in El Paso, Texas, the son of Mariano Santana[3] and Lilia Zuniga. He attended and graduated from Burges High School.[4] After graduating, he attended the University of Texas at Austin, studying drama. He acted in numerous stage productions at the Upstairs Downtown Theater, and at Festival Theater in Montana.[5] He began his screen career in 1977, appearing in the film The Boys from Riverside Drive. The next year, he appeared in the films A Night at Aldonis and Dune Buddies.[6]
Later in his career, Santana guest-starred in television programs including The Doctors and Nurse,[7] and also in films such as Scarface (as Tony Montana's henchman Ernie),[2] Cruising and Rage of Angels. In 1984, he starred as Pablo Rivera's brother-in-law Hector Del Gato in the ABC sitcom television series a.k.a. Pablo,[8] starring along with Paul Rodriguez, Héctor Elizondo, Joe Santos, Alma Cuervo, Martha Veléz, Maria Richwine, Bert Rosario and Katy Jurado.[9]
Santana retired from acting in 1984, last appearing in the stage play Short Eyes.[10]
