René Rivera, (July 20, 1935 – September 26, 2013), known professionally as Mario Montez, was one of the Warhol superstars, appearing in thirteen of Andy Warhol's underground films from 1964 to 1966. He took his name as a male homage to the actress Maria Montez, an important gay icon in the 1950s and 1960s. Before appearing in Warhol's films, he appeared in Jack Smith's underground films Flaming Creatures[1] and Normal Love.[2] Montez also stars in the Ron Rice film Chumlum, made in 1964. Mario Montez, was "a staple in the New York underground scene of the 1960s and '70s."[3]
Mario Montez | |
|---|---|
 Still shot of Mario Montez from the short film "A Lazy Summer Afternoon" by John Heys | |
| Born | René Rivera July 20, 1935 |
| Died | September 26, 2013 (aged 78) |
| Nationality | Puerto Rican |
| Education | Self-taught |
| Movement | Pop art |
Early years edit
Montez was born René Rivera in Ponce, Puerto Rico, in 1935.[4] When he was 8, the family moved to East Harlem where he grew up. In New York, he studied print and graphic arts but worked in clerical jobs.[3]
Acting career edit
A cross dresser and drag queen, he took his name from the 1940s Hollywood starlet María Montez. His acting career started somewhat by chance when he met avant-garde filmmaker Jack Smith, who included him in his 1963 underground classic Flaming Creatures. Montez did not attend acting school, instead he admits he learned acting "from watching old movies".[3]
Warhol gave Montez the "superstar" status he bestowed on his protégés, but in spite of working in many of his films, Montez never developed a close relationship with the famously laconic Warhol. Montez was also a co-founder of Charles Ludlam's Ridiculous Theatrical Company, which rehearsed at Montez's loft in SoHo.[3]
Retirement from the film industry edit
In January 1977, Montez moved to Orlando, Florida. After moving to Florida, he quit entertainment altogether and remained out of the public eye until 2006 when he appeared in a documentary about filmmaker Jack Smith. In Florida, he returned to working clerical jobs.[3]
Honors edit
In March 2010, Montez was honored by Columbia University's Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race: "Mario is considered one of the most gifted performers of the underground period."[3] In February 2012, Montez was honored with the Special Teddy Award 2012 at the Berlinale for his outstanding role in underground film history. "Mario was the first Superstar ever and the queen mom of all drag queens" John Waters in his laudation at the Teddy Award Ceremony 2012.
Death edit
Filmography edit
Directed by Jack Smith edit
- Flaming Creatures, 1962-63 (as Dolores Flores)
- Normal Love, 1963–65
- The Borrowed Tambourine, 1967
- Reefers of Technicolor Island/Jungle Island, 1967
- No President, 1967-1970s
Directed by Ron Rice edit
- Chumlum, 1963
Directed by Andy Warhol edit
- Mario Banana No. 1, 1964
- Mario Banana No. 2, 1964
- Batman Dracula, 1964 (unfinished)
- Mario Montez Dances, 1964
- Harlot, 1964
- Screen Test No. 2, 1965
- Mario Montez [Screen Tests Portrait], 1965
- Camp, 1965
- More Milk, Yvette, 1965
- Mario Montez and Boy, 1965
- Hedy, 1966
- Ari and Mario, 1966
- Bufferin Commercial, 1966
- The Chelsea Girls, 1966
Directed by Piero Heliczer edit
- Dirt, 1965
- Satisfaction
Directed by Bill Vehr edit
- Avocada, 1965
- Brothel, 1966
- Waiting for Sugar
- The Mystery of the Spanish Lady
- M. M. for M. M., 1967 (unfinished, lost)
Directed by José Rodriguez-Soltero edit
- Life, Death and Assumption of Lupe Vélez, 1966
Directed by Frank Simon edit
- The Queen, 1968 (cameo)
Directed by Avery Willard edit
- Flaming Twenties, 1968
- The Gypsy's Ball, 1969
Directed by Takahiko Iimura edit
- Face, 1969
Directed by Roberts Blossom edit
- Movie, 196?
Directed by Alfredo Leonardi edit
- Occhio privato sul nuovo mondo, 1970
Directed by Helio Oiticica edit
- Agripina é Roma-Manhattan, 1972 (unfinished)
Directed by Leandro Katz edit
- Reel Six, Charles Ludlam's Grand Tarot, 1987
Directed by Mary Jordan edit
Directed by Conrad Ventur edit
- Mario Banana, 2010
- Mario Montez [Screen Test Portrait], 2010
- Atlantis, 2011
- Boca Chica, 2013
Directed by John Edward Heys edit
- A Lazy Summer Afternoon with Mario Montez, 2011
Plays edit
- Conquest of the Universe or When Queens Collide, 1967
- Bluebeard, 1970
- Vain Victory, 1971
Awards edit
- 2012: Special Teddy
References edit
- ^ The Return of Mario Montez, Warhol Legend. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
- ^ Mario Montez. Retrieved 2 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f Columbia U. holds tribute to Boricua drag performer from Warhol's era. New York Daily News. 30 March 2010. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
- ^ Columbia U. holds tribute to Mario Montez, a Boricua drag performer from Warhol's era. By Carlos Rodríguez Martorell. The New York Daily News. March 31, 2010. Retrieved May 18, 2010.
- ^ "Mario Montez (1935–2013)." Artforum.com. September 27, 2013. Retrieved September 30, 2013
- ^ Martin, Douglas (4 October 2013). "Mario Montez, a Warhol Glamour Avatar, Dies at 78". The New York Times.
External links edit
- Mario Montez at IMDb
- Mario Montez at AllMovie
- "A Lazy Summer Afternoon with Mario Montez" at Berlinale 2012
- The John Edward Heys Collection
- Katz, Leandro, Bedlam Days: The Early Plays of Charles Ludlam and The Ridiculous Theatrical Company, ISBN 978-987-24581-3-3