I have never heard of this individual, but perhaps you have.  On this date, Fortino Mario Alfonso Moreno Reyes, also known as Cantinflas, was born in Mexico.  There were eight children in their family, and he attempted to enter the U.S. through California.  That did not work out so he became a prizefighter when he was in his teens.  From there, he went on to become a circus tent performer and then on to theatre and film.

He starred in over 55 films, and he was often called “the Charlie Chaplin of Mexico” because Charlie Chaplin found him hilarious.  There are several stories as to the origin of his stage name, but the most plausible one (in my opinion) seems to be taking a taunt he received during the early part of career and making it into his stage name.  Evidently, there was a concern that his family would not find the stage a reputable profession.   I did see one of his films–he played Passepartoute in the 1956 version of Around the World in 80 Days.  I can recall his work, and he certainly was perfect in that role.  He died at the age of 81.

For more information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantinflas

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0134594/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/cantinflas.html

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