Peter Gonzales Falcon, the actor known for portraying a young Federico Fellini in the acclaimed film “Roma,” has passed away at the age of 75. He was found dead at his home in La Pryor, Texas, after authorities were called for a safety check. Gonzales Falcon’s friend Aurelio Montemayor confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter.
Gonzales Falcon’s journey into the world of acting began when he dropped out of college after being cast in “Viva Max” in 1969. This farcical comedy, which centered around retaking the Alamo, provided him with his first taste of the film industry. Little did he know that this experience would lead to an opportunity of a lifetime.
Shortly after working on “Viva Max,” Gonzales Falcon caught the attention of none other than Federico Fellini himself. The renowned Italian director hired him for his autobiographical film “Roma” in 1972. This film featured cameos from esteemed actors such as Anna Magnani, Marcello Mastroianni, and Gore Vidal.
In “Roma,” Gonzales Falcon played the role of Fellini during the 1930s and ’40s as the future filmmaker embarks on his journey to pursue a career as a journalist in Rome. The film provided an immersive experience for Gonzales Falcon, as he spent 41 weeks working on the documentary-style feature. In an interview with author Tom Lisante, he expressed his admiration for Fellini and his unique directing style.
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Gonzales Falcon described Fellini as a genius who had a clear vision for every scene, down to the smallest details of sets and costumes. While the director could be demanding, Gonzales Falcon admired his passion and dedication to his craft. He recalled how Fellini’s insistence on perfection created a truly captivating film.
Sadly, Gonzales Falcon had to cut his ties with the Italian film industry and return home to Texas due to a death in his family. As a result, he was unable to accompany “Roma” when it was screened at the Cannes Film Festival.
Despite this setback, Gonzales Falcon continued to pursue his acting career. He appeared in various Mexican films before making his way to Hollywood. He had notable roles in television shows like “Police Woman” and films like “The End,” directed by and starring Burt Reynolds. He also starred in “Heartbreaker” with Miguel Ferrer and the CBS telefilm “Houston: The Legend of Texas” with Sam Elliott.
In later years, Gonzales Falcon appeared in films such as “Bordertown,” where he played a police chief alongside Jennifer Lopez and Martin Sheen. He also portrayed a phony Italian chef in “Tiramisu for Two” and appeared in the horror film “Dis.” His contributions to the film industry were recognized at the 2018 Amarcort Film Festival, an event dedicated to honoring the work of Federico Fellini.
Peter Gonzales Falcon is survived by his daughters, Ariana and Talula, as well as his sister Maria. His legacy as the young Federico Fellini in “Roma” and his subsequent roles in film and television serve as a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.
In conclusion, Peter Gonzales Falcon’s portrayal of a young Federico Fellini in “Roma” marked a significant moment in his acting career. Though his life was tragically cut short, his contributions to the film industry will be remembered and cherished by fans and fellow actors alike. May he rest in peace.
