Raul Julia

Raúl Juliá – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the life and legacy of Raúl Juliá (March 9, 1940 – October 24, 1994), the Puerto Rican-born actor celebrated for his theatrical depth, film roles (especially Gomez Addams), social advocacy, and unforgettable charisma.

Introduction

Raúl Rafael Carlos Juliá y Arcelay (March 9, 1940 – October 24, 1994) was a Puerto Rican actor who earned acclaim on Broadway, in Shakespearean theater, and in Hollywood films. Known for his expressive intensity, wide range, and deep commitment to both art and social causes, Juliá remains celebrated as one of Latin America’s most distinguished actors. His portrayals transcended stereotypes, and his life story continues to inspire actors and audiences alike.

Early Life and Family

Raúl Juliá was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the Floral Park / Hato Rey area.

Juliá’s family valued education and culture: his mother had musical aptitude and encouraged engagement with the arts. Colegio Espíritu Santo (Hato Rey) and later Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola, a Jesuit school with a strong classical curriculum, where he began acting in school productions.

His early exposure to literature, languages (he was bilingual from childhood), and performance laid groundwork for his later versatility in theater, musicals, and film.

He briefly attended Fordham University in New York City before returning to Puerto Rico, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras.

A poignant moment early in his life was the death of his younger brother Rafael in a car accident when Juliá was about 19. This tragedy affected the family deeply and may have shaped Raúl’s sense of purpose.

Early Acting Career & New York Move

Juliá first performed in school plays (e.g. portraying the devil in a grade-school production) and joined local theater and nightclub acts in Puerto Rico.

While performing in a nightclub in San Juan, actor Orson Bean saw him and encouraged him to move to New York City to pursue professional acting.

Soon he became involved with Joseph Papp’s New York Shakespeare Festival, appearing in productions such as Titus Andronicus and other Shakespeare plays off-Broadway.

In 1968, he made his Broadway debut in The Cuban Thing. Two Gentlemen of Verona, Where’s Charley?, The Threepenny Opera, Nine, and revivals of Othello, Design for Living, and Man of La Mancha.

Through theater, Juliá demonstrated fluency in language, musicality, and emotional intensity that would carry over into his film roles.

Film & Television Highlights

While Juliá’s roots were in theater, he also cultivated a respected film and TV career, balancing stage and screen.

Notable film roles

• The Panic in Needle Park (1971) — an early screen appearance.

• Tempest (1982) — adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

• One from the Heart (1982) — musical film.

• Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985) — one of his most acclaimed roles, earning critical praise for emotional depth.

• The Addams Family (1991) and Addams Family Values (1993) — he became widely known for his charismatic portrayal of Gomez Addams.

• Romero (1989) — played Archbishop Óscar Romero, a human rights hero in El Salvador.

• Presumed Innocent (1990) — a legal thriller in which he played a pivotal role.

• The Burning Season (1994) — portraying Brazilian environmental activist Chico Mendes. This was released shortly before his death.

• Street Fighter (1994) — his final major film role, playing M. Bison. Universal Pictures dedicated the film “For Raúl. Vaya con Dios.” in his memory.

Television & other media

Juliá appeared in television roles, including Sesame Street (playing Rafael, the fix-it man) in the early 1970s. The Bob Newhart Show).

His film and television work often intersected with his humanitarian and cultural concerns — for instance, choosing roles with social relevance such as Romero and The Burning Season.

Recognition, Awards & Honors

Although Juliá never received an Academy Award nomination, he earned significant respect and many accolades:

• Four Tony Award nominations for Best Leading Actor in a Musical: Two Gentlemen of Verona, Where’s Charley?, The Threepenny Opera, and Nine.

• He won a Drama Desk Award early in his Broadway career.

• Posthumously, for The Burning Season, he was awarded a Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award.

• Multiple Golden Globe nominations for Tempest, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and Moon Over Parador.

• In 1996, he was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame on Broadway.

His contributions also earned lasting institutional tributes:

• The Raúl Juliá Training Unit was established in the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater to nurture future actors.

• The Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA) renamed its founders award as the Raúl Juliá HOLA Founders Award.

• In Puerto Rico, a state funeral was held in his honor with thousands attending.

• Institutions (such as a micro society at P.S. 3 in the Bronx) and scholarships bear his name.

Personality, Values & Humanitarian Work

Raúl Juliá was not just an actor; he was deeply committed to social justice, Latin identity, and helping others.

He regularly lent his voice and efforts to youth programs, Latin American artists, and scriptwriting initiatives. Hunger Project (working to end global hunger), participating in benefit galas, narrating bilingual video content, and incorporating advocacy into his public life.

He also championed racial harmony and served as chair of the Joseph Papp Celebrity Coalition for Racial Harmony.

His friends and colleagues often remarked on his warmth, intensity, humility, and the way he carried his cultural roots into every performance.

Though he faced illness toward the end of his life, he continued working, nearly to his final days, motivated by his dedication to storytelling and to his children.

Health, Death & Memorial

During the early 1990s, Juliá’s health declined. In 1993, he had stomach surgery, possibly for cancer. The Burning Season in Mexico, he suffered food poisoning and was hospitalized.

On October 16, 1994, after attending the opera in New York, he experienced severe abdominal pain and was hospitalized in Manhasset, Long Island. October 20, he suffered a stroke and fell into a coma. He passed away October 24, 1994 at age 54, never having regained consciousness.

Per his instructions, his body was returned to Puerto Rico. A state funeral was held in San Juan on October 27; a large public procession honored him, with music and tributes reflecting Puerto Rican cultural pride.

Universal Pictures added a dedication in Street Fighter (“For Raúl. Vaya con Dios”) in memory of Juliá.

His death sparked widespread tributes from Puerto Rico, the U.S., and the global artistic community.

Famous Quotes by Raúl Juliá

Here are some notable quotes attributed to him, reflecting his outlook on art, life, and humanity:

“Thank God for the theater.” “You have to have the right atmosphere, really be in the right mood to really fully enjoy a Cohiba.” “I remember I was like five or six years old; I played the devil. That was my first role.” “A cigar is as good as memories that you have when you smoked it.” “We tend to think of meditation in only one way. But life itself is a meditation.” “Instead of acting in court, I decided to act onstage.” “There are 38,000 people dying of hunger each day and most are children. And, being a celebrity, I communicate about it as much as I can.”

These quotes show his love for the theatrical world, his playful wit (often framed with cigar imagery), and his commitment to social causes.

Lessons & Legacy

From Raúl Juliá’s life and career, several enduring lessons emerge:

1. Cultural identity is a strength, not a limitation. Juliá consistently infused his Puerto Rican heritage—his rhythms, voice, and sensibility—into roles in English and in Shakespeare, resisting assimilation in favor of authenticity.

2. Art and activism can coexist. He selected roles with social resonance (e.g. Romero, The Burning Season) and actively supported causes beyond his on-screen work.

3. Versatility and preparation matter. From musicals to Shakespeare, from Latin characters to American legal dramas, he studied deeply — for Presumed Innocent, e.g., he studied court systems and observed real courtrooms.

4. Even under adversity, commitment persists. In declining health, Juliá completed meaningful work to the end.

5. Legacy is built through mentorship and institutional memory. His name lives on in theater training, scholarships, awards, and cultural institutions.

Conclusion

Raúl Juliá’s journey—from San Juan’s stages to New York’s theater district and Hollywood’s screen—was propelled by passion, integrity, and an unshakeable cultural identity. He challenged norms, expanded representation, and used his fame to speak for others. Although his life was cut short, his artistry, advocacy, and charisma continue to inspire actors and fans across generations.

Explore his Broadway performances (if available on archival footage), watch films like Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Addams Family, or The Burning Season, and reflect on how Juliá balanced artistry and purpose—becoming not only a star, but a symbol of cultural pride and human dignity.