Leo Carrillo Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

Leo Carrillo was born on August 6, 1880, in Los Angeles, California and he was an American actor, vaudevillian, political cartoonist, and conservationist.

Carrillo came from a prominent Californio family; his great-great-grandfather, José Raimundo Carrillo, was a Spanish settler and early leader in Alta California. He attended St. Vincent College (now Loyola Marymount University) and later worked as a cartoonist for the San Francisco Examiner. He began his stage career in vaudeville as a monologist and performer in comedic roles. His film career began in the 1920s, and he appeared in over 90 films. Notable early roles include appearances in Viva Villa! (1934), The Gay Desperado (1936), and Phantom of the Opera (1943). Carrillo often played ethnic roles, frequently portraying Mexicans, Italians, or Spaniards. He acted alongside stars such as Clark Gable, William Powell, and Wallace Beery. In The Cisco Kid television series, he played the sidekick Pancho.

In addition to his entertainment career, Carrillo was active in civic and conservation efforts. He served on the California Beach and Parks Commission for 18 years and was instrumental in the preservation of numerous coastal areas and historic sites. In recognition of his efforts, the Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu, California, was named in his honor.