Skip to content
Fernando Rey

Fernando Rey

Actor · born 20 September 1917 · A Coruña, Galicia, Spain

Fernando Rey  (September 20, 1917 – March 9, 1994) — best known as Fernando Rey — was a Spanish film, theatre, and TV actor, who worked in both Europe and the United States. A suave, international actor best known for his roles in the films of surrealist director Luis Buñuel (Tristana, 1970; Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, 1972; That Obscure Object of Desire, 1977) and as a drug lord in The French Connection (1971), he appeared in more than 150 films over half a century.

The debonair Rey was described by French Connection producer Philip D'Antoni as "the last of the Continental guys". He achieved his greatest notoriety after he turned 50: "Perhaps it is a pity that my success came so late in life", he told The Times of Madrid in 1973. "It might have been better to have been successful while young, like El Cordobes in the bullring. Then your life is all before you to enjoy it."

Where to start: Viridiana (1962).

As actor 199

TV shows 10

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Fernando Rey movie?

By viewer score, Viridiana (1962) at 7.7/10.

What are Fernando Rey’s most popular movies?

The French Connection, 1492: Conquest of Paradise, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie.

How many movies has Fernando Rey made?

199 films on TMDB, 199 as actor.

↑ ↓ to move · Enter to open · Full search page