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Carmen Zapata Biography
Carmen Zapata (July 15, 1927 – January 5, 2014) was an American actress of Mexican and Argentine descent. She was known for her roles in the PBS bilingual children’s program Villa Alegre, the soap opera Santa Barbara, and the film Sister Act. She was also a co-founder and director of the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts in Los Angeles.
Zapata was born in New York City to Julio Zapata, a Mexican immigrant, and Ramona Roca, an Argentine immigrant. She began her career as a teenage showgirl in Los Angeles. She got her first break in films as a leading lady to Ricardo Montalbán in The Young and the Brave (1965). Zapata followed this up with roles in other films, such as Walk, Don’t Run (1966) and The Happening (1967).
Zapata’s career on television began in the early 1970s. She appeared in several television shows, including The Big Valley, The Bold Ones: The Lawyers, and The Rockford Files. In 1976, she began starring in the PBS bilingual children’s program Villa Alegre. She played the role of Doña Lola, a wise and benevolent woman who helps the children learn about their culture.
In 1984, Zapata starred in the soap opera Santa Barbara as the matriarch of the Castillo family. She remained with the show for four years. She also appeared in several films during this time, including The Milagro Beanfield War (1988) and Romero (1989).
In addition to her acting career, Zapata was also a co-founder and director of the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts in Los Angeles. The foundation provides opportunities for Hispanic actors to perform in Spanish and English. Zapata served as the foundation’s director for over 30 years.
Carmen Zapata Age
Carmen Zapata was born on July 15, 1927, and died on January 5, 2014. She was 86 years old.
Carmen Zapata Husband I Carmen Zapata Kids
Carmen Zapata was married to Ron Friedman from 1957 to 1963. They had one son, Michael.
Zapata was married once. She married Ron Friedman in 1957. They had one son, Michael, who was born in 1958. The couple divorced in 1963.
Zapata never remarried. She dedicated her life to her son and her career. She was a loving and devoted mother, and she was always there to support her son in his endeavors. Zapata was also a dedicated and passionate actress, and she worked tirelessly to promote the arts and to provide opportunities for Hispanic actors.
Carmen Zapata Movies
- “Sister Act” (1992) – Zapata played the role of Sister Josephine in this comedy film starring Whoopi Goldberg.
- “Gang Boys” (1994) – She portrayed the character of Consuelo in this drama film.
- “Carola” (1973) – Zapata appeared as Maria in this drama directed by Norman Lloyd.
- “Beneath the Planet of the Apes” (1970) – She played the role of Mrs. Riley in this science fiction film.
- “The Reward” (1965) – She appeared as Maria in this Western film.
- “Bordertown” (2006) – Zapata had a role in this drama film directed by Gregory Nava.
Carmen Zapata Net worth
Zapata’s net worth is not publicly known. However, she had a successful career as an actress, both on stage and on screen. She appeared in over 300 movies and shows, and she received numerous awards for her work. It is likely that she had a net worth of several million dollars.
According to various sources, the average salary for an actor in the 1960s was around $1,000 per week. Zapata would have likely earned more than this, as she was a popular actress. She may have also earned money from endorsements and other ventures.
In addition to her acting career, Zapata was also a co-founder and director of the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts in Los Angeles. The foundation provides opportunities for Hispanic actors to perform in Spanish and English. Zapata served as the foundation’s director for over 30 years.
Zapata was a recipient of numerous awards for her work in the arts, including the Drama Desk Award, the Obie Award, and the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award. She was also inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 2003.
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