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Born on April 23, 1904 and best known for playing the main role on the series 'The Cisco Kid', actor Duncan Renaldo was a talented TV and film star, whose career started in the late '20s.
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For many years, the actor claimed he didn't know where exactly he was born. After going public about it in interviews, prosecutors found out that he was born in Oancea, Romania, to parents Dumitru and Teodora Cugheanos.
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The 'Cisco Kid' star claimed in many occasions that he never met his biological parents. He moved to the United States in the decade of the '20s.
After multiple unsuccessful attempts of working as a portrait painter, Renaldo started pursuing a show business career, particularly producing short films.
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By 1928 he had already landed his first film roles in two Tom Terriss' movies: 'Clothes Make the Woman', where he played an unnamed character, and 'The Naughty Duchess' portraying "Armand".
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Duncan Renaldo appeared in many other movies in the following years. In 1938, he shared screen with Hollywood legends Henry Fonda and John Barrymore in 'Spawn of the North' as "Ivan".
In 1943 he played "Lieutenant Berrendo" in Sam Woods' 'For Whom the Bell Tolls', alongside Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman.
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However, Duncan Renaldo's most notable role came in the '50s. From 1950 to 1955 he played the main role in 'The Cisco Kid'.
The TV show, popular with children, revolves around the adventures of "Cisco Kid" and his friend "Pancho" (Leo Carrillo), who fight corruption together.
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Apart from 'The Cisco Kid', Duncan Renaldo was also famous for his role as "Peru" in the adventure film 'Trader Horn'.
Directed by W. S. Van Dyke, this movie was the first non-documentary project to be filmed on location in Africa.
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As for Renaldo's love life, the 'Cisco Kid' married two women:
In 1940 he divorced his first wife, Suzette Echard. It is unknown when the pair tied the knot, but it is believed that they were in an on-and-off relationship for many years.
In 1956 he married Audrey M. They were together until his 1980 death.
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Quick facts about Duncan Renaldo:
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Duncan Renaldo died on September 3, 1980 at Goleta Valley Community Hospital in California. At the time of his passing he was 76 years old.
Authorities determined that he died of lung cancer. Renaldo's interment took place a couple of days after his death, in Santa Barbara, California's Calvary Cemetery.
Do you remember 'The Cisco Kid'? Starring the talented Duncan Renaldo, the TV show became quite successful, especially with children.
Sadly, the actor died in 1980 in California.
Take a look back at Duncan Renaldo's life and times here and find out what caused his death.