René Enríquez

René Enríquez (November 24, 1933 – March 23, 1990) was a Nicaraguan-born[1] American television actor of the 1970s and 1980s. He is best-remembered for his role as Lt. Ray Calletano in the long-running television series Hill Street Blues (1981–1987).[2][3]

For the former American Mexican Mafia member, see Rene Enriquez (mobster).
René Enríquez
Born(1933-11-24)November 24, 1933
Granada, Nicaragua
DiedMarch 23, 1990(1990-03-23) (aged 56)
Tarzana, California, U.S.
Years active1960–1989

He died on March 23, 1990, the first of two Hill Street Blues stars to die that year. Kiel Martin succumbed to lung cancer on December 28.

Co-star Daniel J. Travanti reminisced Enríquez was during his time on Hill Street Blues, "Sad, unhappy because they were not thrilled with him, they kept saying that it was difficult to understand him. He was really crushed when they let him go. ... He was sweet, sweet natured and grateful for what he had there but saddened by being let go.[4]

Enríquez was originally reported to have died of pancreatic cancer.[1] Later reports, based on the publication of his death certificate, indicated that he died of complications caused by AIDS. At one point, Enríquez told Hill Street Blues costar Charles Haid that he had AIDS, as later indicated on Entertainment Tonight in 1992.[5]

Partial filmography

References
  1. "Rene Enriquez, 56; Played a Lieutenant In 'Hill Street Blues'". The New York Times. 28 March 1990.
  2. Rafael J. Rivera Viruet, Max Resto Hollywood-- Se Habla Español - 2008 Page 136 "yet not forgotten, are character actors René Enríquez, who began his film career in Woody Allen's hilarious comedy Bananas and who enjoyed a long and productive career in television, including Hill Street Blues"
  3. Douglas Heil Prime Time Authorship: Works About and by Three TV Dramatists 2002 – Page 298 "As Calletano, Rene Enriquez was just wonderful. He knocked us out at the first reading when he auditioned. We were laughing, and we hadn't realized we had insulted him. He thought we were laughing at him, as opposed to the fact that he ..."
  4. Daniel J. Travanti
  5. TCM Archives entry
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