Manuel Padilla Jr.
ActingAbout Manuel Padilla Jr.
In the 1960s, Padilla was a popular child actor, usually playing the Mexican or Indian boy in TV westerns such as "Rawhide," "Bonanza" and "Gunsmoke". He was a regular in the 1960s TV series "Tarzan", with actor Ron Ely, in dozens of episodes as native boy 'Jai', and as also a semi-regular in the TV series, "The Flying Nun", with actress Sally Field. In featured films, as an adult, Padilla made appearances in the films, "The Great White Hope", "American Graffiti", "A Man Called Horse", and "Scarface", among others. Padilla died unexpectedly at age 52, just after making a public appearance at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California, in January 2008.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Manuel Padilla Jr. reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 18 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Manuel Padilla Jr.'s filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 17% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Manuel Padilla Jr. remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Scarface, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Manuel Padilla Jr. Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Manuel Padilla Jr.'s career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Manuel Padilla Jr..
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Scarface | Kid #2 | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | More American Graffiti | Carlos | Flop | Similar → |
| 1978 | Cotton Candy | Julio Sanchez | Flop | Similar → |
| 1973 | American Graffiti | Carlos | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Tarzan and the Perils of Charity Jones | Jai | Flop | Similar → |
| 1970 | The Great White Hope | Paco | Average | Similar → |
| 1970 | Tarzan's Deadly Silence | Jai | Flop | Similar → |
| 1970 | A Man Called Horse | Leaping Buck | Average | Similar → |
| 1970 | Cutter's Trail | Paco Avila | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | The Mountains of the Moon | Jai | Flop | Similar → |
| 1967 | Tarzan's Jungle Rebellion | Jai | Flop | Similar → |
| 1967 | Tarzan and the Great River | Pepe | Flop | Similar → |
| 1966 | Tarzan and the Valley of Gold | Ramel | Flop | Similar → |
| 1965 | Taffy and the Jungle Hunter | Beau | Flop | Similar → |
| 1965 | Sylvia | Pancho Guzman (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1964 | Robin and the 7 Hoods | Orphan Boy | Average | Similar → |
| 1963 | The Young and the Brave | Han | Average | Similar → |
| 1963 | Dime with a Halo | Rafael | Flop | Similar → |
Manuel Padilla Jr. - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Manuel Padilla Jr.?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Manuel Padilla Jr. is "Scarface" with a rating of 8.2/10.
How many movies has Manuel Padilla Jr. acted in?
Manuel Padilla Jr. has been featured in at least 18 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Manuel Padilla Jr.?
Other notable films include "Cutter's Trail", "American Graffiti", and "A Man Called Horse".