Virgilio Teixeira

Who was Virgilio Teixeira?

Virgilio Delgado Teixeira was a Portuguese film, television and stage actor, known for roles in Portuguese, Spanish and American films. He was known as a Portuguese "hearthrob" and a leading actor during the 1940s and 1950s.

Teixeira was born in Funchal, Madeira, on October 26, 1917. He began his career in Portuguese and Spanish cinema before taking roles in Hollywood productions. Teixeira made his film debut in the 1943 film, Ave de Arribação. In 1948, Teixeira portrayed Julio, the love interest of Amalia Rodrigues's character, in Fado, História de uma Cantadeira, which was directed by Perdigão Queiroga. His later work in Portuguese film and television included A Mulher do Próximo in 1982 and the telenovela, Chuva na Areia, in 1984.

Teixeira's Hollywood credits included roles in Alexander the Great, Return of the Seven and Doctor Zhivago.

Additionally, Teixeira served as the first director of the Centro das Comunidades Madeirenses.

Virgilio Teixeira died in Funchal, Madeira, of respiratory problems on December 5, 2010, at the age of 93. He was survived by his wife, Vanda Teixeira.