Anecdotes

In an interview, he once stated that being recognized as Gomez Addams by children always brought a smile to his face. His family later said that this meant a lot to him during the final months of his life.

He is the only man to win the Emmy Award and the Golden Globe posthumously.

He is one of a few artists to be given a state funeral in his native Puerto Rico.

Died while in a coma just days before his last theatrical movie, Le bagarreur de rue (1994), was finished. The film is dedicated to his memory. He accepted the role of M. Bison because his children were fans of the video games.

Was originally supposed to play Don Diego De la Vega in Le masque de Zorro (1998), but died before he could take the role.

Originally cast for the role of Bucho in Desperado (1995), but he got sick during filming and had to be replaced. He passed away shortly after.

His father was the pioneer who brought pizza to Puerto Rico when he added it to the menu of his already popular fried chicken.

He was a passionate supporter of The Hunger Project, a foundation devoted to the elimination of world hunger. For 17 years, he served as the Project's spokesman.

Earned a B.A. in drama from University of Puerto Rico.

Buried at Buxeda Cemetery (Cemeterio Buxeda) in Cupey, Puerto Rico.

Father of two sons with Poloway, Raul and Benjamin.

Was nominated for four Best Actor (Musical) Tony Awards: in 1972, for "Two Gentlemen of Verona", in 1975 for a revival of "Where's Charley?", in 1977, for playing Macheath in a revival of "The Threepenny Opera", and in 1982 for "Nine". He never won.

Was struggling with stomach cancer for about three years prior to his death. Underwent a surgical operation for it in 1993. He explained his massive weight loss in the months prior to his death from that of being on a macrobiotic diet. He denied to the very end that he was suffering from cancer even after unnamed associates told reporters the true nature of his condition.

Friends with Edward James Olmos, and Barry Primus,.

Member of the Phi Sigma Alpha fraternity in Puerto Rico

Godfather of writer Mylo Carbia.