Anthony Quinn, the Mexican Irish Academy Award-winning actor whose earthy portrayals of such characters as Zorba the Greek and the patriarch in "The Children of Sanchez" made him larger than life to millions, died Sunday. He was 86.
Quinn, who lived in Bristol near Providence, R.I., died of respiratory failure in a Boston hospital, according to Providence Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci, a longtime friend.
FOR THE RECORD
Los Angeles Times Thursday June 7, 2001 Home Edition Part A Part A Page 2 A2 Desk 1 inches; 25 words Type of Material: Correction
Quinn obituary--Monday's obituary of actor Anthony Quinn gave an incorrect name for what is now Cesar Chavez Avenue in East Los Angeles. It was formerly called Brooklyn Avenue.
The eclectic Quinn earned two Oscars as best supporting actor, the first in 1952 for "Viva Zapata!" and the second four years later for his portrayal of painter Paul Gauguin in "Lust for Life."
Personally lusty, passionate and rugged, Quinn had lived with his feet planted in two cultures, the Mexican and the Irish, and resisted categorization. In his lengthy career, he played a pantheon of nationalities, ranging from Mexican to Eskimo, Greek, Italian, Panamanian, Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese and East Indian.
And in the early stages of his film work he was the American Indian being pursued by the cavalry or cowboys in several forgettable Westerns.
Quinn's dual heritage had a profound effect on his sense of identity, which was displayed both in his decision to become an actor and in the various ethnic roles he played.
"Those were rough times, right from the beginning," he said as he recalled his childhood in a 1981 interview. "With a name like Quinn, I wasn't totally accepted by the Mexican community in those days, and as a Mexican I wasn't accepted as an American. So as a kid I just decided, well, 'A plague on both your houses. I'll just become a world citizen.' So that's what I did. Acting is my nationality."
Although he was nominated for a best actor Oscar only for his work as Zorba, that remains perhaps his most memorable role.
"Funny thing, you know, one of my favorite characters in all my films was Zorba the Greek," he said. "And somehow, I think I've become more like Zorba ever since I played him."
Quinn resisted being categorized as merely an actor. He was outspoken on social issues, and at one point considered running for governor of California--until labor leader Cesar Chavez told him he was more valuable as an actor than in politics. Demonstrating a talent for art in early childhood, he also became an accomplished artist known for his oil paintings, sculptures and serigraphs.
Parents Joined Pancho Villa
