Celebrity Info
By the time he reached his mid-30s, Fernando Lamas had already captured the hearts of many and established himself as a genuine movie star in his home country of Argentina. Despite his early success, he was eager to share his distinctive charm and elegance with audiences in the United States. Initially, American film studios cast him in roles that closely resembled his real-life persona, but over time, Fernando managed to break free from that mold. His versatility shone through during numerous guest appearances on popular television shows, which helped broaden his appeal.
Fernando Lamas didn’t stop at acting—his ambitions extended behind the camera as well. In 1967, he took on dual responsibilities as both actor and director in the crime drama The Violent Ones, a film that delved into the tensions between white and Hispanic communities. Television networks once again embraced Fernando Lamas, giving him the opportunity to direct several programs, among them multiple episodes of the beloved 1970s series Starsky and Hutch. In 1982, just months before his passing due to cancer, he had the special chance to direct his own son, Lorenzo Lamas, in an episode of the hit primetime soap Falcon Crest.
In terms of personal life, Fernando Lamas experienced three brief marriages, each resulting in a child and eventually ending in divorce. However, he found lasting companionship in 1969 when he married actress Esther Williams. The couple remained devoted to each other until Fernando’s death in 1982.
Fernando Lamas has appeared in a variety of movies, films, and music projects throughout his career. When looking at his body of work, one standout title that consistently receives high praise is The Cheap Detective (1978). Interestingly, the same film—The Cheap Detective (1978)—is also regarded as his lowest rated piece, depending on the perspective and criteria used for evaluation. It just goes to show how subjective ratings can be, and how Fernando Lamas’s performance in this particular film seems to divide opinions. Whether it’s viewed as his best or worst, The Cheap Detective (1978) remains a significant part of his filmography.
United States
