Pedro Infante, the Stunning Life of "immortal " Mexican Idol

Pedro Infante, the "immortal idol" of Mexican golden cinema, was not only a great actor but also a legendary singer of ranchera songs. Born on November 18, 1917, in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Infante's humble origins forced him to work as a farmer from a young age. He quickly rose among the pawns, and cabinetmaking, an art that accompanied him all his life, was linked to his Catholic beliefs.

As a child, Infante had an intense instrumental formation due to his father being a music teacher. At the age of 16, he formed a ranchera music group called "La Rabia" and gradually gained popularity throughout Sinaloa. At 19, he had his first daughter, Guadalupe Infante, from a courtship that was not publicly recognized. Later on, he married María Luisa León, who was ten years older than him, and had four children out of wedlock with two women. He also adopted his niece Dora Luisa.

Pedro Infante's career gained momentum when he moved to Mexico City with his wife, who envisioned his great artistic future. He became an icon of Mexican national music, performing genres such as mariachi, rancheras, bolero, and traditional music. His wide repertoire included popular songs like Cien años, Las mañanitas, Serenata huasteca, Amorcito corazón, and Bésame mucho.

Infante made his first musical recording titled El Soldado Razo in 1943, and by the day of his death, he had recorded nearly 350 songs. Despite the passing of time, there has been no one who resembles him in the slightest, and his vocal talent and legend as a ranchera singer continue to live on.

Pedro Infante: Rising to the Top of Mexican Cinema

Pedro Infante was a highly successful actor with a long career spanning more than 60 films. He owes his rise to fame to director Ismael Rodríguez, who helped shape his persona on screen. In fact, it was on the set of Rodríguez's films that Infante met Blanca Estela Pavón, his frequent co-star.

Despite appearing in numerous films, Infante's true breakthrough came with the release of the trilogy Nosotros los pobres, Ustedes los Ricos, and Pepe El Toro. These movies resonated deeply with the working class and rural communities of Mexico City, who saw themselves reflected in the characters and stories depicted on screen.

Over time, Infante's popularity grew beyond these audiences and his films began to reach a wider audience, both domestically and internationally. Notable successes include Los tres García (1946), Los tres huastecos (1948), A toda máquina (1951) and Tizoc (1956).

Tragically, Infante's co-star Blanca Estela Pavón died in a plane crash shortly after their last film together, The Woman I Lost (1949). Nevertheless, Infante continued to excel in his craft and cemented his place as an icon of the golden age of Mexican cinema.

In English

Pedro Infante's English interpretation of "El 'Idolo de Guamúchil'" is truly iconic, showcasing his magical voice that transcends any language or time barrier. His ability to convey love and passion through his melodies makes him a complete artist. In the 1951 movie "A toda máquina," the song "Bésame mucho" is featured as part of a scene that depicts the lives of two friends who are traffic agents competing in female conquests and motorcycle stunts, all while being accompanied by Pedro Infante's music and wit.

Pedro Infante's Early Demise and Enduring Legacy

Despite surviving two previous air accidents, Pedro Infante remained passionate about aviation. Although he emerged unscathed from the first accident, the second necessitated a metal plate graft in his skull. Nevertheless, Infante's love of flying persisted until his tragic death on April 15, 1957, while piloting a warplane. Reports indicate that the aircraft crashed in the heart of Merida shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of two passengers and two individuals on the ground. Infante's remains now rest at the Panteón Jardín in Mexico City, a site that has become a popular tourist destination.

Infante's enduring influence on Mexican culture is undeniable. In 2010, the History Channel conducted a survey to determine the Great Mexican, and Infante secured second place. For many, he remains the quintessential male figure in Mexico, representing the nation's popular classes and customs. Perhaps his authenticity as a Mexican also contributes to his enduring appeal.

In Infante's words, "I am not Mexican because I was born on this land, which could be a mere coincidence. I am Mexican because of my conviction, my love for all that is ours, our customs, folklore, landscapes, traditions, and skies. To me, no other country is more beautiful than mine. I do not adhere to a silly and blind patriotism, but to a natural inclination of admiration for this incomparable Tenochtitlan, so full of misunderstood things, but so beautiful in the eyes of those who know how to scrutinize and feel."

Pedro Infante's Impressive Athleticism and Discipline

Pedro Infante, the renowned singer and actor famous for his role in 'Pepe 'El Toro',' was not only a talented artist but also a dedicated athlete. His physique was a testament to his strict workout regime. According to his first wife, María Luisa León, Infante would start his mornings at 5 am by jogging and paddling in the Chapultepec Forest lake. To top it off, he would finish his mornings at the gym by lifting weights.

Infante's passion for boxing was evident in his life as well as in his films. He played a boxer from the neighborhood in the trilogy 'Nosotros los pobres' and portrayed a skilled pugilist in 'Pepe' El Toro.' Infante trained with legendary Mexican boxing champions Raúl 'Ratón' Macías and Barbabé 'Babe' Vázquez, showcasing his dedication to the sport.

Baseball was another sport that Infante enjoyed. While there are no official records of his involvement in an amateur team, he did play as a third baseman in a charity game in his hometown of Mazatlán, Sinaloa. The game aimed to raise funds for victims of a hurricane in Cuba.

In summary, Pedro Infante's extraordinary discipline and athleticism were evident not only in his physique but also in his passion for sports. His dedication to boxing and baseball showcased his commitment to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

dro Infante: Mexico's Soccer-Slaying Superstar on the Screen

In Mexico, soccer reigns supreme as the most beloved sport, with national team matches and professional league championships drawing in massive viewership on television. However, when broadcasting rights for important matches or events are unavailable, television companies like Televisa resort to airing classic films from the Mexican film industry, particularly those featuring Pedro Infante.

This strategy is widely used and successful because, in Mexico's traditionalist culture, Pedro Infante is a guaranteed hit. According to local media, Pedrito's films have garnered between 15 and 20 audience points, which is comparable to the viewership of popular teams like America and Chivas, but less than national team games and World Cup finals.

Overall, while soccer may be king in Mexico, Pedro Infante remains a beloved figure whose films continue to captivate audiences and provide a valuable alternative programming option for television companies.