Vintage Hunk: Ramon Novarro

Ramon Novarro was one of the great male sex symbols of American cinema's silent era. The gorgeous Mexico-born actor first caught the attention of female (and gay male) fans as the scantily clad star of 1925's Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ—arguably one of the era's most famous films. Novarro was also gay at a time when homosexuality was viewed as a major illness. Tragically, he was pretty much forgotten in 1968 when his murder by two hustlers was one of the most shocking Hollywood scandals of the era.

Ramon Novarro was born Jose Ramon Gil Samaniego in Mexico in 1899 to a wealthy and influential family (his second cousin was Mexican movie star Dolores del Rio). After fleeing to California as a refugee of the Mexican revolution in 1916, Jose changed his name and began pursuing a career as a movie actor. With Rudolph Valentino leading a Latin craze that was sweeping Hollywood, Navarro was offered more important roles. But it was his performance in the title role of Ben-Hur (later played by Charlton Heston in the Oscar-winning remake), which certified his stature as an international star.

With the death of Valentino the following year, Novarro became Hollywood's leading Latin male heartthrob. He went on to costar with film legends Norma Shearer and Joan Crawford, and was able to make an easy transition to talkies; including the classic Mata Hari with Greta Garbo. But in 1935, MGM chose not to renew his contract.

It has been speculated that MGM head Louis B. Mayer was frustrated with attempts to hide Novarro's homosexuality, but the fading of the Latin idol craze, as well as the actors advancing age, could have been causes as well. However, the actor did continue to work in films, including featured roles in two 1949 classics; We Were Strangers with Jennifer Jones and The Big Steal with Jane Greer and Robert Mitchum. Though Navarro's acting gigs became fewer and fewer, he had amassed great wealth through smart real estate investments.

At the age of 69, Novarro was still struggling with his sexuality and had for years turned to alcohol and paid escorts for relief. On October 30, 1968, he hired two male hustlers who were also brothers. When one or both demanded money after sex, there was a grotesque tableau of torture and death. A tawdry media circus followed for more than a year. (Visit Out.com for an in-depth look at the tragedy.)

A Latin Adonis, a fine actor, and an early superstar, Ramon Novarro is unfortunately now known primarily for his notorious murder. The best study of Ramon Novarro's life and career is Andre Soares' 2002 book Beyond Paradise: The Life of Ramon Novarro.