Luis Antonio Damaso de Alonso, later known as Gilbert Roland, was born in 1905 in Mexico. Following his parents to the USA, he did not become the bullfighter he had dreamed of being but became an actor instead. His Mexican roots, his half macho half romantic ways, his handsome virile figure helped him land roles in movies from the early twenties to 1982. A long and varied career in which Roland was in turns an extra, a matinée idol , a sinister character in Spaghetti Westerns... When he retired in 1982, twelve years before he died, he could be satisfied. His career had spanned six decades, the coming of sound had not ended it, he had played in all kinds of movies, he had held the most beautiful women in his arms, and maybe the most important thing, he had been given the opportunity to show his acting talents. Not every actor can boast such a life achievement.
Gilbert Roland chose his screen name in homage to his two favorite movie stars, John Gilbert and Ruth Roland.
Involved in an affair with Norma Talmadge that resulted in her divorce from Joe Schenck. However, Norma lost interest before she and Gilbert were to be married and eventually tied the knot with comedian George Jessel.
Brother of Francisco Day.
He was the only man to have portrayed both the villain and the hero of a single serial.
Daughters with Constance Bennett : Lorinda Roland and Gyl Roland.
He served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II.
Father-in-law of Dan Barton.
He has an entry in Jean Tulards "Dictionnaire du Cinma/Les Acteurs" published in Paris by Robert Laffont/Bouquins in 2007, pages. 1001-1002 (ISBN: 978-2-221-10895-6).
After his mother died, he always wore a ring on his left hand engraved with her dying words to him: Hijo mio, no te apures, no te asustes; adios, alma mia. The English translation is: My son, dont rush yourself, dont be scared, good-bye, my soul.
His formal education went no further than the seventh grade.
Considered El Paso his hometown, almost always referring to it as "mi casa".
Went on record as strongly disapproving of modern movies with their violence and sex.
The leather wrist band he often wore onscreen was initially prescribed by a doctor to aid the healing of a tennis injury to Rolands left wrist.
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6730 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on February 8, 1960.
In 1980, Roland lobbied unsuccessfully for a biographical film on Salvatore Dali in which he would play the Spanish surrealist.
I am a Spaniard, but Mexico is my second fatherland.
