Edith Diaz
Born(1939-10-23)October 23, 1939
DiedNovember 19, 2009(2009-11-19) (aged 70)

Edith Diaz (October 23, 1939 – November 19, 2009) was a Puerto Rican actress known for the roles in film, television, and stage. She co-founded the Screen Actors Guild's Ethnic Minorities Committee in 1972.[1]

Life and career

Early life and education

Diaz was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.[1] She studied under noted acting teacher, Stella Adler, and at the Actors Studio in the New York City.[1]

Film

Her film credits included Born on the Fourth of July (1989), Sister Act (1992), Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993), Nick of Time (1995), and her final appearance, Oh Baby! (2008).

Television

On television, Diaz appeared in the short-lived 1975-76 CBS television series, Popi, which starred Hector Elizondo. Popi, which aired on CBS for eleven episodes, was one of the first television series on American network television to feature a Hispanic theme and cast.[1] Her other television credits included guest roles on Quincy, M.E., Police Woman, St. Elsewhere, All in the Family, The F.B.I., Barney Miller and The Twilight Zone.[1] In 1991, she played Desi Arnaz's mother, Dolores, in the television movie, Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter, on CBS.[1] In the 1973 episode "A Bullet for El Diablo", on Hawaii Five-O, Diaz appeared in a dual role as half-sisters Rita Salazar and Maria Ramos.[1]

Activism

Diaz co-founded the Screen Actors Guild Ethnic Minorities Committee in 1972 with Henry Darrow, Carmen Zapata and Ricardo Montalbán.[1]

Death

Edith Diaz died of heart failure on November 19, 2009, at a nursing home in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, at the age of 70.[2] Actress Miluka Rivera, who had served with her on the SAG Ethnic Minorities Committee, called Diaz a "gifted performer, a union Latino rights activist and a loving friend."[1]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1971Brute CorpsLupe
1989Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly HillsRosa
1989Born on the Fourth of JulyMadame - Villa Dulce
1992Sister ActChoir Nun #11
1993Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit
1995Nick of TimeIrene
1995Theodore RexElla
1996The FanElvira
1998Archibald the Rainbow Painter
2003First WatchLindaVideo
2008Oh Baby!Yolanda at party

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Actress Edith Diaz dies at 70". The Hollywood Reporter. February 8, 2010. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved March 18, 2010.
  2. "PASSINGS: Jimmy Wyble, Edith Diaz". Los Angeles Times. January 25, 2010. Retrieved March 23, 2010.
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