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Alejandro Rey

Alejandro Rey built a career that moved easily between Argentine cinema, American film, television drama and comedy, with directing work adding another dimension behind the camera. Born in Buenos Aires on February 8, 1930, he studied acting under Hedwig Schlichter and Milagros de la Vega before becoming known through Argentine movies. His move into American productions began in 1960, when he was hired for a small role in Battle at Bloody Beach. Guest appearances soon followed across a striking range of television. Rey played the title character and murder victim Vincent Danielli in a 1961 episode of Perry Mason, appeared in two episodes of Thriller, and took roles in series including Route 66, The Fugitive, Daniel Boone, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and That Girl. On film, one of his most visible parts came in Fun in Acapulco in 1963. His best-known television role arrived a few years later with The Flying Nun, in which he played casino owner and playboy Carlos Ramirez from 1967 to 1970. The series became an international success and gave Rey a sustained showcase for the polished, worldly presence that suited many of his screen roles. Rey received his only credited American film lead in The Stepmother in 1972, but television remained the most consistent thread in his career. He played Karl Duval on Days of Our Lives from 1976 to 1977, appeared regularly as a panelist on Tattletales, He Said, She Said, Hollywood Squares and Match Game, and joined the ensemble of William Peter Blatty’s The Ninth Configuration in 1980. In 1986, he appeared on Dallas as Captain Luis Rueda. He also worked as a television director, with credits including Villa Alegre, The Facts of Life and Forever Fernwood. Across acting and directing, Rey’s career reflects a performer able to shift between languages, countries, genres and formats while remaining a familiar presence on American television.