From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up-In a relatively brief number of pages, Stefoff provides an objective and informative portrait of a man who emigrated to the United States from Puerto Rico at the age of 24, determined to become an actor. She points out the influences Julia's background and heritage have had on his career, and discusses the many theatrical, motion picture, and television roles he has played. Black-and-white photos show him at various ages and in various roles, and frequent quotations give insight into his personality and character. The subject's family and his activities connected with the organization Hunger Project are mentioned. There are no pictures of his wife and two sons, and little is said about his private life. Nonetheless, this book is a worthy introduction to a prominent Hispanic American.
Phyllis Graves, Creekwood Middle School, Kingwood, TX
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Phyllis Graves, Creekwood Middle School, Kingwood, TX
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 6-9. This biography of the Puerto Rican actor best known to YAs as the eccentric Gomez of The Addams Family movies uses a clear, direct style and an objective approach. While the text emphasizes Julia's varied work on both the stage and the screen, special attention is paid to his involvement with the humanitarian Hunger Project. In addition, Stefoff notes how the actor has struggled against ethnic stereotyping and typecasting in a career that has spanned three decades. Like other titles in the Hispanics of Achievement series, this useful book includes plenty of black-and-white photographs, a chronology, and a bibliography of secondary sources (all periodicals) as well as a filmography. Julie Corsaro
