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Raúl Rafael Carlos Juliá y Arcelay or as his stage name Raúl Juliá was a Puerto Rican actor who passed away from this world too early. Julia was a force to be reckoned with on stage and the screen as he was known for his intense acting and taking on various roles that showed his range. Making his way to Broadway and performing in multiple projects, in 1978, Julia starred with the queen and G.O.A.T of acting, Meryl Streep in Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew at the Delacorte Theater. Throughout his career, Julia went on to make an impact and star in many roles while gaining many accolades from a Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild. In 1994, he sadly passed away at the age of 54.
General M. Bison-Street Fighter (1994)
This was Julia’s last role as he passed away from stomach cancer. He made this film for his kids as they loved the game. You can see how sickly the great actor was while filming. Street Fighter is one of those films that is so bad it is good. Oh, it is so bad that you shouldn’t like it or even enjoy it. Out of all the laughable dialogue, weak plot and questionable action scenes, Julia stands tall. He was the BEST part of this whole film, and his “It was Another Tuesday” speech was priceless.
Valentin Arregui- Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985)
Set in a Brazilian prison during a military dictatorship. In a prison cell sit two unlikely characters: Valentin Arregui and Luis Molina. Julia plays Valentin is a political prisoner and journalist working for an anti-government revolutionary group. Julia was great in this role as he showed the depth and anger of a man locked up and wanting to be free.
Gomez Addams-The Addams Family & Addams Family Values (1991 & 1993)
Playing the head of the Addams Family, Julia was funny, entertaining and a joy to watch as Gomez Addams. Julia seemed to portray the craziness that the character has about him with his wicked smile, deadly adventures and charm to keep wooing Morticia. Even though the film’s story was okay, it brought this Halloween family back to the forefront of the entertainment world.
Francisco “Chico” Mendes- The Burning Season (1994)
In the last film released during his iconic life, Julia plays Francisco Mendes. Julia is great as the environmental activist who fights to protect the Amazon Rainforest. Julia showed the emotions of a character who fought long and hard to preserve the valuable rainforest only to meet a tragic end. For his performance, Julia won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television and a Primetime Emmy. What a way to go out with an award.
Kalibanos-Tempest (1982)
Loosely based on William Shakespeare, The Tempest, it puts a modern spin on the famous play. Julia plays Kalibanos, a very strange and outgoing hermit living on the island. Dude lives in a cave with goats. As usual, Julia is a man above and beyond any other actor on screen with him. He just brings a type of energy that draws you in and keeps you watching him.
Commandante Xavier Escalante/Carlos- Tequila Sunrise (1988)
In a film that was written and directed by Robert Towne, the man who also wrote Chinatown, comes another complex film with lies and a web that is sometimes confusing. Julia plays Mexican drug kingpin, Carlos, who is straight up crazy in this film. Dude sits on a yacht and sings that opera cause that is what kingpins do. Julia is excellent in this film. Sometimes I think he overshadows everyone else because Julia has such intensity when he performs.
Roberto Strausmann- Moon over Parador (1988)
Julia is funny in this romantic comedy where he earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Julia plays Roberto, the right-hand man, of a dictator. When the dictator dies and does not want to lose the power that he has, he forces Jack to take the role since he looks like the dead dictator. Julia is suave and commanding as ever but shows that he can be hilarious. His character demise is pretty crazy.
Archbishop Óscar Romero- Romero (1989)
Julia is phenomenal in this film. He gives such a powerful but restrained performance as Archbishop Romero. When a military group takes over the country and shit goes down from death squads and all the other evils of the world. Oscar Romero defies them by organizing peaceful protests against the military regime. Julia brought the peaceful ways and ideology of this man who fought for the people. Julia gives it his all in this film and should’ve been nominated for more awards.
Sandy Stern- Presumed Innocent (1990)
You want to see a sleeper film that is thrilling and good, then look no further than Presumed Innocent. The story is top notch, and the acting is on point. Julia plays top defense attorney Sandy Stern who is hired by the main character after he is accused of murder. Julia lobbied for this role because he wanted to work and perform beside Mr. Han Solo and Indiana Jones. Julia plays Sandy as a ballsy and hard-hitting attorney. It is a must watch.
Two Gentlemen of Verona (1972), Where’s Charley? (1975), The Threepenny Opera (1977) and Nine (1982)
I couldn’t find any of Julia’s performances on the stage but here is one of him with the iconic and GOAT, Meryl Streep for Taming of the Shrew. Julia was nominated for four Tony Awards in the Best Leading Actor in a Musical. You can tell from the clip that he was a force and could act with the best of them. He commanded the stage and the audience attention.
