Héctor Elizondo

After more than two decades of work on stage, film and television, versatile supporting actor Hector Elizondo gained widespread recognition in large part due to his recurring collaborations with prolific director Garry Marshall. Having entertained earlier interests in sports, music and dance, Elizondo came to acting relatively late in life, but began making headway with stage roles in such Broadway and off-Broadway productions as "The Great White Hope" and "Steambath" - the latter of which won him an Obie Award. Supporting turns in features like "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" (1974) and "American Gigolo" (1980) provided exposure, but it was the role of a transgender Mafioso in Marshall's feature directorial debut "Young Doctors in Love" (1982) that would alter the trajectory of Elizondo's career from that point forward. Marshall enlisted the chameleon-like actor for virtually every one of his future film projects, although it was Elizondo's performance as a kind-hearted hotel manager in "Pretty Woman" (1990) that made him, if not a household name, an instantly recognizable face. In addition to his continued work with Marshall, he appeared in dozens of other film and television projects, including an award-winning tenure as part of the medical staff on "Chicago Hope" (CBS, 1994-2000). Nearly 30 years after his collaboration with the director first began, Elizondo proved just as dependable and enthusiastic as ever as part of the star-studded cast in Marshall's romantic comedy "New Year's Eve" (2011). Blessed with wit, charm and an impressive range, Elizondo continued to deliver strong, thoughtful performances.