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Talisa Pensamiento on Katy Jurado

“Katy created a new definition for Mexican actresses.”

Golden Age of Mexican Cinema actress, Katy Jurado found unlikely fame in Hollywood, pushing through language and societal barriers to reach success. She was the first Latinx person to win a Golden Globe for Best- Supporting Actress in High Noon, inspiring other Latinas to follow their dreams. High School student Talisa Pensamiento first saw Jurado on a Google Doodle. Curious, Talisa researched her, and was inspired when she realized that dignified Katy Jurado "helped take away stereotypes Hollywood had of Mexican actresses.” Listen to Talisa tell the story of this break-through artist.

Our storytellers share these astonishing women with us conversationally and unscripted; we fact-check afterwards and note any major discrepancies for accuracy.

Featured Woman

Katy Jurado

María Cristina Estela Marcela Jurado García, better known as Katy Jurado, was a famous Mexican actress from Guadalajara. Well-known in Mexico, when American filmakers wanted Jurado for their Hollywood movies she said yes, though she could not speak English. She learned her scripts phonetically, until she learned the language. She won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for High Noon (1952) and was again nominated for the film Trial in 1955. Katy Jurado was the first Latin American actress to be nominated for an Oscar for her work in Broken Lance (1954).