Armando Silvestre dead: Mexican star known for role in 'Two Mules for Sister Sara' dies aged 98

Armando Silvestre, a popular actor during the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema, died at the age of 98. Known for his robust build and dynamic presence, Silvestre starred alongside Hollywood icons such as Clint Eastwood and Shirley MacLaine in "Two Mules for Sister Sara," Yul Brynner in "Kings of the Sun," and Burt Lancaster in "The Scalphunters."

Silvestre died on June 2 in Coronado, California, as confirmed by a representative from the Aztlan Mortuary in La Mesa to The Hollywood Reporter.

During his extensive career, Silvestre appeared in numerous Mexican films, including "Here Comes Martin Corona" (1952), "Rossana" (1953), "Story of a Mink Coat" (1955) with Silvia Pinal, "La Sombra Vengadora" (1956), "The Miracle Roses" (1960), "Neutrón Contra el Dr. Caronte" (1963), "La Choca" (1974), and "Faith, Hope and Charity" (1974). His forte was in Westerns and action-adventure genres, contributing to his impressive record of over 200 credits on IMDb.

Born Armando Silvestre Carrascosa in San Diego on January 28, 1926, he grew up in Tijuana. His younger brother, Eduardo Silvestre, won the Mr Universe contest in 1959. Armando initially pursued bullfighting but turned to acting after a severe goring incident.

Silvestre’s early US roles included appearances in "Tarzan and the Mermaids" (1948), "Mystery in Mexico" (1948), and leading roles in Mexican films like "Lola Casanova" (1949). He also featured in American films such as "Wyoming Mail" (1950), "Apache Drums" (1951), "Mark of the Renegade" (1951), "Thunderbirds" (1952), and "The White Orchid" (1954).

In addition to his film work, Silvestre guest-starred on American TV series including "Daniel Boone," "The F.B.I.," "Police Woman," "Bracken’s World," "Mannix," and "Wonder Woman." More recently, he appeared in telenovelas like "La Impostora" (2014) and "Despertar Contigo" (2016-17).

He is survived by his wife, actress and casting director Blanca Estela Limón, and his daughter, Anabel. Reflecting on her father's legacy, Anabel described him as “a great human being, a great husband, a great father, a great friend, a great athlete, and a great actor at a national and international level who made Mexico stand out.”

Silvestre's enduring legacy in cinema and television continues to be celebrated, highlighting his significant contributions to both the Mexican and American entertainment industries.