Héctor Elizondo Biography: Religion, Height, Movies, Age, Wife, Ethnicity, Net Worth, Son

Héctor Elizondo is an American character actor of Puerto Rican descent who has delivered acclaimed performances in film, television, and theater for over six decades.

Known for his warm presence and commanding charm, he is widely recognized for roles such as hotel manager Barney Thompson in Pretty Woman (1990), the compassionate Joe in The Princess Diaries films, and television characters including Dr. Phillip Watters on Chicago Hope — a role that earned him an Emmy — and Ed Alzate on Last Man Standing.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Héctor Elizondo
• Born: December 22, 1936
• Age: 89 years old
• Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Director, Voice Actor
• Height: 1.78m
• Parents: Martín Echevarría Elizondo, Carmen Medina Reyes
• Siblings: Emma Elizondo
• Spouse: Marie Rivera (m. 1956–1957), Marie Mandry (m. 1963–1964), Carolee Campbell (m. 1969)
• Children: Rodd Elizondo
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Héctor Elizondo was born on December 22, 1936, in New York, New York.

He was raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan by his parents, Martín Echevarría Elizondo, an accountant and notary public, and Carmen Medina Reyes, along with his sister Emma Elizondo.

Elizondo showed early talent in music, singing in a boys’ choir at age 10, and in sports, excelling in basketball and baseball to the point of being scouted by professional teams.

He attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, then enrolled at City College of New York with plans to become a history teacher, though he left during his freshman year to support his young family.

He is of Puerto Rican ethnicity with Spanish roots, and he practices Roman Catholicism.

Career

Héctor Elizondo began his career in the early 1960s with theater work in New York, earning an Obie Award for his performance as God in the off-Broadway production Steambath.

He transitioned to screen roles with his film debut in the early 1960s and built a reputation for reliable character parts in both dramatic and comedic projects throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

His career reached new heights in the 1990s through frequent collaborations with director Garry Marshall, most notably as the hotel manager in Pretty Woman (1990), followed by appearances in The Princess Diaries (2001) and its sequel, as well as ensemble films like Valentine’s Day (2010).

On television, he earned a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor for his role as Dr. Phillip Watters on Chicago Hope (1994–2000) and later brought humor and heart to Ed Alzate on Last Man Standing (2011–2021), appearing in over 150 television productions overall.

Héctor Elizondo’s influence endures through his dedication to authentic portrayals of Latino characters and his versatility across genres.

His body of work, spanning theater roots to major studio films and long-running series, has helped expand opportunities for character actors while earning him lifetime achievement honors from organizations celebrating Latino contributions to entertainment.

Social Media

Héctor Elizondo has no verified social media account.

Personal Life

Héctor Elizondo, born on December 22, 1936, at 89 years old, has experienced a rich family journey that began early in adulthood.

He first married at age 19 to Marie Rivera in 1956, welcoming son Rodd (who passed away in 2017); that marriage ended in 1957.

He wed Marie Mandry in 1963, with the union lasting until 1964.

Since 1969, he has been married to actress Carolee Campbell, forming a stable partnership that has lasted over five decades.

Filmography

• The Fat Black Pussycat (1963)
• Pretty Woman (1990)
• The Princess Diaries (2001)
• The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
• Valentine’s Day (2010)
• New Year’s Eve (2011)
• The Book of Life (2014, voice)

Net Worth

Héctor Elizondo has an estimated net worth of $5 million.

This figure derives from his extensive six-decade acting career, including prominent film roles in major studio releases, long-running television series such as Chicago Hope and Last Man Standing, voice work, directing credits, and theater performances.