Can a single life truly encompass the vast spectrum of human experience, from the glittering lights of Broadway to the quiet intimacy of family? For Ral Juli, the answer was a resounding yes, as his life was a tapestry woven with threads of artistic brilliance, unwavering humanitarianism, and a deep commitment to his roots.
Born Ral Rafael Carlos Juli y Arcelay on March 9, 1940, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Julis journey was one of remarkable achievement and enduring legacy. His path, though tragically cut short on October 24, 1994, in Manhasset, New York, left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment and beyond. This article aims to explore the life and career of this iconic figure, shedding light on the multifaceted man behind the memorable performances.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ral Rafael Carlos Juli y Arcelay |
| Date of Birth | March 9, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Date of Death | October 24, 1994 (aged 54) |
| Place of Death | Manhasset, New York, USA |
| Cause of Death | Stomach Cancer and Stroke |
| Nationality | American (born in Puerto Rico) |
| Education | Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola High School, San Juan |
| Marriages | Magda Vasallo (1965-1969), Merel Poloway (1976-1994) |
| Children | Ral Sigmund Juli, Benjamn Rafael Juli |
| Notable Roles |
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| Awards and Recognition |
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| Other Information |
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| Reference Website | Internet Broadway Database (IBDB) |
Juli's early life in Puerto Rico laid the foundation for his future success. He graduated from the Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola, where he immersed himself in the rigorous Jesuit curriculum while actively participating in student dramatics. This early exposure to the performing arts ignited a passion that would shape his destiny. His father, who owned a restaurant and is credited with bringing pizza to the island, undoubtedly instilled in Juli a sense of entrepreneurship and the importance of cultural contribution.
In 1964, at the age of 24, Juli made the pivotal decision to move to New York City, a city that would become the crucible for his artistic growth. During this time, he became engaged to Magda Vasallo Molinelli. His debut on Broadway came in September 1968, when he appeared in "The Cuban Thing". The following year he was cast in Arthur Kopit's "Indians." It was also around this time he and Vasallo Molinelli divorced.
His initial marriage was to Magda Vasallo, his childhood sweetheart. They were married in 1965, a union that would ultimately end in divorce in 1969. While the details of their relationship are largely private, the impact of this early connection on Juli's life should not be understated. Magda faded from the media after their divorce, the personal life of Magda is not available. Later, he married Merel Poloway on June 28, 1976, and this marriage lasted until his death. Poloway and Juli had two children, Ral Sigmund and Benjamn Rafael.
The 1970s and 1980s saw Juli rise to prominence as a versatile actor. He effortlessly transitioned between stage and screen, captivating audiences with his portrayals of complex characters. His ability to embody diverse roles, from Shakespearean heroes to contemporary antiheroes, was a testament to his skill and dedication. He was known for his intense and varied roles on stage and screen.
One of Juli's most celebrated performances was in the 1985 film "Kiss of the Spider Woman", where he played Valentin Arregui Paz, a political prisoner. His portrayal was lauded for its depth and emotional resonance. In 1983 when Ral Sigmund Juli was born, that year his father also starred in the public television film "Overdrawn at the Memory Bank", which received a weak response.
In September 1968, after auditioning four times for the role, Juli debuted in his first Broadway play, performing as Chan in a staging of "The Cuban Thing". The following year, he was cast in a production of Arthur Kopit's "Indians." During this timeframe, he and Vasallo Molinelli were divorced. His contributions to the theater world were significant, and he is credited as a performer.
Juli's later career was marked by iconic roles that solidified his status as a beloved figure. The world first saw him as Gomez Addams in "The Addams Family" (1991) and "Addams Family Values" (1993). These roles, for which he is perhaps most remembered, showcased his comedic talent and his ability to bring warmth and charisma to even the most eccentric characters. He also appeared in "Street Fighter" in 1994, which was one of his last roles.
His health was sadly not as robust as his talent, and he battled several health afflictions. His untimely death on October 24, 1994, at the North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York, at the age of 54, was a profound loss for the entertainment industry and his legions of fans. He died from stomach cancer and a stroke. A state funeral was held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on October 27, 1994, a testament to the impact he had on his homeland and the world. Also, the duo was blessed with 2 sons.
Beyond his acting prowess, Juli was known for his humanitarian efforts. He used his platform to advocate for various causes and dedicated himself to helping others, embodying the spirit of giving back to the community. La Sociedad Micro Raul Julia, an autonomous school located within Public School 3, was named in his honor, a fitting tribute to his legacy.
The legacy of Ral Juli is one of inspiration. His talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft set him apart. He graduated from Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola High School in San Juan. His first marriage was to Magda Vasallo in 1965 (divorced in 1969) and then to Merel Poloway in 1976. He was an actor, humanitarian, and versatile stage and screen actor. His early life and career began in 1940 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Known professionally as Raul Julia he died on October 24, 1994 in Manhasset, New York. He was married to merel poloway from june 28, 1976 to october 24, 1994 and magda vasallo from 1965 to 1969. He had 2 children, including raul julia and benjamin julia. He was an actor, known for the addams family (1991), the last battle (1994) and addams family ii (1993). This article has explored the life of Raul Julia, from his birth in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to his achievements on Broadway and in Hollywood. The many characters and roles portrayed by Raul, including Gomez Addams and Valentin Arregui Paz in 1985 drama film Kiss of the Spider Woman. His impact continues to resonate, as his performances continue to inspire new generations of actors and audiences alike. He was married to merel poloway from june 28, 1976 to october 24, 1994 and magda vasallo from 1965 to 1969. His presence is still felt, and his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who remember him. The official database for broadway theatre information. His father owned a restaurant in san juan, and is credited with introducing pizza to the island. He was also remembered for his intense and varied roles on stage and screen. He died on October 24, 1994 from stomach cancer and from a stroke in manhasset, new york, aged 54.
Ral Juli's influence extended beyond his acting career. He left behind a body of work that continues to inspire, a legacy of talent, and a reminder of the importance of artistic passion and humanitarianism. His contributions to the arts and his unwavering commitment to his roots have secured his place as one of the most cherished figures in entertainment history.
