Introduction
Hector Elizondo is an American actor with a career spanning over five decades in television and film. Best known for his roles in “Chicago Hope,” “Pretty Woman,” and “The Princess Diaries,” Elizondo has established himself as a versatile character actor in Hollywood. More recently, he was recognized for his role as Ed Alzate on ABC’s “Last Man Standing” and for voicing Romar Adell in Disney’s “Star Wars: The Bad Batch.”
| Full Name | Hector Elizondo |
|---|---|
| Profession | TV & Film Actor |
| Birthday | December 22, 1936 |
| Age | 88 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Sign | Capricorn |
| Birthplace | New York City, NY |
| Nationality | American |
| Net Worth | $12 million (estimated 2025) |
Early Life & Background
Hector Elizondo was born on December 22, 1936, in New York City to Carmen and Martin Elizondo. Growing up in a Hispanic household, he developed a strong cultural identity that would later influence his diverse roles in Hollywood. His parents instilled in him a love for the arts from a young age.
Elizondo’s path to acting wasn’t direct. He initially studied dance, which provided him with the physical discipline and artistic expression that would later benefit his acting career. This background in dance helped him secure his first jobs in various theatrical productions.
Career Journey
Hector began his acting career in theater, utilizing his dance background to land roles in numerous plays. His transition to television and film came gradually, with his talent eventually leading to breakthrough opportunities.
One of his notable early film appearances was in “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” (1974), a film later remade in 2009 starring Denzel Washington. This role helped establish his credentials as a serious actor in Hollywood.
From 1994 to 2000, Elizondo portrayed Dr. Phillip Watters on the medical drama “Chicago Hope,” a role that brought him significant recognition and critical acclaim. His performance in the series demonstrated his ability to handle complex dramatic material.
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Acting Style & Notable Works
Elizondo is known for his versatility and ability to excel in both dramatic and comedic roles. Some of his most beloved performances include:
- Hotel manager Barney Thompson in “Pretty Woman” (1990)
- Joe in “The Princess Diaries” films (2001, 2004)
- Ed Alzate in “Last Man Standing” (2011-2021)
- Voice of Romar Adell in “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” (2023)
His consistent quality of work led to one of the highlights of his career: the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Temecula Valley International Film Festival, recognizing his long history of success in television and film.
Personal Life
Hector Elizondo was born to Carmen and Martin Elizondo in New York. While he maintains a relatively private personal life, he has been married to Carolee Campbell since 1969. Their enduring marriage of over 50 years is a rarity in Hollywood.
Despite his success, Elizondo is known for maintaining a grounded perspective and strong connection to his roots. He has used his platform to advocate for various causes important to him, including education and healthcare initiatives.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Hector Elizondo’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $12 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his extensive work in television, film, and voice acting over several decades.
His long-running role on “Last Man Standing” and recurring collaborations with director Garry Marshall contributed significantly to his financial success. Additionally, residuals from his many popular films continue to provide income.
Physical Attributes
| Height | 5’10" (178 cm) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Hair Color | Gray (formerly dark brown) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
Awards & Recognition
Throughout his career, Elizondo has received multiple awards and nominations, including:
- Emmy Award for “Chicago Hope”
- ALMA Award nominations
- Lifetime Achievement Award at the Temecula Valley International Film Festival
Notable Facts & Trivia
- Elizondo is one of the few actors to have appeared in every film directed by Garry Marshall
- He has voiced characters in several animated projects
- Before acting, he considered careers in both music and baseball
- He is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing him to take on diverse roles
- His voice work extends beyond “Star Wars” to include various other animated series
FAQ
How old is Hector Elizondo in 2025? Hector Elizondo is 88 years old in 2025, having been born on December 22, 1936.
What is Hector Elizondo’s most famous role? While opinions vary, many recognize him for his role as hotel manager Barney Thompson in “Pretty Woman” or Dr. Phillip Watters in “Chicago Hope.”
Is Hector Elizondo still acting in 2025? While he has slowed down his schedule in recent years, Elizondo has continued to take on select voice acting roles and special appearances.
What was Hector Elizondo’s breakthrough role? His role in “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” (1974) is often cited as an early breakthrough performance that brought him wider recognition.