Princeton unveiled a portrait of José Ferrer, a 1933 graduate, at a ceremony held May 9. Pictured: Ferrer’s children Rafael (left), Leticia and Gabriel (far right) pose with the artist Luis Alvarez Roure (second from right). Photo by Matthew Raspanti, Office of Communications
A portrait of the pathbreaking actor and director José Ferrer, a member of Princeton University’s Class of 1933, was unveiled on campus May 9 in a ceremony in Chancellor Green Rotunda.
Ferrer, who was born in Puerto Rico, was the first Latino actor to win an Academy Award, among numerous accolades on stage, in film, and on television over a long and illustrious career before his death in 1992. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1985.
“For six decades, José captivated audiences with his brilliant portrayals of unforgettable characters,” Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber said at the ceremony held to unveil the stunning portrait. “Today, I am delighted to be able to recognize his exceptional achievements and outstanding contributions in this spectacular manner.”
The painting, by the renowned artist Luis Alvarez Roure, also born in Puerto Rico, is the latest addition to a series in the University’s permanent art collection designed to illuminate the life and legacy of Princetonians who reflect the University’s broad diversity, part of the History and Sense of Place initiative.