
Manuel Noriega
ActingAbout Manuel Noriega
Manuel "Manolo" Noriega, (July 24, 1880 - August 12, 1961) was a stage and film actor, screenwriter, and film director. Born Manolo Noriega Ruiz in Spain, he worked in live theatre for many years, performing in his native Spain as well in Mexico, Cuba, and the United States. A pioneer in silent film, he made his first screen appearance in 1907. It is believed some of his early silent films have been lost but his main body of work began in talkies in the early 1930s, performing in close to two hundred sound films. Noriega earned an Ariel Award nomination for "Best Actor in a minor role" for his performance in the 1946 film, "Pepita Jiménez." Married to Hortensia Castañeda, their daughter Carmen became a singer who married Tito Guízar. Manuel Noriega died in Mexico City in 1961.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Manuel Noriega reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Manuel Noriega's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 30% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Manuel Noriega remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Macario, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Manuel Noriega Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Manuel Noriega's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Manuel Noriega.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Macario | Abuelo enfermo (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | The River and Death | Pueblerino (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Illusion Travels by Streetcar | Don Julio (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Reportaje | Police secretary (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Dos tipos de cuidado | Rosario's Doctor | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Mexican Bus Ride | Licenciado Figueroa | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | ¿Qué te ha dado esa mujer? | Señor Cura | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Los hijos de la calle | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Vagabunda | Don Filemon | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | El Mago | Profesor escuela, cliente mago (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | El Supersabio | Profesor (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | El cuarto mandamiento | Don Eusebio Echeverria | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Tarzan and the Mermaids | Older Aquitanian | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | ¡A volar, joven! | Doctor (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Encadenada (El yugo) | Dr. Ferrer | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | Cinco rostros de mujer | Pedro, mayordomo (as Manolo Noriega) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | A media luz | Juan Pitas | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Pepita Jimenez | Ceferino | Flop | Similar → |
| 1945 | The Barracks | Tío Tomba | Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Twilight | Papá de Lucía (as Manolo Noriega) | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | San Francisco de Asís | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Los miserables | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1943 | Romeo y Julieta | (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | Hooray for Women! | Don Próspero (as Manolo Noriega) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Morenita clara | Notario (as Manolo Noriega) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1942 | Alejandra | Cuñado de Elena | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | When the Children are Gone | Don Claudio (as Manolo Noriega) | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | El milagro de Cristo | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | Con su amable permiso | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | El jefe máximo | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | You’re Missing the Point | Juez | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | El hipnotizador | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Hawk | Don Felipe Sandoval | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | Los últimos días de Pompeyo | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | Mi madrecita | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Viviré otra vez | Dr. Guzman (as Manolo Noriega) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | In the Times of Don Porfirio | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Odio | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1938 | La zandunga | Don Eulogio (as Manolo Noriega) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1938 | Ojos tapatios | Chefo | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Eterna mártir | Jaime | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | La honradez es un estorbo | Pepe Alcántara | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Ave sin rumbo | Doctor Alvarez | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | ¡Esos hombres! | José | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | Novillero | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1937 | El impostor | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1936 | Allá en el Rancho Grande | Don Rosendo | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Macabre Trunk | Dr. Monroy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1935 | The Dead Speak | Profesor Jiménez | Flop | Similar → |
| 1934 | Two Monks | - | Average | Similar → |
Manuel Noriega - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Manuel Noriega?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Manuel Noriega is "Macario" with a rating of 8.7/10.
How many movies has Manuel Noriega acted in?
Manuel Noriega has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Manuel Noriega?
Other notable films include "Dos tipos de cuidado", "You’re Missing the Point", and "¡A volar, joven!".




