Clavillazo

(Antonio Espino Mora)

(1910-1993)

   One of the most popular screen comedians of the latter half of the 1950s, Antonio Espino had struggled for many years before achieving fame. Born in Puebla, as a teenager Espino decided he wanted to be an actor. He began appearing on the stage in Mexico City in the mid-1930s, using nicknames like "El Chumiate," "Clavos," and "Clavillo," before finally settling on "Clavillazo." By the 1940s, he was a popular stage comedian who even owned his own "carpa" theatre; his film career began in earnest in the early '50s. During the latter half of the decade, Clavillazo starred in a significant number of films, and was also the host of a hit TV show. In most of his pictures he wore his stage costume - a baggy coat and an odd, pointed cap - and was known for his exaggerated hand gestures and a number of catch phrases, including "No más," and "la cosa está calmada." His film career declined precipitously in the '60s; in the '80s he made several appearances in semi-dramatic roles in films like En las garras de la ciudad. He suffered a stroke in 1987, and in 1993 had a series of heart attacks, which culminated with his death in November of that year. Clavillazo was married to Noemí Barreiro from the mid-1940s until his death.

   Other Espinos who appeared in Mexican cinema and may have been relatives of Clavillazo include Edmundo Espino and Fidel Angel Espino.