Valdés, Germán Tin Tan

(Germán Genaro Cipriano Gómez Valdés Castillo)

(1915-1973)

   although he was a very popular and prolific performer in his lifetime, it was not until years after his death (of cancer) that Germán Valdés "Tin Tan" was recognized as a cult figure of Mexican cinema. He got his start in show business on the radio in Ciudad Juárez, then (in 1943) was "discovered" by ventriloquist Paco Miller, who was in the middle of a tour. Another performer on the show was Marcelo Chávez, who would be associated with Tin Tan for many years. Tin Tan originally played a pachuco (a Mexican-American, complete with zoot suit), but after a few years dropped this characterization. He appeared in over 100 films between 1943 and 1972, demonstrating his comedic talents, as well as the ability to sing and dance. Valdés was married three times; his third wife was Rosalía Julián, one of the singing Hermanas Julián. He had 6 children, including actress Rosalía Valdés.