Tom Hernández

Domingo Tomás Hernández Bethencourt (October 9, 1915 – June 2, 1984), known professionally as Tom Hernández (or Tommy Hernandez), was a Spanish-born American theater, films, and television actor, who played supporting roles, usually Hispanics, throughout his career. He was mainly known for their roles in the American film The 3rd Voice, and in the Spanish films "Fuerza Mortal" (1980) and "Tunka, el guerrero" (1983). However, he is best remembered by his interpretation of Don Diego character at the San Diego's fair (California) Del Mar Fair during almost of four decades until his death in 1984. He held the position of goodwill ambassador of the fair, promoting it and he welcomed people that came to the fair with his greeting in Spanish "¡Bienvenidos, Amigos!" ("Welcome Friends!"), greeting for which he was known.

Biography Hernández was born on October 9, 1915, in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain), to Domingo Hernández and Dominga Bethencourt. In 1920, Hernandez emigrated with his parents and an eldest brother to the United States when he was five. He also had a younger brother (who was born in the U.S., twelve years after his arrival there), the future actor Pepe Hern. appearing as master of ceremonies for the annual meeting In honor to him was created also The Don Diego Fund in 1986, a nonprofit scholarship program of the San Diego County Fair to economically help to the outstanding San Diego County high school students who have participated in the annual San Diego County Fair or other events concluded by the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Thus, this fund has delivered over $556,000 in scholarships and grants along its trajectory and has helped more than 130 students achieve a college degree. The Don Diego Fund is also a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

Trivia The character "Don Diego" was based on the landowner Don Diego Alvarado, owner of a great land in what is now Del Mar, California, in 1800 year.

Filmography This is a list of films of Tom Hernández Year Title Role Notes 1938 Dead Men Tell No Tales Spanish Bartender 1950 Tarzan and the Slave Girl Molo Uncredited 1952 Yankee Buccaneer Guard Uncredited 1953 Salome Townsman Uncredited 1953 Trouble Along the Way Butler Uncredited 1953 Sombrero Man in Cafe Uncredited 1953 The Desert Song Legionnaire Uncredited 1953 Latin Lovers Nora's Dancing Partner Uncredited 1954 Phantom of the Rue Morgue Gendarme Lara Uncredited 1955 The Last Command Aida Uncredited 1956 Anything Goes Frenchman Uncredited 1956 Santiago Soldier Uncredited 1957 El reflejo del alma (Spanish film) 1958 Party Girl Sketch Artist, Canetto Trial Uncredited 1959 Holiday for Lovers Portrait Painter Uncredited 1959 It Started with a Kiss Minor Role Uncredited 1960 The 3rd Voice Desk´s Clerk 1961 The Comancheros Croupier Uncredited 1962 Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Headwaiter Uncredited 1962 Tender Is the Night Nobleman Uncredited 1963 Fun in Acapulco Photographer Uncredited 1965 Choque de Sentimentos (Brazilian film) 1972 Trouble Man Police Sergeant 1974 La dynamite est bonne à boire (French film) 1979 Black Jack 1980 Fuerza mortal (Big games) Simpson (Spanish film) 1980 Cuatro locos buscan manicomio Gerente (Spanish film) 1981 Asalto al casino 1981 Homo hominis opus I Dictator Short, (Spanish film) 1982 Othello black command - as Fergusson 1984 Tunka, el guerrero great sage (Spanish film) (final film role)

TV series This is a list of television series in which he has appeared. Year Title Role episodes 1951 The Adventures of Kit Carson Tom Hernández A Ticket to Mexico 1955 Letter to Loretta Angelo The Waiting Game 1955 Death Valley Days Tony The Valencia Cake 1955 My Little Margie Hernando Papa and Mambo 1956 Cheyenne Ramón Fury at Rio Hondo 1957 State Trooper Pepe Soto Beef ala Murder 1959 Zorro chapters in 1957 1959 Laramie Montero Ríos The Run to Tumavaca 1959 Wagon Train Denny The Stagecoach Story 1960 Bourbon Street Beat Victor Last Exit 1960 Wanted: Dead or Alive Carlos Witch Woman S3 E14 1962 Target: The Corruptors! Babes in Wall Street 1962 The Virginian The Spanish Officer Riff-Raff (chapter in 1962) 1966 Mission: Impossible The Desk Sergeant Wheels (chapter in 1966) 1969 Daniel Boone Surgeon The Grand Alliance 1969 Family Affair Captain Lost in Spain, Part 3