JOHN WAYNE - PEDRO GONZALEZ GONZALEZ DIES

Comedic entertainer and character actor PEDRO GONZALEZ GONZALEZ, who appeared in JOHN WAYNE films and other movies, has died. He was 80.

Gonzalez Gonzalez died of natural causes at his home 6 February (06), according to his grandson, actor CLIFTON COLLINS JR.

The entertainer began his career at age seven, when his parents pulled him out of school to entertain migrant works and residents in the American south west.

In 1953, he appeared as a contestant on GROUCHO MARX's TV quiz show YOU BET YOUR LIFE and his banter with the legendary entertainer stole the show.

JOHN WAYNE saw his guest appearance on the show and signed the actor to his production company.

The performer became one of the most recognisable Mexican-American actors, appearing with Wayne in THE HIGH AND THE MIGHTY, RIO BRAVO and HELLFIGHTERS.

Gonzalez Gonzalez, whose name was a traditional combination of his mother's and father's identical surnames, is survived by his wife LEANDRA and three children.