From his 1964 arrival in New York from Puerto Rico this exuberant yet urbane leading man, singer and character player with a broad, open face and large, popping eyes won considerable acclaim as a distinguished and prolific stage actor before branching out into films. Although he possessed darkly handsome Latino looks, often sported a trim mustache and never completely lost a mellifluous Spanish accent, Julia quickly transcended stereotyping, bringing a regal bearing, manic energy and remarkable versatility to an exceptionally broad range of roles.

After graduating from college and giving up