Many actors can proudly wear the brand of stardom; but fewer can tote the banner of subtle sensuality, commanding grace, and seamless work in every single role they play. Anthony Quinn, however, did all of the above. Further, Anthony Quinn traversed the boundaries of ethnicity, playing various roles wherein the Mexican-Irish star was a Greek, an Italian, a Filipino, a Mexican, a Native American, and many other distinctly defined identities—never faltering or falling out of character, so convincing was he in each.

Some of didn’t know he had died (in June of 2001), and were discussing who the sexiest of “older male actors” were. Anthony Quinn was at the top of all our lists. And not just for his undaunted masculinity and sex appeal was he considered. Quinn had a versatility, an ability to cross genres without compromise, a gift for switching roles and registers…that inevitably earned him two Best Supporting Actor Academy Awards, and numerous accolades.

Think of Viva Zapata! (for which Quinn won his first Oscar). He played the boozing, carousing romantic Eufemio, a foil to Marlon Brando’s Emiliano Zapata. Or consider his starring role as Paul Gauguin in Lust for Life (for which he won his second Oscar), wherein he plays the balance in the dickering, challenging, competitive friendship with fellow artist Kirk Douglas’s Van Gogh.

Or consider his passionate rendition of Santiago in the TV adaptation of Hemingway’s Old Man and the Sea, a performance many might say deserved more recognition, or his endearing Nick Acropolis, attempting to court the uninterested Rose Muldoon, played by Maureen O’Hara.

We could revisit each of the over 160 roles the Chihuahua-born (1915) Anthony Quinn played in dramas, comedies, westerns, numerous other genre films, and TV series and shows; we could appreciate the many dedicated sites that speak his praises; but better, we could also rent or buy the films and revisit and confirm how we esteemed the stunningly flexible and fine actor—in memoriam.