Leo Antonio Carrillo (August 6 1880 - September 10 1961), was an actor, vaudevillian, political cartoonist, and conservationist.
Leo Carrillo State Park and Leo Carrillo beach, both in California, were named after the actor, who also served on the State Park and Recreation Commission. He was related by blood and marriage to a long line of distinguished original Californians.
For all the stereotypical Latinos he portrayed on screen, Leo Carrillo was actually an intelligent, literate man, the scion of an old, respected Los Angeles family who could trace his heritage back to the conquistadores.
Interred at Woodlawn Cemetary, Santa Monica, California
Cousin of William Gaxton.
He also had a distinguished career on the Broadway stage, appearing in "Lombardi Ltd.", "Twin Beds" and "Mister Antonio" prior to 1929.
Several of his political cartoons appear in Blue Vaudeville: Sex, Morals and the Mass Marketing of Amusement, 1895-1915 by Andrew L. Erdman.
Many books dealing with Chrysler automobiles feature several photos of Carrillo's mildly customized 1947 Chrysler Town and Country convertible. The wood sided rag top sported special longhorn seating, and a hood mounted steer head.
