Ep 11. Raul Julia: The World's A Stage

Raul Julia was a talented and charismatic actor who left an indelible mark on stage and screen before his untimely death in 1994. In American Masters season 33 episode 11, "Raul Julia: The World's A Stage," viewers are given a glimpse into Julia's life and career, from his early days in Puerto Rico to his rise to stardom on Broadway and beyond.

The episode features candid interviews with Julia's family, friends, and colleagues, who offer insights into his creative process and the challenges he faced as a Latino actor in Hollywood. Viewers learn about Julia's formative years studying theater in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he honed his skills as an actor and cultural ambassador. From there, the episode traces Julia's journey to New York City, where he quickly became a fixture of the theater scene, earning critical acclaim and a Tony nomination for his breakthrough role in "Two Gentlemen of Verona."

As the episode unfolds, viewers see Julia's career evolve and expand, as he takes on challenging, diverse roles on stage and screen. Julia's turns in "Kiss of the Spider Woman," "The Addams Family," and "Street Fighter" are all explored in depth, with commentary from those who worked with him and admired his craft. The episode also touches on Julia's activism and his commitment to social justice, which he expressed through his work with organizations like Amnesty International and the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors.

Despite his many successes, the episode doesn't shy away from the difficulties that Julia faced as a Latino actor working within the Hollywood machine. Viewers see clips of interviews in which Julia discusses the barriers he had to overcome, both in terms of representation and the challenges of finding complex, multidimensional roles. But despite these obstacles, the episode underscores Julia's unwavering belief in the power of art to bridge cultural divides and bring people together.

Overall, "Raul Julia: The World's A Stage" is a moving tribute to a talent gone too soon, and an illuminating look at the life and career of one of the most compelling actors of his generation. Through interviews, archival footage, and personal anecdotes, viewers gain a greater appreciation for Julia's impact on American theater and cinema, and for his commitment to using his platform to effect meaningful change in the world.