José Isbert, also known as Pepe Isbert, was a renowned Spanish actor born on March 3, 1886, in Madrid, Spain. He made his debut in the short film "Asesinato y entierro de Don José Canalejas" in 1912, playing the role of Pardiñas, the anarchist who killed José Canalejas.
During the silent era, Isbert worked in theatre, taking on supporting roles in cinema. However, with the advent of sound, he made a big screen comeback in the comedy "La pura verdad" in 1931, directed by Florián Rey. In the 1930s, he acted in half a dozen films, including "¿Cuándo te suicidas?" (1931),"La bien pagada" (1935),and "El bailarín y el trabajador" (1935).
Isbert gained great popularity in the 1940s with films such as "Te quiero para mí" (1944),"El testamento del virrey" (1944),"Ella, él y sus millones" (1944),"El fantasma y doña Juanita" (1945),and "Pacto de silencio" (1949).
The films he is most remembered for are from the 1950s and 1960s, including "Welcome Mr. Marshall!" (1953),"Los jueves, milagro" (1957),and "El verdugo" (1963),all directed by Luis García Berlanga. He also starred in the dark comedy masterpiece "El cochecito" (1960) by Marco Ferreri, written by Rafael Azcona.
Isbert was the grandfather in the Spanish classic "La gran familia" (1962) and its sequel "La gran familia... y uno más" (1965),earning him greater popularity. He passed away on November 28, 1966, at the age of 80, due to a heart condition. He was buried at Tarazona de la Mancha cemetery in the province of Albacete, Spain.
