Luis Miguel González Lucas, a celebrated and illustrious figure in the world of Spanish bullfighting, made his mark on the arena with his remarkable skills and bravery, earning the respect and admiration of fans and fellow matadors alike. Born on November 9, 1926, this talented torero was the son of the esteemed and renowned bullfighter Domingo Dominguín, whose name and legacy he proudly adopted, thereby leveraging his father's fame to catapult his own career to greater heights.
Dominguín's entrance into the world of bullfighting commenced at the tender age of eleven, when he first stepped into the public eye, his youthful energy and natural talent setting the stage for a illustrious career that would unfold in the years to come. It was in 1941 that he formally donned the mantle of a matador, his skills and charisma rapidly gaining widespread recognition and acclaim as he traversed the bullrings of Spain, Portugal, Colombia, and other countries, often sharing the spotlight with other legendary figures of the sport.
Dominguín, a renowned socialite, maintained intimate friendships with the illustrious Pablo Picasso, a pioneer of Cubism, and was romantically entwined with the captivating American actress Ava Gardner, known for her striking beauty and versatility on the silver screen, as well as the stunning fashion model China Machado, who left an indelible mark on the world of high fashion.
In the year 1955, Dominguín embarked on a lifelong union with the talented actress Lucia Bosé, who would go on to become the mother of his son, Miguel Bosé, a multi-talented artist who has made a significant impact on the music industry, earning numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award, and solidifying his status as a household name.
The multifaceted and illustrious figure of Dominguín, whose cinematic endeavors extended beyond his core profession, as he made sporadic appearances in films, typically taking on the role of himself in brief, yet memorable, cameos. His silver screen credits include the 1956 film "Around the World in 80 Days", where his presence added a touch of authenticity to the narrative, as well as the 1959 film "Testament of Orpheus", which showcased his versatility as an actor.
Furthermore, Dominguín's life was marked by a storied rivalry with his brother-in-law, the equally renowned bullfighter Antonio Ordóñez. This intense and storied feud, which captivated the world, was meticulously chronicled in Ernest Hemingway's seminal work "The Dangerous Summer", a testament to the enduring allure of the world of bullfighting and the legendary figures who dominated it.
Forty-four years of age in 1971, the renowned Dominguín embarked upon a comeback to the bullring, driven by an insatiable curiosity to unravel the enigmatic allure of the sport. This remarkable return to the arena was characterized by a spectacular performance at the esteemed Las Palmas, situated in the picturesque Canary Islands. As he entered the bullring, Dominguín donned a dazzling suit of lights, the brainchild of the illustrious artist Pablo Picasso, whose creative genius had imbued the ensemble with an unparalleled sense of drama and flair. The daredevil matador's valiant efforts ultimately resulted in the swift and skillful dispatch of two formidable bulls, leaving the audience in awe of his bravery and artistry.
Dominguín's personal life was characterized by a tumultuous romantic relationship with the iconic American actress Ava Gardner, whose fiery passion and intense emotions left an indelible mark on his life. This storied romance was marked by both tumultuous and tender moments, as the couple's fiery passion and deep affection for one another was matched only by the dramatic and often turbulent nature of their relationship.
Dominguín's significant and enduring friendship with the renowned Czech actress, Miroslava Sternova, was a notable aspect of his life. The two individuals first crossed paths in Cuba during the year 1953, and despite parting ways as friends, they would later rekindle their acquaintance in the United States in 1954.
It is worth noting that Sternova's life was tragically cut short when she was discovered deceased from an overdose in Mexico. Rumors surrounding the circumstances of her death suggested that she may have taken her own life due to the stress and heartache caused by Dominguín's marriage to the celebrated Spanish singer, Julio Iglesias Bosé.
The enigmatic Dominguín shared his perplexing perspectives on the mystifying realm of love and the complexities of the opposite sex. He candidly confessed to harboring a profound uncertainty regarding the essential characteristics he sought in a woman, leaving one to ponder the intricacies of his romantic inclinations. Furthermore, he made a provocative statement, suggesting that men often find themselves drawn to the imperfections of a woman rather than her notable virtues, thus implying that it is the very flaws that captivate our attention, rather than the qualities that make her exceptional.
Notwithstanding the turmoil that beset his personal existence and the formidable obstacles he encountered, Dominguín continues to be regarded as one of the most illustrious and revered bullfighters in the annals of history, renowned for his unyielding bravery and exceptional prowess within the confines of the bullring.
