Movita Castaneda, American actress and singer (b. 1916)

Maria Luisa "Movita" Castaneda (April 12, 1916 – February 12, 2015) was a captivating American actress whose career in Hollywood spanned several decades. While she left her mark on the silver screen, she is perhaps most widely recognized for her personal life, specifically as the second wife of the legendary and influential actor Marlon Brando.

Movita's on-screen persona often saw her cast in enchanting roles as exotic women and singers, a prevalent archetype during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Her notable film appearances include the vibrant 1933 musical Flying Down to Rio, where she graced the screen as a "Carioca Singer." This particular film holds a significant place in cinema history as the first on-screen pairing of iconic dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Just two years later, she showcased her talent in the critically acclaimed adventure drama Mutiny on the Bounty (1935). In this epic production, which famously starred Clark Gable and Charles Laughton, Movita portrayed Tehani, a Tahitian woman who becomes a love interest for one of the mutineers, further solidifying her distinctive screen presence in these classic films.

Her marriage to Marlon Brando began in 1960. While Brando had previously been married to Welsh actress Anna Kashfi, Movita became his second wife, a union that garnered considerable public and media attention. Their marriage, which lasted until their divorce in 1968, brought two children into the world, further entrenching her connection to one of Hollywood's most enigmatic figures. This period placed her at the heart of the era's celebrity landscape, intertwining her narrative with one of cinema's greatest stars.

Movita was the devoted mother of Miko Castaneda Brando, born in 1961, and Rebecca Brando Kotlizky, born in 1966. Both children are from her marriage to Marlon Brando, continuing a lineage connected to a significant era of film history. She passed away at the impressive age of 98, leaving behind a legacy that encompassed both her contributions to classic cinema and her notable personal life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Movita Castaneda

Who was Movita Castaneda?

Maria Luisa "Movita" Castaneda was an American actress, born April 12, 1916, and passed away February 12, 2015. She was known for her roles as exotic women and singers in films like Flying Down to Rio and Mutiny on the Bounty, and famously as the second wife of legendary actor Marlon Brando.

What were Movita Castaneda's most famous films?

Among her most recognized film roles were as a "Carioca Singer" in Flying Down to Rio (1933), the film that first paired Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and as Tehani in the Best Picture-winning Mutiny on the Bounty (1935), starring Clark Gable and Charles Laughton.

Was Movita Castaneda married to Marlon Brando?

Yes, Movita Castaneda was married to Marlon Brando. She was his second wife, their marriage lasting from 1960 to 1968. They had two children together: Miko Castaneda Brando and Rebecca Brando Kotlizky.

How many children did Movita Castaneda have with Marlon Brando?

Movita Castaneda had two children with Marlon Brando: Miko Castaneda Brando, born in 1961, and Rebecca Brando Kotlizky, born in 1966.