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JoselitoSpanish singer and actor
Date of Birth: 11.02.1943
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Biography of Joselito
- Early Career
- International Success
- Challenges and Disappearance
- Life After Stardom
Biography of Joselito
Joselito, born José Jiménez Fernández on February 11, 1943, in the small town of Beas de Segura in the province of Jaén, Andalusia, Spain, was a famous Spanish singer and actor in the 1950s and early 1960s. He gained the nickname "Little Nightingale" due to his remarkable voice. However, like many child stars, Joselito had a difficult childhood, which led to an even more challenging life as he grew older.

Early Career
Joselito made his debut in the film industry in 1956 when he starred in the musical family drama "El pequeño ruiseñor" (The Little Nightingale). This film marked the beginning of his successful career and established his famous nickname. The Spanish film industry was looking for a new child star who could rival Pablito Calvo and make folk-inspired films more popular during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco.
International Success
After several films and recordings, Joselito achieved star status as a singer and actor in Europe. He then attempted to gain recognition in America and traveled to Mexico. In Mexico, he appeared in various projects, starting with the adventure musical "Aventuras de Joselito y Pulgarcito" (Adventures of Joselito and Pulgarcito) in 1960. His co-star in the film was the young Mexican actor Cesáreo Quezadas Pulgarcito, whose participation ensured the film's success in Mexico. Joselito's success reached the United States, and he appeared on Ed Sullivan's television show "Toast of the Town."
Challenges and Disappearance
Despite his apparent success, Joselito's life as a young star was not as carefree and happy as it seemed. He was under the complete control of his managers, who did not allow him to appear and live according to his true age and finally become a teenager. This was a characteristic feature of the lives of all Spanish child prodigies during Franco's rule – they were tried to be portrayed as children for as long as possible. Joselito was not allowed to date girls and was practically confined to his room between filming and rehearsals. He had to portray a child until 1969, when he was already 26 years old.
Joselito appeared in his last film, "Prisionero en la ciudad" (Prisoner in the City) in 1969, and then disappeared from the spotlight. His voice had long since broken, and as an adult actor, he no longer interested anyone. Success faded away, and Joselito disappeared as if he had never existed. Much later, it was revealed that the former child star had become a heroin addict and a mercenary in Africa. In 1990, he was arrested by the Angolan authorities and deported to Spain, where he was imprisoned.
Life After Stardom
Joselito's attempt to return to the screen as an adult actor was not successful. Public tastes and society had changed, and Joselito himself was no longer the same. He distanced himself completely from show business, went through rehabilitation, and now lives a peaceful life free from drugs and alcohol in Valencia, Spain. He has been married twice.