Abel Fernandez — Acting | Biography, Movies & Career

Biography

Tall, handsome, cool, and intimidating, Native Latino American paratrooper, professional boxer, and character actor. Was of Yaqui Native Mexican descent, and possibly more tribes. Was from East Los Angeles, California. Fernandez was born in Los Angeles, California, on July 14, 1930. His mother was a Yaqui Native Mexican woman, and his father was a Native Mexican man. He was the youngest of a large family and lost his mother at birth. He attended Belmont High School in Los Angeles, and at the age of 16, enlisted in the United States Army and became a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division. While there he won the title, Middleweight Boxing Champ of the Asiatic Forces. In 1950, as an amateur, he won the light heavyweight title in the Los Angeles Golden Gloves competition. After his discharge, he became a professional boxer from 1950 to 1953. During that time he studied acting and began appearing in films. In 1964, Fernandez was sentenced to 90 days in jail after pleading guilty to failing to file state tax returns in California for four years. Additionally, he had to pay $4,750 in taxes, plus penalties, and be on probation for four years. Best known for his role as Federal Agent William "Bill" Youngfellow on the 1959–1963 ABC Television series The Untouchables. Stood 6’5” (196cm), and weighed 200lbs (91kg). Wore size 16 4E shoes. He had 15in (38cm) fists. Also had a monstrous wingspan of 7’2” (218cm). Was married to a woman but name is unknown. They had 4 children together.