Born Maria Luisa Castaneda, Movita Castaneda was an American actress and singer. She was well known for having been the eight-year-younger wife of the actor, Marlon Brando. Castaneda was best known for playing exotic women in the majority of her films, including ‘Flying Down to Rio,’ ‘Mutiny on the Bounty,’ ‘Paradise Isle,’ and ‘Girl from Rio.’ In addition to these films, she appeared in ‘Tower of Terror,’ ‘Fort Apache,’ ‘The Mysterious Desperado,’ and ‘Saddle Legion.’ The American actress also contributed to television by portraying Ana in the drama series “Knots Landing.” Castaneda, the mother of Rebecca Brando Kotlizky and Miko Castaneda Brando, had multiple relationships with men in her personal life. Before she fell in love with Brando, she had passionate relationships with Errol Flynn and Clark Gable and a failed marriage with Jack Doyle. The actress passed away on February 12, 2015, in Los Angeles at the age of 98 due to complications from a neck injury.
Movita Castaneda’s Career
Movita Castaneda made her film debut in the 1933 film Flying Down to Rio. She subsequently portrayed Tehanni alongside Franchot Tone and Clark Gable in the film Mutiny on the Bounty. She then appeared in the films Captain Calamity and The Hurricane. Castaneda subsequently portrayed an island girl in the films Paradise Isle’ and ‘Girl from Rio’.
She starred in the 1938 film Rose of the Rio Grande. This was followed by her performance in the 1941 suspense film “Tower of Terror.” After a brief break, the American actress portrayed Henry Fonda’s cook in the film “Fort Apache.” Then, she appeared alongside actor Tim Holt in two westerns, ‘The Mysterious Desperado’ and ‘Saddle Legion.’
Castaneda was also cast in the films Red Light, The Furies, and Wagon Master during this period. The next year, in 1951, she appeared in the film Soldiers Three. She was cast in the movie “Dream Wife” two years later. The actress then starred in the 1955 film “Apache Ambush.” After playing a little role on television in 1977, Castaneda portrayed Ana in the drama ‘Knots Landing’
Movita’s Personal Life
Movita Castaneda was born as Maria Luisa Castaneda in Nogales, Arizona, on April 12, 1916. She attended Fairfax High School together with her nine siblings. She married Irish actor and singer Jack Doyle in 1939. She had previously been involved in turbulent romances with Errol Flynn and Clark Gable.
Castaneda’s marriage to Doyle did not last, and in 1960 she married actor Marlon Brando. Rebecca Brando Kotlizky and Miko Castaneda Brando were the couple’s two children. Also short-lived, their marriage ended in divorce in 1962.
Castaneda passed away on February 12, 2015, due to complications from a neck injury. She was 98 years old at the time.
Estimated Net Worth
Movita is one of the wealthiest and most popular actresses in the film industry. According to our investigation, Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider, Movita Castaneda has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.