Born in 1938, Gerardo Zepeda, also known as 'Chiquilin' or 'El Romano', embarked on a professional fighting career at a remarkably young age, prior to transitioning into the film industry. This multifaceted individual spent an impressive 15 years plying his trade under the moniker 'El Romano', leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
Throughout his illustrious career, spanning over 40 years and boasting an astonishing 300 films, Zepeda has consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability to bring to life an array of complex characters, including thugs, gangsters, monsters, and other individuals whose personalities are equally as intriguing. As a result, he has left an undeniable impression on multiple generations of viewers, cementing his status as a true legend of the silver screen.
Zepeda's journey took an unexpected turn when he was invited by Black Guzman, the brother of the legendary luchador, Santo, to travel to the United States and pursue a career in professional wrestling. For 15 years, he had the opportunity to engage in a series of bloody battles against a number of formidable opponents, including The Cave Galindo, Pompadours Guajardo, Pancho Villalobos, and, most notably, the iconic Santo himself. In fact, Zepeda has proudly claimed to have emerged victorious in at least two or three of their encounters.
Furthermore, Zepeda's path was also influenced by Jesus 'Bat' Velasquez, a renowned Mexican filmmaker who not only wrote several films, including 'The Shadow of the Bat' and 'Santo Vs The Cowboys of Terror', but also penned the novel 'Tlayucan', which was later adapted and directed by Luis Alcoriza. It was Velasquez who encouraged Zepeda to abandon his wrestling career and pursue a life in film, a decision that would ultimately lead to his enduring success.
