José Jaspe

José Jaspe (born José Jaspe Rivas on 10 August 1906 in Corunna, Galicia, Spain) was a versatile Spanish character actor whose career spanned more than three decades of European cinema. Growing up in the culturally rich region of Galicia, he entered the film industry in the early 1940s, quickly becoming a familiar face in both domestic productions and international co‑productions. His first credited appearance arrived in 1941 with El sobre lacrado, and from that point he cultivated a reputation for delivering solid supporting performances, often portraying authority figures, antagonists, or colorful locals. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s he worked with prominent directors such as Ignacio F. Iquino, appearing in titles like El pobre rico (1942) and Black Jack (1950), which showcased his ability to blend gravitas with subtle humor. **In the 1960s Jaspe transitioned to the booming genre of Spaghetti Westerns and adventure epics, earning roles in films such as Jesse James' Kid (1965), The Golden Arrow (1962) and the cult classic Horror Express (1972), where he played the ominous conductor Konev. He also appeared in The House of 1,000 Dolls (1967) as Ahmed and took part in historical dramas like Doctor Zhivago (1965), albeit uncredited. Over his extensive filmography, he amassed more than one hundred screen credits, ranging from war dramas like Submarine Attack (1955) to mythic tales such as The Three Musketeers of the West (1973). José Jaspe died on 5 June 1974 in Becerril de la Sierra, Spain, leaving behind a legacy of reliable character work that continues to be appreciated by aficionados of classic European cinema.