Silverio Perez, 91; Mexican Matador Known as ‘Pharaoh’
Silverio Perez, 91, one of Mexico’s most beloved bullfighters, died Sept. 2 at his ranch in Pentecostes east of Mexico City after suffering from pneumonia, Mexican media reported.
Born June 20, 1915, the legendary matador started his career in 1931 after a bull killed his brother, the famed Carmelo Perez, during a fight in Spain.
Nicknamed “The Pharaoh,” Silverio Perez’s enticing, slow style attracted fans in Mexico and Spain. During a fight in 1943, crowd cheers of “Ole!” reverberated for blocks from a Mexico City ring after he killed the bull Tanguito in what was considered a supreme performance.
Perez retired from bullfighting in 1953. In the 1960s, Mexican songwriter and singer Agustin Lara wrote the song “Silverio” in his honor.
A statue of Perez waving his cape at a bull adorns one of Mexico City’s main avenues.
Thousands of Mexicans planned to honor Perez in a ceremony today at the Plaza Mexico, Mexico City’s main bullfighting ring.
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