Manuel Padilla Jr. (July 13, 1955 – January 29, 2008)British Film Institute(BFI) Manuel Padilla Jr. was an American child actor who began appearing in films at age 8. He is best remembered for playing Jai on the 1960s Tarzan television series starring Ron Ely. He also co-starred with Mike Henry in two mid-1960s "Tarzan" feature films. As a young adult, he appeared in American Graffiti (1973) as well as its 1979 sequel. He also appeared in episodes of Rawhide, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, Happy Days and The Flying Nun. His last role was a small part in Brian De Palma's 1983 film Scarface. The Gridley Wave Manuel Padilla, Jr. Dead At 51; March 2008
Manuel Padilla Jr. died from colon cancer on January 29, 2008, at age 52.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1963 Dime with a Halo Rafael 1963 The Young and The Brave Han 1963 4 for Texas Boy with Pea Shooter Uncredited1964 Robin and the 7 Hoods Orphan Boy Uncredited1965 Sylvia Pancho Uncredited1965 Taffy and the Jungle Hunter Beau 1965 Black Spurs Manuel Reese 1966 Tarzan and the Valley of Gold Ramel 1967 Tarzan and the Great River Pepe 1970 A Man Called Horse Leaping Buck 1970 The Great White Hope Paco 1970Cutter's Trail (TV Movie)Paco Avila1973 American Graffiti Carlos 1979 More American Graffiti 1978 Cotton Candy Julio Sanchez 1983 Scarface Kid #2 (final film role)
See also List of former child actors from the United States
References
External links
Padilla in American Graffiti