Q: I am looking for information about Brazilian-born actor José Oliveira, who was the voice of José Carioca, the parrot in Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros. When was he born? How long did he live? Where is he buried? How did he become associated with Disney? What else did he do with his career?
Andy, Nashville, Tennessee
A: José Oliveira was a Brazilian singer, born in Rio de Janeiro. He was hired by Disney to be the voice of José Carioca. Little is known of his background other than that he was a noted musician and comedian in the nightclubs of Rio; imdb.com does not list any other film credits. In the mid-1950s, he appeared on Guest Star Day on the Mickey Mouse Club television show.
Dave Smith