Juano Hernández was Hollywood's first Afro-Latino star. Appearing in more than 20 films, his critically-acclaimed performances broke barriers for Black actors.

He should be a household name - but his contributions are often forgotten.

Here's a look at his trailblazing career

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Brazil, Hernández worked as a sailor, boxer and circus performer before beginning his acting career.

He got his start in all-black Broadway revues, and later became known for his work as a radio performer.

Hernández's first screen credit was in the 1914 silent film 'The Life of General Villa' (in which Pancho Villa played himself!)

This opened the door to roles in films by producer-director Oscar Micheaux, who is considered Hollywood's first major Black feature filmmaker.

But it was Hernández's breakout performance in 1949's 'Intruder in the Dust' that brought him critical acclaim.

He was nominated for a Golden Globe as New Star of the Year for the role, making him the first Afro-Latino to receive a Golden Globe nomination.

Hernández went on to act alongside Sidney Poitier & Nat King Cole – but though he was respected by critics, he never received widespread fame.

Today, film historians credit him with paving the way for Black actors in Hollywood.

He deserves to be remembered as a film pioneer.