When Gregory Sierra first appeared on Sanford and Son as Julio Fuentes, he was stepping into more than just a recurring role — he was stepping into history.
In the early 1970s, Latino characters were virtually nonexistent on prime-time television. If they did appear, it was usually as stereotypes. But Julio was different: he was smart, hardworking, outspoken — and he wasn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with Fred Sanford.
“They called me a ‘first,’” Sierra said in a rare 1993 interview. “But I was just trying to be real.”
The dynamic between Fred and Julio wasn’t always friendly — but it was funny and layered. Their arguments reflected real tensions about immigration, neighborhood change, and identity. And through it all, Gregory Sierra made sure Julio had dignity.
Beyond Sanford and Son, Sierra continued breaking ground with major roles in Barney Miller and Hill Street Blues, always portraying characters with depth and humanity.
Though he passed away in 2021, his performances live on — and fans are now revisiting his legacy, calling for more Latino representation that’s honest, complex, and real.
