Before ‘Gilda’ and the glamour: Rita Hayworth’s journey from Tijuana to Hollywood

With her fiery red hair, striking figure, and unforgettable smile, it’s no wonder Rita Hayworth became one of Hollywood’s most iconic screen sirens (and one of my personal favorites).

But long before she lit up the silver screen in Gilda and other classics, she was far from the glitz of Hollywood—and she wasn’t even known as Rita yet. She was spending time across the border, performing in Tijuana, of all places.

Born Margarita Carmen Cansino, her path to stardom began on the lively stages of this border town, where she danced alongside her father, Eduardo Cansino, and her brother, Don. Together, they were known as The Dancing Cansinos, captivating local audiences with passionate, flamenco-inspired routines. Their high-energy performances filled clubs and venues with rhythm and flair, laying the foundation for the star she would eventually become.

Early Years in Tijuana: Performing with Family
In the late 1920s, Tijuana was experiencing a boom in tourism, particularly from the United States, during Prohibition, when alcohol was illegal in the U.S. but readily available across the border. Tijuana became a hotspot for both tourists and American celebrities looking to escape the restrictions of the U.S., and Rita’s family was right in the thick of this glamorous scene.

Rita’s father, Eduardo, was an established dancer and choreographer, and he brought his children into the business at an early age. Rita, only in her teens, performed alongside her father and brother in Tijuana’s top venues, including the renowned Foreign Club and Agua Caliente Casino and Hotel.

These venues were not only popular with tourists but also attracted Hollywood’s elite, including figures like Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, and Charlie Chaplin, who were often spotted at these hotspots.

The Foreign Club, which operated between 1917 and 1936, was one of Tijuana’s most famous nightclubs, known for its lavish atmosphere and exotic performances. In addition, the Agua Caliente Casino, often referred to as “Mexico’s Monte Carlo,” was a luxurious resort and casino built in 1928 that housed a hotel, casino, and racetrack.

This was another key location where Rita and her father performed, bringing flamenco and other lively dances to an international audience. Rita’s performances in these high-profile venues undoubtedly gave her the exposure needed to eventually catch the attention of Hollywood.

Tijuana: A Cultural Hub of Its Time
During the 1920s and 1930s, Tijuana was an up-and-coming entertainment city. In 1929, the population was about 21,971, and by 1940, it grew to 65,364, as the city became a beacon for visitors seeking a break from Prohibition in the United States. This influx of tourists, including Hollywood stars, provided a booming market for entertainers like Rita.

Today, Tijuana’s population has surpassed 2 million people, and it continues to serve as a cultural gateway between the U.S. and Mexico, with more than 90,000 commuters crossing daily at the San Ysidro Port of Entry from San Diego. The vibrant cross-border culture that existed in Rita’s time still thrives today, albeit in a modernized way.

The Cocktail Connection
There’s a fun rumor that a drink named the Margarita cocktail may have been created in Rita Hayworth’s honor in Tijuana. According to the tale, a bartender who was taken by her beauty named the drink after her. While the true origin of the Margarita is still debated, many believe that it was either invented in Tijuana or at a nearby venue. Whether or not she was the inspiration behind the drink, it’s clear that Tijuana’s lively nightlife and its connection to Hollywood stars, including Rita, left a lasting impact on the region’s cultural history.

Just Memories
Unfortunately, neither the Foreign Club nor the Agua Caliente Casino exists today. The Foreign Club was demolished in the 1970s, and the Agua Caliente Casino complex was also torn down in the same era. The site where Agua Caliente once stood now hosts educational institutions, though the Agua Caliente Racetrack, part of the original resort, still operates today as the Agua Caliente Racetrack and Casino, part of the Casino Caliente chain. The iconic allure of these once-glamorous venues may have faded, but they were instrumental in shaping the early career of Rita Hayworth.

Tijuana’s Role in Rita’s Rise to Fame
While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact moment that Rita’s star began to rise, it’s clear that her time performing in Tijuana played a crucial role in shaping her career. The exposure to Hollywood’s elite, the glamorous venues, and the valuable experience of performing in front of large, diverse audiences gave her a solid foundation.

The Road to Hollywood
After her time in Tijuana, she and her family moved to Los Angeles, where she quickly transitioned into Hollywood films. It wasn’t long before she became one of the biggest stars of the 1940s and 1950s, making her mark with films like Gilda and The Lady from Shanghai. Her striking beauty and graceful dancing made her an immediate sensation.

Beyond her professional success, her personal life was just as high-profile. She married Hollywood director Orson Welles in 1943 and later married Prince Aly Khan, further cementing her place in the upper echelons of both Hollywood and international society.

Legacy
In 1980, Hayworth was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, which contributed to her death in 1987 at age 68. She was married five times and had two children, daughters Rebecca Welles and Yasmin Aga Khan.

Today, I believe Rita Hayworth is remembered not only for her stunning film career but also for her contributions to the entertainment world as a dancer. Her early days in Tijuana, performing alongside her father at the Foreign Club and Agua Caliente, remain a significant part of her journey to fame.

Many believe Tijuana gave her the experience and exposure she needed to break into Hollywood, and the city’s vibrant entertainment scene helped shape the legendary figure she became.

You can check out Rita Hayworth’s list of other film credits by visiting Rita Hayworth.

Debbie L. Sklar is a long-time contributing editor to the Times of San Diego. For more historical stories about Hollywood’s Golden Age, visit here.

Sources:

• Classic San Diego – Foreign Club
• San Diego History Center – Agua Caliente Casino
• Mental Floss – Stories Behind Drinks Named After Real People
• Wikipedia – Eduardo Cansino
• El Casino de Agua Caliente – Tijuana Histórica
• Border Lines: Mexico – U.S. – ADP ReThink Q