The 'Tora-Torero' Sidney Franklin

A Jewish bullfighter? There actually was one: Sidney Franklin, born Sidney Frumkin in Brooklyn on July 11, 1903, was the first American to achieve the prestigious title of matador in Spain. Although he was Jewish and gay, he asserted himself in a world that would otherwise have labeled him an outsider, overcoming cultural barriers.

Early life and departure to Mexico

Franklin grew up as the fifth of nine children in an Orthodox Jewish family. His father, a Russian-Jewish immigrant and police officer, had a strict upbringing that frequently led to intra-family conflicts. After a heated argument with his father, Franklin left New York in 1922 at the age of 19 and moved to Mexico City, originally planning to study Mayan history. There, he initially ran a poster printing business. A visit to a bullfighting arena ultimately awakened Franklin's passion for the traditional Spanish sport.

Determined to become a bullfighter himself, he began training under the renowned matador Rodolfo Gaona. He made his debut on September 23, 1923, in Mexico City, where, despite an injury, he killed the bull, thus laying the foundation for his career.

Career in Spain and international recognition

In 1929, Franklin traveled to Spain and was celebrated as the first American to compete in the Seville bullring. His impressive height of almost six feet and his elegant style quickly made him famous. In the following years, he fought in arenas in Spain, Portugal, Colombia, and Panama. Ernest Hemingway described him in his work "Death in the Afternoon" as one of the most talented bullfighters of his time.

The bullfighter also had a career as an actor: he played himself in Leo McCarey's comedy The Kid from Spain (1932).

In 1945, Franklin officially received the alternativa , the matador's knighthood, in Madrid, thus finally joining the ranks of professional bullfighters. During his career, he killed an estimated 5,000 bulls and survived several serious injuries.

Private life and identity

Franklin was homosexual, an aspect of his life that he largely concealed in the homophobic society of his time. However, his sexual orientation was an open secret among his friends and colleagues. In his autobiography, "Bullfighter from Brooklyn," he concealed this aspect of his identity.

His Jewish heritage, however, was a visible part of his public persona. He was often called "El Torero de la Torah." This gave him a unique position in traditionally Catholic bullfighting.

Later years and legacy

After retiring from active service, Franklin initially opened a bullfighter school in Seville. Eventually, however, the former bullfighter turned his back on Spain and returned to New York. He also wrote about bullfighting for the Encyclopædia Britannica and was considered a recognized expert in the field.

In his final years, he lived a secluded life in New York and died on April 26, 1976, at the age of 72 in a nursing home in Manhattan. Although he enjoyed great success during his lifetime, his name was largely forgotten after his death.