Negrete was born in the city of
Guanajuato and had two brothers and three sisters. His father was a Mexican Army colonel who fought with the Revolutionary faction called Northern Division (
División del Norte); however, around 1920, he quit his military career and moved with his family to Mexico City. There he found a job as a math teacher at several institutions, such as the German College "Alexander Von Humboldt", where his sons David and Jorge studied until middle school. As a result, they became fluent in the German language. Jorge learned other languages at the
Heroico Colegio Militar (military academy of Mexico): English, French, and Italian. From an early age, Negrete demonstrated great brilliance and rapidly became a prominent student in the eyes of his teachers. At the age of thirteen, because of Negrete's misbehavior, his father decided to enroll him in the military. He graduated with the rank of sub-lieutenant from
El Colegio Militar. This was where his interest in music developed. His military training also forged him a gallant presence and character which would later benefit him in his acting career. Negrete met and studied under , a prestigious singing professor who became fascinated the moment he heard Negrete sing. Pierson helped Negrete develop his talent for opera, and at the age of twenty Negrete began to sing for Radio XETR. Negrete went to the United States and in 1932 recorded several operas using the stage name
Alberto Moreno. and
María Félix. He also lived with his frequent co-star
Gloria Marín for more than ten years. She acted in 10 of his 44 films. , from left to right Negrete, the president Miguel Alemán Valdés,
Mario Moreno Cantinflas and He began his career on the radio in 1931 in Mexico City singing operatic parts. In 1936 he signed with
NBC Television for a TV program with
Cuban and Mexican musicians. He returned to Mexico in 1937 to act in the film
La madrina del Diablo ("The Devil's Godmother"), and because of the film's success he was able to sign for several more the next three years. In 1938 he starred in
La Valentina with Elisa Christy and then in
Juntos pero no revueltos. After working in
Havana and
Hollywood, Negrete was called to act in
¡Ay, Jalisco, no te rajes! ("Hey Jalisco, Don't Back Down!"), which made him an international Latin star and helped create the
charro film genre. During filming he met
Gloria Marín, kicking off their romance and the string of films they worked on together. He complemented his film career by singing
rancheras touring Latin America with the trio
Los Tres Calaveras, performing at concerts, and making personal appearances. He was offered the main role in
El peñón de las ánimas (
The Rock of Souls) and wanted Marín to be his co-star. In spite of his protests, newcomer
María Félix was cast instead, and although they at first despised each other during production, she would eventually become his wife. Negrete visited
Chile in 1946 where
a local Mexican music scene was thriving, partially as a result of the influence of Mexican cinema. Negrete was one of the founders, and most important leaders, of the Mexican
National Association of Actors (ANDA), succeeding
Cantinflas as its chairman. In 1952 actress
Leticia Palma was involved in the struggle between Cantinflas and Negrete over leadership of the union, with Palma campaigning actively for Cantinflas. On January 2, 1953, Palma was "rescued" by Major Manuel González, who helped her get a taxi to safety while she was being pursued by an angry mob led by Negrete, who was after Palma for having stolen documents regarding her contract violations. Palma filed an assault charge against Negrete. Eight days later, ANDA held a special assembly to decide on Palma. Cantinflas argued on her behalf, attempting to negotiate a settlement. Negrete would allow nothing less than her expulsion from the union, and Palma likewise refused to withdraw the charge of assault. Just before the vote, a number of actresses left the room in protest. The remaining members voted in favor of expulsion, thus ending Palma's film career. ==Death and aftermath==