He left school at the age of seven to join a family act called "Las Perlitas" that toured southwest Texas.

After Gonzalez performed a 15-second comic dance to strong applause, Marx complimented his guest's comedic skill, saying: "Pedro, we could do a great act together.

[2] John Wayne saw his appearance on the program and cast him as comic relief in a number of movies including The High and the Mighty, Rio Bravo and Hellfighters.

He also made guest appearances in shows such as The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet, Gunsmoke and Wanted: Dead or Alive, as well as the Jerry Lewis film, Hook, Line & Sinker.

As a result of playing comic relief roles, he was accused of perpetuating negative stereotypes about Hispanic men.