Biography

Tony Ortega was born on June 7, 1928 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was an actor, known for Gloria (1980), I, the Jury (1982) and The Julie Andrews Show (1965). He was married to Mona Ørbeck. He died on October 30, 2022 in Encinitas, California, USA.

Clarinet and alto sax player, playing professionally from the late 40s. Toured Europe with Lionel Hampton in 1953. Subsequently played in bands led by Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton , Herbie Mann, Gerald Wilson, and others.

Subject of the 1994 book 'Central Avenue Sounds: Anthony Ortega'.

His sax teacher Lloyd Reese also mentored such future jazz luminaries as Charles Mingus and Eric Dolphy.

Served in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1951.