José Luis López Vázquez originally worked in theater as a costume designer, a scenic designer, and as an assistant director to Pío Ballesteros and Enrique Herreros. In 1946, he switched over to films, with a small role. Originally starring in comic roles, he made the move to drama films in the 1960s, demonstrating his profound aptitude for acting. During his life, he starred in more than 200 movies, filming several full-length films in a year. Although he usually appeared in Spanish films, he occasionally worked on international projects.