His friendly "Latin Lover" rivalry with fellow Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer star Ricardo Montalban prodded a memorable Saturday Night Live (1975) sketch in later years with Bill Murray titled "Quien es mas macho, Fernando Lamas o Ricardo Montalban?".
Best friends with Jane Wyman (who was also very close with his son Lorenzo Lamas), with whom he co-starred on Falcon Crest (1981). They had that remarkable friendship for 24 years, between 1958 until Fernando's death in 1982.
His effortless charm and way with the ladies earned him the moniker
("First of the Red Hot Lamas").
He had a daughter, Cristina, with his first wife, Perla.
Had eight grandchildren.
He was cast on the television series Gavilan (1982), but due to the cancer that would take his life, he was forced to withdraw from the role after filming a few episodes. Patrick Macnee replaced him in the cast, and the scenes were redone.
Was nominated for Broadway's 1957 Tony Award as Best Actor (Musical) for "Happy Hunting".
He had a daughter, Alexandra "Alex", with his second wife, Lydia.