After attending Princeton University until his sophomore year, he abandoned his studies and worked as an editor of a Vermont newspaper. He also wrote a children's book named "Tito's Hat".
After divorcing his first wife, Frances Pilchard, he married Barbara Tripp. He then divorced Tripp so he could remarry Pilchard.
Born to a Cuban-born father, a surgeon, and his wife, a New York socialite, he grew up in New Jersey.
Brother of famous cardiologist and educator Dr. M. Irené Ferrer. She helped refine the cardiac catheter and electrocardiogram, which have become diagnostic essentials in heart treatment.
Directed José Ferrer (no relation) in the latter's first performance as Cyrano de Bergerac.
Father of Sean H. Ferrer with Audrey Hepburn
Father of five children: Pepa Phillippa (born on 19 August 1941) and Mark Young Ferrer (born on 19 June 1944) with Frances Pilchard, Mela (born on 22 January 1943) and Christopher Ferrer (born on 4 February 1944) with Barbara C. Tripp, and Sean H. Ferrer (born on 17 July 1960) with Audrey Hepburn.
His oldest child, with Pilchard, died as an infant.
Made his Broadway debut as an actor at age 23, two years after making his debut as a dancer aged 21.
Member of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1962
Not related to José Ferrer and Miguel Ferrer.
Prior to his marriage to Elizabeth Soukhotine, Ferrer had a scandalous relationship with 29-year-old interior designer/shipping heiress Tessa Kennedy, who was still married to her first husband Dominick Elwes.
Spoke Spanish and French fluently.
Wife Audrey Hepburn did not want to be separated from her husband while filming Funny Face (1957), so filming of the Paris scenes was timed to coincide with Ferrer's filming of Elena and Her Men (1956).