George Lopez
George Lopez | |
---|---|
Birth name | George Edward Lopez |
Born | Los Angeles, California,U.S. | April 23, 1961
Medium | |
Years active | 1983–present |
Genres | |
Subject(s) | |
Spouse |
Ann Serrano
(m.1993;div.2011) |
Children | 1 |
Website | georgelopez |
George Edward Lopez(born April 23, 1961) is an American stand-up comedian and actor. He is most known for starring in his self-produced ABC sitcomGeorge Lopez.His stand-up comedy examines race and ethnic relations, includingMexican Americanculture. Lopez has received several honors for his work and contributions to the Latino community, including the 2003 Imagen Vision Award, the 2003 Latino Spirit Award for Excellence in Television and the National Hispanic Media Coalition Impact Award. He was also named one of "The Top 25 Hispanics in America" byTimemagazine in 2005.[1]
Early life
George Edward Lopez was born on April 23, 1961, inMission Hills, Los Angeles,California,[2]the son of Frieda and Anatasio Lopez, a migrant worker.[3]He is ofMexicandescent.[4]He was deserted by his father when he was two months old and by his mother when he was 10 years old,[5]and was raised by his maternal grandmother, Benita Gutierrez, a factory worker, and step-grandfather, Refugio Gutierrez, a construction worker.[6][7]Lopez attendedSan Fernando High School,graduating in 1979.[8]
Career
Television
In 2000, after several years of performing stand-up comedy, Lopez was approached by actressSandra Bullockfor Lopez to produce and star in a comedy. Bullock was concerned about the lack ofHispanic-oriented sitcoms on American television and pushed to get a sitcom on television that starred Hispanics without being exclusively about the Hispanic American community. Long criticized by Hispanic American groups for lack of Latinos on their television shows,ABCquickly picked up the television series. In 2002, Lopez became one of the few Latinos to star in a television comedy series, following in the footsteps ofDesi Arnaz,Freddie Prinze,andJohn Leguizamo.George Lopezis an American situation comedy that originally aired on ABC from 2002 to 2007. Lopez is the co-creator, writer, producer, and star of the show.
On March 8, 2007, it was announced thatGeorge Lopezwould join theNick at Nitelineup. It first aired on Nick at Nite on September 10, 2007. On May 15, 2007, ABC announced that the series would be canceled after its sixth season. The show last aired on ABC September 7, 2007. The show also enteredsyndicationin the fall of 2007. Never a bigNielsenhit in prime-time, the show became a surprise success in syndication.
After receiving the news that his show was canceled in 2007, Lopez criticized president ofABC EntertainmentSteve McPherson for using racially motivated reasons for his decision. The actor told theLos Angeles Timesthat "TV just became really, really white again", and lashed out against ABC by saying, "So achicanocan't be on TV, but a caveman can? "in reference to the short-lived sitcomCavemen,which was replacingGeorge Lopezon the schedule.Cavemengarnered a sharply negative reception from critics and viewers, and was canceled after 13 episodes. Lopez blamed ABC for causing over a hundred of his show's staff to become jobless.[9][10]
Lopez was a cast member and commentator forHBO's hit sports showInside the NFLfor the 2003–04 football season.[11]
Lopez guest-starred as the mayor ofReno, Nevada,in season five ofReno 911!in 2008.[12]
On March 28, 2009, it was announced that Lopez would be hosting his own late-night talk show onTBS.[13]Lopez hosted a late-night talk show entitledLopez Tonighton TBS Monday through Thursday at midnightEastern Time.The show debuted in November 2009. In November 2010, the show moved back to midnight ET to accommodate a new show with formerTonight ShowhostConan O'Brien.Although O'Brien had reservations about the move and initially refused TBS's offer, Lopez supported and even advocated for it, making it different from the2010Tonight Showconflictthat saw O'Brien depart NBC after a proposal to pushTonightback 30 minutes forJay Lenoto return to the 11:35 p.m. slot.[14]On August 10, 2011, Lopez received a cancellation notice from TBS. The network decided not to renewLopez Tonightfor a third season.[15]
On April 18, 2013, it was announced that Lopez would be starring in his own sitcom onFXcalledSaint George,which premiered on March 6, 2014.[16][17][18]Saint Georgewas produced under Debmar-Mercury and Lionsgate Television's syndication model, which states that if a show hits certain ratings thresholds in its first 10-episode run, it triggers an additional 90-episode order. Failing to do so,Saint Georgewas canceled on June 25, 2014, after one season.[19]
In August 2015,TV Landannounced a straight-to-series order forLopez,a semi-autobiographical single-camera sitcom,[20]which debuted on March 30, 2016.[21]
Lopez was invited to be a guest judge onAmerica's Got Talentin 2016. He was allowed to use his golden buzzer once, which made an act go straight to the live shows. He used his on the dance group Malevo.
In May 2022,NBCpicked up Lopez's new series,Lopez vs Lopez,where he co-stars opposite of his daughter, Mayan.[22]
Film
This section needs to beupdated.(August 2017) |
Lopez's HBO Films dramaReal Women Have Curvespremiered at theSundance Film Festival,where it received the 2002 Audience Award. Previously, Lopez was featured in the 2000 dramaBread and Roses.He starred in theABCWonderful World of DisneyChristmas filmNaughty or Nice,and he appeared in theRobert Rodriguez-directed filmThe Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D(2005).
Brown is The New Green: George Lopez and the American Dreamis a 2007 documentary directed and produced byPhillip Rodriguez.[citation needed]
In 2008, Lopez voiced Papi Cortez (a Chihuahua) inDisney'sBeverly Hills Chihuahua.In 2010, Lopez appeared inThe Spy Next DoorwithJackie Chan,starring as a villain named Glaze.[citation needed]The following year Lopez reprised his role as Papi forBeverly Hills Chihuahua 2,and was the voice of atoco toucan,Rafael, in the animated box-office hitRio,alongsideJesse Eisenberg,Anne Hathaway,will.i.am,andJamie Foxx.In 2019, he played the role of Captain Gomez in the independent filmEl Chicano.[23]
In 2023, Lopez starred as Rudy Reyes, uncle ofJaime Reyes / Blue Beetle,in theDC Extended Universesuperhero filmBlue Beetle.[24]He will next star inThe Underdoggs,scheduled for release in 2024.[25]
Books
Lopez's autobiographyWhy You Cryingwas published by the Touchstone/Fireside division ofSimon & Schuster,and placed inThe New York Timesbestsellerstop twenty.[citation needed]The book is co-written byArmen Keteyian.[citation needed]
Other work
In January 2009, Lopez appeared inWe Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial.[26]
In 2011, Lopez was hired by Carnival Cruises as the cruise line’s creative director for comedy. The cruiseline introduced the Punchliner Comedy Clubs Presented by George Lopez on their ships. Lopez was a consultant on the vetting and hiring of comedic talent for the line’s existing fleet-wide comedy clubs.[27]This relationship lasted 5 years ending in 2016.[28]
He is a two-time host of theLatin Grammy Awards,and a co-host of theEmmy Awards.[29]
Personal life
In 1993, Lopez married Ann Serrano. The couple has a daughter, Mayan, born in 1996. On September 27, 2010, Lopez announced that he and his wife had decided to end their marriage.[30]Serrano filed fordivorceon November 23, 2010, citing irreconcilable differences.[31]The divorce was finalized on July 1, 2011.[32]
Lopez has a genetic condition that caused hiskidneys to deteriorate.His doctors had told him in April 2004 that he was going to require an organ transplant but he postponed the operation until finishing the fourth season ofGeorge Lopez.In 2005, his wife Ann donated one of herkidneysto Lopez. The transplant was successful; Lopez lost 45 lb (20 kg) after the operation due in part to the improvement in his health. He brought awareness to the issue on his show; his character's son Max was diagnosed with a similar illness.[33]
Lopez is a supporter of theDemocratic Partyand endorsed SenatorBernie SandersforPresidentin the2016 U.S. presidential election.[34]
Lopez is a supporter ofIsrael.[35]In October 2023, he signed an open letter supporting Israel during theIsrael–Hamas war.[36]
Lopez owns a house inLos Feliz, Los Angeles.[37]
Though he was raised Catholic,[38]he isnot religious, though he does believe in Godand "the biblical themes of 'faith and love'".[39][38]
Charity work and honors
Lopez was a featured celebrity golfer in the 2004Bob Hope Chrysler Classicand the 2004AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.Lopez and his pro partner finished third in the Pebble Beach event. George was the top-ranking celebrity at completion of the tournament. Since 2006, Lopez has served as host of theBob Hope Chrysler Classic.He is a member at Lakeside Country Club inBurbank, California,and has a 13 handicap.[citation needed]
A native of Los Angeles who grew up in theSan Fernando Valley's Mission Hills, Lopez devotes much time to the community. He heads his own charity, The Ann & George Lopez Foundation (www.thelopezfoundation.org). He is a recipient of theManny MotaFoundationCommunity Spirit Award and was named Honorary Mayor of Los Angeles for his extensive fund-raising efforts benefiting earthquake victims inEl SalvadorandGuatemala.In February 2004, Lopez was presented the 2004 Artist of the Year and Humanitarian Award by the Harvard Foundation atHarvard University,presented by its president and dean for his artistic work and charitable endeavors.[40]
Lopez has received several honors for his work and contributions to the Latino community. In September 2004, George was honored with the "Spirit of Liberty Award", presented byPeople for the American Way.In August 2005,Timemagazine recognized George as one of "The 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America".[41]On October 18, 2011, Lopez's elementary school, San Fernando Elementary School, honored him for his beneficent efforts by naming their auditorium after him. Lopez has ensured through his annual toy giveaway that every child at the school receives a gift during the holidays.[42]
Filmography
Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1990 | Ski Patrol | Eddie Martinez | |
1993 | Fatal Instinct | Murder Investigator | |
2001 | Bread and Roses | Perez | |
2002 | Real Women Have Curves | Mr. Guzman | |
2002 | Outta Time | Felix | |
2005 | The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D | Mr. Electricidad, Mr. Electric, Tobor, Ice Guardian | |
2006 | Balls of Fury | Ernie Rodriguez | |
Tortilla Heaven | Everardo | ||
2008 | Swing Vote | John Sweeney | |
Henry Poole Is Here | Father Salizar | ||
Beverly Hills Chihuahua | Papi | Voice | |
2009 | Shannon's Rainbow | Captain Martin | |
2010 | The Spy Next Door | Glaze | |
Valentine's Day | Alfonso | ||
Marmaduke | Carlos | Voice | |
2011 | Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 | Papi | |
The Smurfs | Grouchy Smurf | Voice | |
Rio | Rafael | Voice | |
April Apocalypse | Dr. Lyle | ||
2012 | Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva la Fiesta! | Papi | Voice |
2013 | Escape from Planet Earth | Thurman | Voice |
The Smurfs 2 | Grouchy Smurf | Voice | |
2014 | Rio 2 | Rafael | Voice |
School Dance | Oscar | ||
2015 | Spare Parts | Fredi Cameron | Also producer |
2016 | Meet the Blacks | President El. Bama | |
Car Dogs | Christian | ||
Aloha Santa[43] | Filming | ||
2017 | Gnome Alone | Voice | |
2018 | River Runs Red | Javier | |
2019 | El Chicano | Captain Gomez | |
2020 | The Tax Collector | Uncle Louis | |
Cats & Dogs 3: Paws Unite! | Pablo the Parrot | Voice,direct-to-video | |
2021 | No Man's Land | Ramirez | |
Walking with Herb | Herb | ||
2023 | Blue Beetle | Rudy Reyes | |
2024 | The Underdoggs | Coach Feis |
Television
Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2002 | Fidel | Chucho Osorio | |
The Brothers García | Mr. Fender | Episode: "The Student Buddy" | |
Curb Your Enthusiasm | Himself | ||
2002–07 | George Lopez | George Lopez | 120 episodes Won –Imagen Awardfor Best Actor – Television (2004)[citation needed] Nominated –NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series(2004–07) Teen Choice Awardfor Choice TV Breakout Star – Male Young Artist Award for Most Popular Mom & Pop in a Television Series(shared withConstance Marie;2004) |
2004 | Naughty or Nice | Henry Ramiro | |
2006 | Freddie | George | Episode: "Freddie Gets Cross Over" |
2007 | America's Mexican | Himself | HBOspecial |
2007–08 | The Naked Brothers Band | Himself | 5 episodes |
2008 2022 |
Reno 911! | Mayor ofReno | 4 episodes |
2009 | Mr. Troop Mom | Eddie Serrano | Nickelodeonfilm Nominated –ALMA Award for Outstanding TV Comedy Actor Nominated –Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer TV Star: Male |
2009 | Tall, Dark, & Chicano | Himself | HBO special |
2009–11 | Lopez Tonight | Himself/host | Nominated –People's Choice Award for Favorite Talk Show Host(2011) |
2012 | Take Me Out | Himself/host | |
2012 | It's Not Me, It's You | Himself | HBO special |
2013 | Shake It Up | George Martinez | Episode: "In The Bag It Up" |
2014 | Saint George | George | Series regular (10 episodes); also creator and executive producer |
2015 | Real Rob | Himself | Episode: "Cleaning House" |
2016–17 | Lopez | Himself | Series regular and executive-producer 24 episodes |
2016 | America's Got Talent | Himself (guest judge) | Episode: "Judge Cuts 2" |
2017 | The Comedy Get Down | Himself | |
2018 | The Garbage Man Show | Beach Man | Episode: "This is the End" |
2019–21 | The Casagrandes | Ernesto Estrella | Voice, 3 episodes |
2020 | Harley Quinn | Himself | Voice, episode: "There's No Place to Go But Down" |
2020 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! | Himself | Guest host |
2021 | The Neighborhood | Victor Alvarez | Episode: "Welcome to the Challenge" |
2021 | Victor and Valentino | José Guadalupe Posada | Voice, episode: "Finding Posada" |
2022 | Lopez vs Lopez | George Lopez | Also creator / executive producer, |
2022 | The Loud House | Ernesto Estrella | Voice, episode: "Great Lakes Freakout!" |
Accolades
Association | Year | Nominated Work | Category | Results | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grammy Awards | 2003 | Team Leader | Best Comedy Album | Nominated | [44] |
2007 | America's Mexican | Nominated | |||
2009 | Tall, Dark & Chicano | Nominated | |||
Walk of Fame | 2006 | Television | 6801 Hollywood, Blvd. | Won | [45] |
References
- ^Poniewozik, James (August 22, 2005)."25 Most Influential Hispanics in America".Time.
- ^"George Lopez".Encyclopedia Britannica.May 22, 2023.RetrievedJune 2,2023.
- ^Guzmán, Lila; Guzmán, Rick (2009).George Lopez: Latino king of comedy.Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers. p. 13.ISBN978-0766029682.
- ^"'George Lopez' breaks barrier ".Deseret News.March 22, 2002.
- ^"George Lopez Personal Life! All about George Lopez childhood and family!".Bestcomedyonline.net. Archived fromthe originalon January 2, 2022.RetrievedSeptember 28,2012.
- ^"George Lopez Biography (1961–)".Filmreference.com.RetrievedSeptember 28,2012.
- ^"George Lopez and Ann Serrano Marriage Profile".Marriage.about.com. Archived fromthe originalon March 15, 2016.RetrievedSeptember 28,2012.
- ^"LA North: George Lopez offers to buy CIF rings for San Fernando baseball team".ESPN.com.June 11, 2011.
- ^Fernandez, Marie (May 15, 2007)."George Lopez lashes out at ABC".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedMarch 16,2009.
- ^Fernandez, Marie (May 14, 2007)."TV just got a lot 'whiter,' says a canceled George Lopez".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedJune 3,2008.
- ^"Comedian George Lopez to Host".
- ^"'Reno 911!' creators remember the show 5 years later, talk reunion ".Entertainment Weekly.
- ^Kate Ward,Entertainment Weekly
- ^Bill Carter (April 12, 2010)."How the Conan O'Brien-TBS Deal Happened".The New York Times.RetrievedApril 12,2010.
- ^Carter, Bill (August 10, 2011)."TBS Cancels" Lopez Tonight "".The New York Times.Archived fromthe originalon November 12, 2020.RetrievedSeptember 21,2021.
- ^"George Lopez Show Picked Up By FX, Titled 'Saint George'".Huffington Post.April 18, 2013.RetrievedApril 19,2013.
- ^Bibel, Sara (April 18, 2013)."FX Greenlights George Lopez Comedy 'Saint George'".TVBytheNumbers.Archived fromthe originalon April 22, 2013.RetrievedApril 19,2013.
- ^Tabrys, Jason (April 19, 2013)."FX Gives George Lopez the 'Charlie Sheen' Deal for New Sitcom".ScreenRant.RetrievedApril 19,2013.
- ^Albiniak, Paige (June 25, 2014)."FX Won't Go Forward with 'Saint George'".Broadcasting & Cable.RetrievedJune 25,2014.
- ^"TV Land Gives Series Order to Innovative New Comedy" Lopez "Starring Acclaimed Actor and Comedian George Lopez"(Press release). The Futon Critic. August 11, 2015.RetrievedFebruary 9,2016.
- ^""Lopez" Premieres March 30th on TV Land "(Press release). The Futon Critic. February 8, 2016.RetrievedFebruary 9,2016.
- ^White, Peter (May 11, 2022)."'Lopez Vs. Lopez' Picked Up To Series At NBC ".Deadline.com.RetrievedOctober 18,2022.
- ^Goodykoontz, Bill (May 2, 2019)."'The Chicano': Origin story for a Batman of the barrio doesn't really fly ".Chicago Sun-Times.RetrievedMay 2,2019.
- ^Gonzalez, Umberto (March 18, 2022)."'Blue Beetle' Cast Adds George Lopez, Adriana Barraza, Elpidia Carrillo and Damián Alcázar (Exclusive) ".TheWrap.Archivedfrom the original on March 18, 2022.RetrievedMarch 18,2022.
- ^D'Alessandro, Anthony (October 4, 2022)."Snoop Dogg's MGM Comedy 'The Underdoggs' Sets Ensemble With Tika Sumpter, Mike Epps, Andrew Schulz & George Lopez".deadine.com.Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedOctober 20,2023.
- ^Gallo, Phil (January 18, 2009)."We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration".Variety.RetrievedApril 16,2022.
- ^"Carnival partners with comedian George Lopez".December 23, 2011.
- ^"Carnival Cruise Line and George Lopez Part Ways".May 22, 2016.
- ^"George Lopez".Comedy House.October 7, 2013.RetrievedApril 16,2022.
- ^"George Lopez and Wife End 17-Year Marriage".People.September 27, 2010.RetrievedSeptember 27,2010.
- ^"George Lopez' Wife Ann Lopez Filed For Divorce".TMZ.November 23, 2010.RetrievedNovember 23,2010.
- ^"George Lopez – Divorce Final".TMZ.July 1, 2011.RetrievedJuly 1,2011.
- ^Guzmán, Lila; Guzmán, Rick (September 18, 2008).George Lopez: Latino King of Comedy.Enslow Publishing, LLC.ISBN9780766029682.RetrievedSeptember 13,2010– via Latino Biography Library.
- ^"George Lopez on Facebook".Facebook.
- ^Lange, David (November 30, 2015)."WATCH: George Lopez:" I'm A Huge Supporter Of Israel "".Israellycool.
- ^"700 Notable Hollywood Figures Sign Open Letter in Support of Israel".The Hollywood Reporter.October 12, 2023.
- ^"George Lopez Reportedly Buys in LA's Los Feliz Neighborhood".AOL.February 13, 2014. Archived fromthe originalon June 25, 2020.RetrievedJuly 4,2019.
- ^ab"George Lopez Encourages People to Focus on Biblical Themes of 'Faith and Love' in Movies".April 28, 2021.
- ^"George 🇲🇽 Lopez on Instagram:" "he has risen" I'm not a religious person, growing up as a family we never went to church, but family was just me and my grandmother and grandfather.. He would pray in his room and never went to church, I would ask him "why aren't you going" cause I'm not as bad as you, you need to go so they see you! #gacho #happyeaster #thechocolatebunny ( my religion is helping people and not carrying anger.. One day I'll start working on myself #Gacho. 👌🏽 "".
- ^"Harvard Foundation names Lopez Artist of the Year".Harvard Gazette.February 26, 2004. Archived fromthe originalon March 19, 2004.RetrievedSeptember 28,2012.
- ^"The 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America".Time.August 13, 2005. Archived fromthe originalon September 7, 2005.RetrievedMay 3,2010.
- ^Strauss, Bob (October 19, 2011)."Comedian George Lopez gets Valley school's auditorium named after him".Los Angeles Daily News.Archived fromthe originalon October 20, 2011.RetrievedOctober 27,2011.
- ^Galuppo, Mia (October 6, 2015)."George Lopez to Star in 'Aloha Santa'".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedJanuary 6,2016.
- ^"George Lopez".GRAMMY.com.May 19, 2020.RetrievedNovember 19,2020.
- ^"George Lopez".Hollywood Walk of Fame.October 25, 2019.RetrievedNovember 19,2020.
External links
- Quotations related toGeorge Lopezat Wikiquote
- Official website
- George LopezatIMDb
- "Brown is the New Green: George Lopez and the American Dream".PBS.–PBS
- 1961 births
- American male actors of Mexican descent
- American male film actors
- American male television actors
- American male voice actors
- American stand-up comedians
- American television personalities of Mexican descent
- Hispanic and Latino American male actors
- Living people
- Male actors from California
- Kidney transplant recipients
- People from Mission Hills, Los Angeles
- San Fernando High School alumni
- 20th-century American male actors
- 21st-century American male actors
- Comedians from Los Angeles
- 20th-century American comedians
- 21st-century American comedians
- Las Vegas shows
- People from Los Feliz, Los Angeles
- Former Roman Catholics
- American male comedians
- Hispanic and Latino American male comedians