Blogamole › America Ferrera

By Michael Lopez

Is it us or does America Ferrera seem to be the hardest working Latina in show business? Currently in the midst of a stage, TV, and film career, the 27-year-old Ugly Betty vet still made time do some charity work recently for Planned Parenthood.

The organization (which helps educate young people about safe sex and birth control) recently held a luncheon that America was proud to be a part of. She even took to the podium to address the importance of responsible parenting.

"I think that women's health is an issue that is close to me, because of my community," Ferrera said. "We're only as strong as the ability we havre to take care of the women who are giving birth and nurturing the next generation."

Celebs like Gabrielle Union and Julianne Moore also attended the event and made sure to lend their support. But we've got to wonder if Parenthood may have a special meaning for America, now that she's a new bride. Though we don't think there's a Betty bun in the oven just yet, when the time is right, we're sure Ferrera will make a fantastic madre.

Do you think America would make a good mom? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, America Ferrera, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Moore, Planned Parenthood

By Michael Lopez

She's tackled comedic TV roles, she's done heavy dramas, but can America Ferrera sing and dance? Theater fans will have the chance to find out when the Ugly Betty star joins the Broadway cast of Chicago next month!

Ferrera is set to take over the part of Roxie, which Rene Zellweger made famous in the 2002 film. Fans of the play know that Roxie is no easy role to play. America will be required to perform some pretty extravagant dance numbers and belt out classics like "Me and My Baby" and "Hot Honey Rag."

Ferrera will make her Chicago debut on November 7 in New York and then move on to an even more high-profile theatrical project. Starting next spring, she'll be headlining the 1984 classic The Miss Firecracker Contest.

From what she's shown us on the small screen, it's clear that America has limitless talent. Perhaps, by this time next year, she'll be able to stick a Tony Award alongside the Emmys and Golden Globes she won for Ugly Betty.

What's your favorite Broadway show? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags America Ferrera, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Broadway, Chicago, Theatre

By Sugey Palomares

What exactly does it mean to be a Latino in 21st-century America? HBO Latino's new film "The Latino List" helps uncover the answer by featuring diverse stories by accomplished Latino leaders and artists such as Gloria Estefan, Pitbull, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and many more. A special screening for the new original documentary was held at El Museo del Barrio in New York City and the new cultural flick is getting plenty of buzz in our community.

"The Latino List," directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, also features commentary by actress America Ferrera, writer Sandra Cisneros, former Army member Consuelo Castillo, actor and comedian John Leguizamo, actress Eva Longoria, and more.

"We wanted famous names, of course, but also stories from people whom you might not know about," said Greenfield-Sanders. "I'm very proud of the film and think it has a great emotional resonance."

Be sure to catch this must-see film! "The Latino List" will debut on HBO Latino on Sept. 28 at 9 p.m. EDT and on HBO on Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. EDT

Tags America Ferrera, Eva Longoria, Gloria Estefan, HBO, Hispannic Heritage Month, John Leguizamo, Pitbull, Sandra Cisneros, The Latino List

By Michael Lopez

A few weeks ago, we told you about Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña's upcoming cop flick, End Of Watch. And now it looks like they've added another Tr3s fave to the cast, namely America Ferrera as a tough-as-nails policewoman.

A few paparazzi snaps emerged this week showing the Ugly Betty star decked out in a dark blue LAPD uniform. Twirling a nightstick and sporting tight pulled back hair, this definitely looks like an America you do not want to mess with.

All we know so far is, her character is named Officer Orozco and she may be a romantic lead for Peña. Described as a drama with bits of action mixed in, End of Watch could be just the kind of movie to help launch Ferrera's film career.

But she's not the only one who got a makeover. Gyllenhaal shaved his head to portray a cop in the flick.

We'll be very curious to see how audiences react to the new America when End Of Watch hits theaters in 2012. But if you can't wait that long, you can always look for her in summer reruns of The Good Wife.

Would you like to see America Ferrera branch out into films? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags America Ferrera, Blogger: Michael Lopez, End Of Watch, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña, Movies & CineMás

By Michael Lopez

Never underestimate the power of the prom. Everyone from college freshmen to elderly grandparents have fond memories of the famous high school dance (they even made a movie about it). And now a few grown up celebs are suiting up to relive the experience, thanks to Rosie Perez.

Believe it or not, Rosie actually never attended her high school prom. So, she decided to round up a few famous faces and throw her own "adult dance" at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. Not only that, she's adding a charitable touch, by donating profits from the night to the Urban Arts Partnership.

"I was asked to go, but we couldn't afford it," Rosie told The New York Daily News. "So we just went to the after-party. This will be my first official prom. I'm excited!"

And looking at the guest list, it's easy to see why. Stars like Jesse Eisenberg, America Ferrera, Alan Cumming, and The Hangover’s Justin Bartha are all expected to attend.

Would you ever go to a "grown up prom?" Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alan Cumming, America Ferrera, Celebrities, Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Bartha, Prom, Rosie Perez, Urban Arts Partnership

By Michael Lopez

This month, millions of teens around the country are ready to don their caps and gowns to celebrate graduation. But sadly, many more will never reach that milestone. It was recently reported that over one million students quit high school each year, which is not only harmful for those shunning diplomas, but for society as a whole. Now, PBS and actress America Ferrera are hoping to change all that, with a new program aimed to combat the country's increasing dropout rates.

"I come from very modest and humble beginnings," America said. "Very early on I was made aware of the importance of education and how it would be the one sure-fire way to make a better life for ourselves and to achieve the things that we dreamed of achieving."

Ferrera has become one of young Hollywood’s greatest success stories. Born into a family of six, had to work odd jobs during her teens. But America never gave up on her high school studies, eventually earning a degree (and a whole lot of money after that on Ugly Betty).

Ferrera says education was a key component to her success and is now working with PBS to promote their new American Graduate initiative. Focused on providing resources for disenchanted high schoolers, the program recently received a $4.4 million grant to help get the ball rolling.

“Participation from community members will be extremely important in identifying the reasons students drop out, helping to create solutions and, ultimately, increasing high school graduation rates, PBS CEO Patricia Harrison said. [PBS] Stations will work with students, parents, educators, volunteers, civil groups, local government, business and others to take action to help students in ways that best fit their particular community.", she added.

During a press conference announcing the initiative, America pledged her support as well. She also stressed how important earning that degree has been in her personal and professional life.

"Educating a child is not only about them, but the generation that comes after them. It's hard enough as it is as an educated person in feeling like you can make a difference I can't imagine [life] without my education."

Do you plan on furthering your education? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags America Ferrera, American Graduate, Education, High School, Patricia Harrison, PBS

By Michael Lopez

Oh, how our DVRs have missed Ugly Betty. Though it’s been nearly a year since the ABC show left the air, series star America Ferrera hasn’t slowed down one bit. She’s co-starred in critically-acclaimed movies, narrated PBS documentaries and is now set to return to prime time TV.

TVLine.com is reporting that America will appear on CBS’ The Good Wife throughout the month of February. Heavy on the courtroom drama, The Good Wife follows the struggles of a female lawyer (played by Julianna Margulies) working to provide for her family amid her husband’s political scandals.

Character actor Alan Cumming plays a close political ally of Margulies’ family and America is rumored to be his new love interest. According to executive producer Robert King, the writers’ have had their eye on Ferrera for a long time.

“We’ve been watching and loving America for years now on Ugly Betty,” King said, “and it’ll be fantastic to see her take on a completely different role, especially one that puts her across from Alan Cumming.”

For the time being, America’s only set to appear in three episodes, but we hope to see more of her as the series continues. Cumming himself started as a guest actor on the show and was soon promoted to a full-time cast member. Congratulations, America, and welcome back to prime time.

What other Ugly Betty actors would you like to see back on TV? Tell us below or @MTV3.

Tags Alan Cumming, America Ferrera, Hot Stuff, Julianna Margulies, Television, The Good Wife

By Michael Lopez

It’s hard to believe that Betty Suarez has been off of our TVs for five months now. But for hardcore fans, there’s always been a glimmer of hope that “Ugly Betty” will continue in theatres. Especially after what Ana Ortiz told People back in April. Now it looks like America Ferrera’s open to a big screen adaptation too!

When speaking with Entertainment Weekly, America said, “I’d never rule anything out. I think that the rumor is well and alive. It's always a possibility I suppose. But I don't know about any plans.”

Ok, so nothing DEFINITIVE, but nothing that would completely shut down the idea either. And c’mon, we KNOW how much America loves that character. You could see major tears in her eyes when she accepted her final Imagen Award for the role.

The question now is, would Ferrera have the time to do it? She’s already got a big wedding to plan, is hosting a new PBS documentary series, and might even pick up some Oscar heat for her work in “The Dry Land.” We’re keeping our fingers crossed and hoping we get to see those braces and thick glasses again…this time in IMAX 3D!

Source: [Digital Spy]

Would you see “Ugly Betty” the movie? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags America Ferrera, Hot Stuff, Movies & CineMás, Ugly Betty, Ugly Betty Movie

By Michael Lopez

You know if a program is scheduled to run simultaneously on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and tons of high-profile cable channels it’s got to be pretty important. “Stand Up To Cancer” is more than a television special, it’s an event, designed to inspire, educate, and tackle one of the deadliest diseases in our world today. And now it looks like several Latino celebs are joining the fight.

Sofia Vergara, Aubrey Plaza, Naya Rivera and more are all scheduled to partake in the event which hopes to raise money for research, support, and cutting-edge technologies geared towards fighting the deadly disease. Now in its third year, the show features real celebs manning the phones and accepting donations.

And who exactly could be taking your calls? How about George Clooney or Will Smith? Past high-profile Latinas on phone duty have included both Salma Hayek Pinault and America Ferrera. Will they be on the line this year? We'll have to wait and see...

But outside the glam and glitz of the stars, the heart of the foundation is to give people a forum to stay educated, share their stories, and learn about what’s being done to tackle the "Big C".

According to SUTC stats, 1500 Americans die from cancer every day. And one out of two men and one out of three women will be diagnosed at one point in their lifetime. Pretty heavy numbers, but there’s plenty of good news to go along with that too.

100% of all of the funds received from the special will go towards cancer research. Specifically, to a “Dream Team” (as they put it) of researchers from top institutions who are undertaking groundbreaking disease-combative projects at this very moment. Not only that, SUTC is a full partner with the American Association for Cancer Research.

Even a slight contribution can make a massive difference, if enough people donate (the 2008 special raised over $100M). And who knows, you could wind up making your pledge to Vanessa Hudgens or Zac Efron. So start cracking open those piggy banks because the SUTC special starts at 8pm on September 10!

Has anyone in your family been affected by cancer? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags AACR, Agentes De Cambio, America Ferrera, Aubrey Plaza, Cancer, Celebrities, Charity, George Clooney, Naya Rivera, sofia vergara, Stand Up To Cancer, Vanessa Hudgens

By Michael Lopez

As much as we love the Oscars, we’d rather see an America Ferrera acceptance speech any day. And Imagen guests definitely got their fair share of her; America took home a record four awards for her work on the now canceled series, “Ugly Betty”.

Last Sunday (August 15), Ferrera received her final nod as Betty Suarez and was even brought to tears on the Imagen stage. "I'm going to try and not cry right now," she told the crowd, but it was definitely a challenge. The "Dry Land" executive producer certainly has a lot to be proud of! Cheers, chica!

And don’t feel bad America, Team Blogamole has shed many tears over “Betty” getting the axe.

But otherwise, LA’s Imagen Awards was a joyous event. Organized over 25 years ago to celebrate the positive portrayal of Latinos in entertainment, it’s been known to bring out all of the heavy hitters in the Latin-American film and TV community. And this year was no exception.

Oscar Nunez from “The Office,” Edward James Olmos, Benjamin Bratt (who won for his work in the indie flick, “La Mission”) and producer Norman Lear were all in attendance.

Norman’s not Latino, but he was actually instrumental in launching Imagen and was honored for his work. “I am your community. You are my community.” he said. We think that pretty much sums up the spirit of the night!

Source: [LA Times]

Tags America Ferrera, benjamin bratt, Cultura, Imagen Awards, Norman Lear, Ugly Betty