Blogamole › John Leguizamo

By Michael Lopez

As we mentioned in our interview with him last month, 2012 is proving to be a HUGE year for John Leguizamo. Not only does he have a flurry of movies coming out, news just broke that he's scored a TV development deal with ABC.

The versatile Colombian-American star will be delving into comedy for his latest small screen adventure. Deadline.com is reporting that his new series will be a single-camera sitcom based on his family life in New York City.

And don't worry Leguizamo fans, John won't just be behind-the-scenes for this project. The Ghetto Klown will be starring in the series as well, which is being produced by entertainment vets David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman.

That's all very exciting news to us. And who knows? If all goes well, the alphabet network may even schedule it on the same night as Modern Family!

Are you looking forward to John's new show? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags ABC, Blogger: Michael Lopez, John Leguizamo, Sitcoms, Television

By Michael Lopez

Feeling the need for more John Leguizamo? Not to worry, the talented actor/comedian/theater god has got a ton of stuff lined up for the new year, including a role in Friday's release One For The Money. This past week, we got to speak to him exclusively about his multitude of upcoming projects.

"I think One For The Money is a very clever film," he told us. "[Director] Julie Ann Robinson got a very good vibe going with it. It’s a little edgy, but it’s also a bit of a rom com."

Money happens to be based on a popular book series written by Janet Evanovich. Mixing in elements of romance, action, and good old fashioned gunplay, it's got Katherine Heigl as its headliner and, as John explained, she fit her role perfectly.

"It was really fun working with Katherine," he said. "I play her boxing manager in the movie, so we definitely share a lot of screen time. She's a very sharp lady."

Heigl actually has a lot more than screen time invested in the project. She also serves as one of the producers on the film. But if bounty hunter chick flicks aren't your cup of tea, you can still catch Leguizamo in two other potential blockbusters later this year.

"I've got Ice Age 4 coming out in July," he told us. "This one's going to be cool because you’ll get to meet my whole sloth family. And I've also got a fun character I'm playing in Men In Black III. You can see me in the trailer as Graffiti Man."

And John assured us that he's staying true to his theater roots too with a new all-Spanish version of his hit play Ghetto Klown. As he explained to us, this latest revamp will be sending him all the way to South America.

"I'm going to Colombia to do a Spanish version of Ghetto Klown," he explained. "It's really wild. I've been working three or four months to translate it. It’s like I'm re-conquering my heritage."

Clearly there will be no Leguizamo shortages in 2012. But if you want to get the jump on what he's up to now, check out his role as Jimmy Alpha in One For The Money, which hits theaters tomorrow.

Are you planning on watching One For The Money? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Exclusive Entrevistas, Ghetto Klown, Ice Age, Janet Evanovich, John Leguizamo, Julie Ann Robinson, Katherine Heigl, Men in Black III, Movies & CineMás, One For The Money, Theatre, Tr3s Exclusives

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

We've given you action, we've given you horror, so why not throw a fun romantic musical into the Pelis and Popcorn mix? That's our thought this week with the touching 2005 film, Sueño. Featuring a cast of top notch Latino talent (and some great songs to boot), this forgotten gem is definitely worth rediscovering on Labor Day weekend.

By the time the mid-2000's rolled around, John Leguizamo had easily established himself as a comedian, live performer, and dramatic actor. But did you know he could sing too? Yes he had a few tracks on the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, but Sueño is the film that really gives you a taste of John’s balladeer abilities.

In this movie he plays Antonio, a Mexican immigrant with a dream (or Sueño) of making a career as a singer-songwriter. Following his adventures from south of the border to L.A., you get to see life experiences that we ourselves can often identify with. There's the passion to pursue what you love, but plenty of dead-end jobs and naysayers getting in the way of achieving it.

That doesn't stop Antonio though. As he makes his way through So Cal, you see him wooing not one, but two sexy Latinas. There's the always engaging Elizabeth Peña as an older divorcee who can create magic behind the mic. And there's also a beautiful young med student (played by Ana Claudia Talancon) who's easily able to tug on Antonio's heartstrings.

Being the effervescent rock star that he is, Antonio is soon able to bring both women under his spell. Don't worry, Leguizamo isn't playing a slime ball lead character, but rather an impassioned optimist who brings out the best in both his ladies.

This being a Hollywood fairy tale and all, you can imagine what happens when the singers make it to the battle of the bands. But along the way, there are plenty of heartfelt songs, well choreographed numbers (wait'll you see Elizabeth's Bollywood dance), and even an appearance from a famous Mexican singer.

If you have ever classified yourself as a dreamer, Sueño is definitely a Peli for you!

Do you believe in following your dreams? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Ana Claudia Talancon, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Elizabeth Peña, John Leguizamo, Música, Movies & CineMás, Pelis and Popcorn, Sueño

By Michael Lopez

Anyone tuning in to last night's Tony Awards knew they were in for a high-energy show. Honoring Broadway's hottest musicals, the event always brings out intricate dance numbers, over-the-top glitz, and unpredictable comedy from the theatre world's greatest entertainers. And this year's event delivered the goods exactly as promised.

Neil Patrick Harris earned major praise for his high-powered hosting skills. The How I Met Your Mother star kicked off the night with a wild dance number that declared the event as "not just for gays anymore." He also partook in a very memorable singalong with former Tonys MC Hugh Jackman.

Comedian Chris Rock also got quite a bit of laughs when he presented the award for Best Musical. Joking about missing the NBA Finals game, he said to the crowd,

"If you had told me two years ago I'd miss the best basketball game ever to hang out with Nathan Lane, I would have said that you're crazy. But that's what happened. I remember my first musical like it was yesterday, because it was yesterday."

The Best Musical Award happened to be handed out to a Latino. Composer Robert Lopez won the night’s top honors (along with South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone) for the comedy The Book Of Mormon. A huge winner last night, Mormon also took home honors for orchestration, lighting design, sound design, and scenic design.

Lopez is no stranger to the Tonys, he had previously won an award for his work on the musical Avenue Q. And proving he’s not just limited to the theatre world, Robert’s songs will soon be hitting the big screen in Disney’s newest adaptation of Winnie the Pooh.

Other big winners of the night included Ellen Barkin, who took home Best Actress for The Normal Heart, and John Larroquette, who won Best Actor for How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. But interestingly, it was the presenters who grabbed the most attention.

Brooke Shields created quite a bit of chisme when she dropped the "f-bomb" on stage and Tr3s fave John Leguizamo had the crowd roaring with some rapid-fire jokes from the podium. Add to that strong dance numbers from the plays Catch Me If You Can and How To Succeed… and you've got yourself one heck of an entertaining night. Let's see the stuffy Academy Awards try to top that!

Did you watch last night’s Tony Awards? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Book Of Mormon, Broadway, Chris Rock, Hugh Jackman, John Leguizamo, Neil Patrick Harris, Robert Lopez, Theatre, Tony Awards

By Michael Lopez

Saying New York has a lot of Puerto Rican pride is an understatement. Believe it or not, over 80,000 proud Latinos are expected to march in this Sunday’s annual Puerto Rican Day Parade, including some very famous faces. Stars like John Leguizamo, Tito “El Bambino” and Dayanara Torres are all expected to attend.

A tradition for over five decades, the parade celebrates the over four million Puerto Ricans who live in continental US. Within the past several years, proud marchers have included Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and Marc Anthony (who has previously served as a "National Grand Marshall").

This year Leguizamo is taking over political duties for the event, serving as the parade's World Ambassador of the Arts. Folk singer Cabán Vale has been named Godfather of the Arts and Goya Foods president Robert Unanue is the official 2011 Grand Marshall.

"The thing about the parade is that we're so inclusive," Leguizamo explained. "Puerto Ricans are not an exclusive people. We want everybody to celebrate. We want everybody to be a part of it."

"El Bambino" is sure to leave a major mark as well. He'll be performing his trademark hits atop a customized Coors float. And it's clear from his tweets that Tito is seriously stoked about participating in the event.

"Ya en Puerto Rico todo un exito Jalisco en Vivo este proximo fin de semana para la parada Puertorriqueña en Nueva York Activo #Invencible" he posted.

As with every year, music will be a major part of the parade. Floats devoted to salsa, reggaeton, and folk stylings have already been constructed and legendary El Gran Combo has been listed as the official kickoff band for the festivities.

Starting at approximately 11 a.m on Fifth Ave and 44th St., the parade will travel over 30 blocks and be broadcast on two local New York TV stations. Over one million spectators are expected to watch the floats pass by and, with weather predictions of over 80 degrees, you can bet there will be plenty of sizzling after parties in the streets.

Have you ever participated in the Puerto Rican Day Parade? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Celebrities, Cultura, El Gran Combo, John Leguizamo, new york, Puerto Rican Day Parade, Puerto Rico, Tito El Bambino

By Michael Lopez

Following a string of successful autobiographical one-man shows, John Leguizamo returns to the stage this week for the debut of his new play Ghetto Klown.

Taking aim at John’s most famous costars, Ghetto Klown lovingly skewers everyone from Kurt Russell to Steven Seagal to the legendary Al Pacino, using original photographs and videos from his films as a backdrop to his over-the-top storytelling.

“Take off your makeup and be yourself, John," Leguizamo says, doling out his best Pacino impersonation. "You’re a clown, you’re a clown, Huah! Huah!”

Delving into his experiences on the cult classic Carlito’s Way, John explains the highs and lows of acting alongside Hollywood legends. He also discusses the personal side of the 1993 film, since he met his second wife on the set.

“I opened up to her because she was so vulnerable,” John says on stage. “I’d never felt I could really be my whole self with anyone. And she told me she felt she’s been waiting to exist her whole life.”

John also weaves in interesting stories about his first acting gig on Miami Vice and donning a dress alongside Patrick Swayze for To Wong Foo. Currently playing at Manhattan’s Lyceum Theater, Ghetto Klown is already getting rave reviews and will entertain New York audiences through July.

What was your favorite John Leguizamo movie? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Al Pacino, Carlito's Way, Ghetto Klown, Hot Stuff, John Leguizamo, Theatre

By Michael Lopez

Of course we all love John Leguizamo's wild film performances and cartoon voices, but everybody knows this versatile actor shines brightest on stage. After an eight-year break from performing his own material, John is heading back to Broadway for his new solo show, Ghetto Klown.

Look back at Leguizamo’s one-man shows and you’ll see a real history of the performer’s life. Open, honest, and totally outrageous, John's comedy has covered everything from his Latino upbringing (he was born in Bogotá, Colombia to a Colombian mother and a Puerto Rican father) to his decision to start a family, and it was his 1991 off-Broadway show, Mambo Mouth, that first got him noticed by casting directors.

So what’s Ghetto Klown all about? Considering that the last play he wrote, Sexaholix … a Love Story, revolved around the birth of his children, we imagine this one will delve deeper into fatherhood now that John’s kids are almost teenagers.

Ghetto Klown is set to debut at Broadway's Lyceum Theater on February 21 and run for a total of 12 weeks. Get tickets here.

What's your favorite John Leguizamo performance? Comment below or @MTV3.

Tags Broadway, Ghetto Klown, Hot Stuff, John Leguizamo, Theatre

By Michael Lopez

It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since we first met Dora, Boots, Swiper, and the Backpack. In the past decade, our little “Explorer” has made one heck of an impact. Since her series debut in 2000, the Dora franchise has taken in hundreds of millions of dollars, churned out tons of merchandise, and influenced a generation of young Latinos.

Now that she’s turning 10, Nickelodeon thought it would be a good idea to air a star-studded special highlighting the impact this little cartoon has had on the world. Believe it or not, her show airs in over 100 different countries and is translated into 30 languages!

There’s been live Dora stage shows, video games on virtually every system, educational books, plush dolls, handbags, DVDs, cosmetics, t-shirts…you catch our drift. And who can forget about “Go Diego Go!”? Yup, it’s all part of the Dora empire.

Interestingly enough, Dora was not created by Latinos, but rather three anglo TV writers. Chris Gifford, Valerie Walsh, and Eric Weiner definitely had the right intentions when came up with the concept.

“One of the things I love most about the show…is that viewers are asked to be active participants”, said Valerie. “Parents tell us they know when Dora is on because they’ll see and hear their kids playing along the show: counting, speaking Spanish, jumping, rowing, clapping.”

We definitely think the bilingual element was groundbreaking and truly a key to the show’s long lasting success. And it’s obvious a lot of famous Latinos feel the same way. Listen to who they’ve assembled to appear in the 10th anniversary special.

First there will be an hour-long TV movie based on “The Wizard of Oz” featuring Rosie Perez as the wicked witch, John Leguizamo as the flying monkeys, and Hector Elizando as the Wishing Wizzle. Then viewers will be treated to a mini-documentary featuring interviews with Shakira, Salma Hayek Pinault, and more!

Que bueno Dora! We are super proud of this milestone. Not even Swiper the Fox could spoil this celebration!

“Dora’s Big Birthday Adventure,” along with the special tribute, premieres Sunday, August 15th, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on Nickelodeon.

Source: [All Headline News]

Are you a fan of “Dora The Explorer”? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags anniversary, Dora the Explorer, John Leguizamo, Nickelodeon, Salma Hayek, Salma Hayek Pinault

By Sharmaine Jones

The fast-talking, feisty-looking cutie John Leguizamo is set to star in “Waco,” an upcoming movie about the most infamous event in U.S. law enforcement history. It is still unclear as to what character Leguizamo will be playing, but our vote is for David Koresh!

It will be tough to channel the mindset of someone like Koresh, but we think Leguizamo is up to the challenge. "Waco" will be directed by Rupert Wainwright, the man behind "Stigmata" and the remake of "The Fog."

According to The Playlist, Wainwright shared this about the film:

“...the first narrative feature film to explore the events of the ATF raid on Mt. Carmel, TX, the 51-day siege that followed, and the devastating compound fire that resulted in the deaths of 81 civilians. The movie cuts between ATF special agents, FBI Negotiators, the Davidians on the inside, the tactical Hostage Rescue Team leaders, and the political machinations in Washington DC.”

Adrian Brody will play Koresh's right hand man Steve Schneider and Sharon Stone is set to play his wife, Judy Schneider. Kurt Russell will tackle the role of the lead FBI negotiator at the time, Byron Sage. We love Russell as an authoritative figure!

The subject matter is intriguing and we're definitely curious to see exactly how everything went down and where things went wrong!

"Waco" is set to release sometime in 2011.

Source: [Hollywood Reporter]

Tags Adrien Brody, CineMas Cool, John Leguizamo, Kurt Russell, Movies & CineMás, Sharon Stone, Waco