Paul Rodriguez (actor)
| Paul Rodriguez | |
|---|---|
 Rodriguez in 1998 | |
| Born | January 19, 1955 Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico |
| Medium | Comedy, film, television |
| Nationality | Mexican-American |
| Years active | 1981–present |
| Genres | Observational comedy, blue comedy, insult comedy, physical comedy, satire |
| Subject(s) | Latin American culture, race relations, family, everyday life, human sexuality |
| Children | Paul Rodriguez, Jr. |
Paul Rodriguez (born January 19, 1955[1]) is a Mexican-American actor and stand-up comedian.
Early life
[edit]Paul Rodriguez was born in Culiacan, Sinaloa, to Mexican agriculture ranchers.[1] His family migrated to Compton, California, where Rodriguez enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Iceland and in Duluth, Minnesota. Rodriguez was first assigned to Lackland AFB after completing training at Sheppard AFB, both in Texas. A1C Rodriguez worked in a Communications Center as a 29130 and had a Top Secret security clearance. He won Tops in Blue.He grew up in the Central Valley of Dinuba California and attended Dinuba High School.
Career
[edit]Television
[edit]Rodriguez first appeared in a.k.a. Pablo, a 1984 sitcom produced by Embassy Television for ABC, but the show was canceled after six episodes. He was regular cast member of the 1988 sitcom Trial and Error, but it was cancelled after only three episodes aired. Later in the same year he replaced Bob Eubanks as host of The Newlywed Game for a season (which was renamed The Newlywed Game Starring Paul Rodriguez and also during his tenure as host, the doo-wop hit "The Book of Love" by The Monotones was used as its theme song). El Show de Paul Rodriguez was on Univision from March 2, 1990, to January 1, 1993.[2]
From 2010 to 2011, Rodriguez hosted two seasons and 40 episodes of the MTV Tr3́s comedy home video series Mis Videos Locos. The reality show features video footage of Latino people from various countries who are filmed by devices like surveillance cameras and mobile phones.[3]
Film
[edit]Rodriguez has appeared in several feature films, such as The Whoopee Boys with Michael O'Keefe, Denholm Elliott and Marsha Warfield, Blood Work with Clint Eastwood, D.C. Cab, Born in East L.A., Tortilla Soup, Rat Race, and Ali, and has also performed voiceover roles for King of the Hill, Dora the Explorer, and Beverly Hills Chihuahua. Rodriguez has worked in other roles in the film industry: he directed and starred in the film A Million to Juan, and he produced and appeared in the 2002 comedy film The Original Latin Kings of Comedy.[4]
In 2009, the stand up Comedy Special Paul Rodriguez: Comedy Rehab, produced and hosted by Rodriguez was released.[5] Paul Rodriguez: Just for the Record, which documents a live performance was released in 2011.[6]
In May 2021, Rodriguez made his debut on A Million Little Things as Gary's Dad.[7] He re-united with Jeff Valdez, creator of the Latino Laugh Festival as host of the second annual HA! Comedy Festival, which will air on HBO Max.[8] According to Deadline Hollywood, he is expected to appear in the dark comedy feature film The Immortalist which was scheduled to be released in November 2021. It also features Franco Nero, Sherilyn Fenn, Aries Spears, and Jeff DuJardin.[9]
Awards
[edit]In 2004 Comedy Central ranked him at No. 74 on its list of the "100 Greatest Standups of all Time."[10]
Rodriguez was acknowledged with the "Humanitarian of the Year Award" by the City of Fresno for his work in the area of water conservation.[11]
Company owner
[edit]Rodriguez is a part-owner of the Laugh Factory comedy venue in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., where comedian/actor Michael Richards was filmed in a highly publicized on-stage rant against two black male hecklers.[12] When asked about Richards's repeated use of the word "Nigger", Rodriguez said, "Once the word comes out of your mouth and you don't happen to be African American, then you have a whole lot of explaining to do."[13] Rodriguez also has an interest in farming and owns operations in California's Central Valley.
Charity work
[edit]Rodriguez is known for his charity work, and many of his comedy specials cover serious issues that are of concern to the Latino community. He has performed for several Comic Relief charity specials and in 1995 he performed a television special live from San Quentin State Prison. He is the chairman of the California Latino Water Coalition, a group that campaigns to draw attention to California's dire water situation and was influential in enacting the California Water Bond Measure.[14]
Politics
[edit]Rodriguez has been a vocal and active supporter of the Republican Party. In 2010 he endorsed Republican Meg Whitman during her campaign against Jerry Brown to become governor of California.[15] Rodriguez calls himself a "closeted Republican" but voted for Barack Obama in 2008.[16] He endorsed Republican candidate Mitt Romney during the 2012 presidential election and recorded a radio promotion in Spanish for Romney's campaign.[17] He also collaborated with former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger as part of his work with the California Latino Water Coalition.[15] In 2018, Rodriguez announced that he supports many of the policies of Donald Trump.[16]
Personal life
[edit]Rodriguez's son Paul Rodriguez Jr. is a professional skateboarder (also known as "P-Rod").[18][19]
Discography
[edit]- 1986: You're in America now, speak Spanish
- 1997: Cheese 'n' macaroni
Filmography
[edit]
| Year | Film | Role | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | D.C. Cab | Xavier | |
| 1986 | Quicksilver | Hector Rodriguez | |
| The Whoopee Boys | Barney Benar | ||
| Miracles | Juan | ||
| 1987 | Born in East L.A. | Javier | |
| 1993 | Made in America | Jose | |
| 1994 | A Million to Juan | Juan Lopez | Director |
| Rhythm Thief | Eladio | ||
| 1995 | Rough Magic | Diego | |
| 1998 | Melting Pot | Gustavo Alvarez | |
| 2000 | Price of Glory | Pepe | |
| Mambo Café | Gustavo Alvarez | ||
| G-Men from Hell | Winiford 'Weenie Man' | ||
| 2001 | Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles | Diego | |
| Tortilla Soup | Orlando Castillo | ||
| Rat Race | Gus the Taxi Driver | ||
| The Shipment | Jose Garcia | ||
| Ali | Dr. Ferdie Pacheco | ||
| 2002 | Blood Work | Det. Ronaldo Arrango | |
| Back by Midnight | Next Week | ||
| Time Changer | Eddie Martinez | ||
| 2003 | Chasing Papi | Costas Delgado | Uncredited Role |
| Baadasssss! | Jose Garcia | ||
| 2004 | A Cinderella Story | Bobby | |
| 2005 | The World's Fastest Indian | Fernando | |
| 2006 | Cloud 9 | Mr. Wong | |
| Swap Meet | Councilmen Gonzales | ||
| Holidaze: The Christmas That Almost Didn't Happen | Cupid | Voice Role Direct-to-Video Release | |
| 2007 | One Long Night | Poncho | |
| 2008 | Vicious Circle | Professor | |
| Beverly Hills Chihuahua | Chico | Voice Role | |
| 2009 | Lonely Street | Det. Romero | |
| Porndogs: The Adventures of Sadie | Bato | Voice Role | |
| The Deported | Ernesto | ||
| 2010 | Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore | Crazy Carlito | |
| 2011 | Without Men | Camacho | |
| 2016 | El Americano: The Movie[20] | El Divino | Voice Role |
| 2017 | Pray for Rain | Francisco Reynoso | |
| 2021 | Clifford the Big Red Dog | Alonso Sanchez[21] | |
| 2023 | Tomorrow's Game | Jorge Robles | |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Norm Crosby's Comedy Shop | Himself | |
| 1983 | Gloria | Jerry | Episode: An Uncredited Woman |
| 1984 | a.k.a. Pablo | Paul Rivera | 6 episodes |
| 1986 | Hardesty House | ||
| Tall Tales & Legends | Julio | Episode: Ponce de Leon | |
| The Golden Girls | Ramone | Episode: Vacation | |
| 1988 | Trial and Error | Tony Rivera | 8 episodes (5 unaired) |
| 1988–1989 | The Newlywed Game | Himself | |
| 1990 | Grand Slam | Pedro Gomez | 8 episodes |
| 1991 | Hi Honey – I'm Dead | Ralph (The Angel) | TV-Movie |
| Great Performances | Satanas | Episode: La Pastorela | |
| 1995 | Live in San Quentin, Paul Rodriguez | Himself | Live TV-Special |
| The Eddie Files | Construction Worker | Episode: Geometry – Invasion of the Polygons | |
| Touched by an Angel | Ben Rivera | Episode: Trust | |
| 1995–1997 | Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child | Jesse the jester/Gilbert/Tizoc | Episode: Sleeping Beauty/The Fisherman and his Wife/The Shoemaker and the Elves |
| 1996 | Latino Laugh Festival | Himself | Live TV-Special |
| 1998 | King of the Hill | Jacinto | Episode: Three Days of the Kahndo |
| 2000 | Ready to Run | T.J. | Voice Role TV-Movie |
| 2000–2001 | Resurrection Blvd. | Paulie | 4 episodes |
| 2002 | American Family | Flaco | Episode: Mexican Revolution |
| 2002 | Mucha Lucha | El Potrero | Episode: Pinball Wizard |
| 2003 | The Twilight Zone | Rosas | Episode: Tagged |
| The Proud Family | Limo Driver | Voice Role Episode: Adventures in BeBe-Sitting | |
| Dora the Explorer | Leon, the Circus Lion | Voice Role Episode: Leon, the Circus Lion | |
| 2005 | The Buzz on Maggie | Julio's Father | Voice Role Episode: Lunchlady |
| 2005 | Zatch Bell | Teenager, Various Voices | 1 episode |
| 2010–2012 | Mis Videos Locos | Himself | 40 episodes for MTV Tr3s |
Awards and nominations
[edit]- 1999: Nominated, "Outstanding Performance by an Individual or Act in a Variety or Comedy Special" – Comic Relief VIII
- 2002: Nominated, "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture" – Tortilla Soup
- 2009: Nominated, "Best Supporting Actor/Feature Film" – Beverly Hills Chihuahua
NCLR Bravo Awards
- 1996: Won, "Outstanding Performance by a Male in a Variety or Music Series/Special" – Latino Laugh Festival
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Paul Rodriguez Biography (1955–)". Film Reference. Advameg, Inc. 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ "Paul Rodriguez: A King of Latin Comedy | LatinHeat Entertainment". January 22, 2021. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
- ^ Mas, Tr3s: MTV, Musica y. "Comedian Paul Rodriguez Returns to Tr3s: MTV, Musica y Mas With Second Season of 'Mis Videos Locos'". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved October 7, 2021.
{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ ABC7. "Comedian Paul Rodriguez | ABC7 Los Angeles | abc7.com". ABC7 Los Angeles. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Paul Rodriguez & Friends: Comedy Rehab". TVGuide.com. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
- ^ "COMEDIAN PAUL RODRIGUEZ "JUST FOR THE RECORD" | Hispanic Lifestyle". Retrieved October 7, 2021.
- ^ "A Million Little Things First Look: See Paul Rodriguez Debut as Gary's Dad". www.yahoo.com. April 28, 2021. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
- ^ Aguirre, Priscilla (September 7, 2021). "More than 40 comedians bring biggest Latinx comedy festival to San Antonio". mySA. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
- ^ N'Duka, Amanda (December 20, 2019). "Rachel True, Sean Gunn Join 'Agnes'; Sherilyn Fenn, Franco Nero Topline 'Immortalist'; Cameron Douglas, Elisabeth Röhm In 'The Runner'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
- ^ Comedy Central Presents: 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time at IMDb
- ^ Steven Bloom (September 2, 2010). "Paul Rodriguez – The original Latin King of Comedy at Tommy T's this weekend!". Sacramento Press. Archived from the original on December 6, 2010. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ Lynn Elber (November 20, 2006). "Michael Richards, aka Kramer, spews racial slurs during stand-up". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ "Richards Racial Tirade Draws Castigation" San Francisco Chronicle. news as retrieved December 18, 2006 Archived February 7, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "About". Paul Rodriguez. 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ a b Torey Van Oot (September 27, 2010). "Paul Rodriguez endorses Meg For all these reasons Rodriguez is widely considered a sellout in the Latino community. Whitman". The Sacramento Bee. Archived from the original on April 25, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ a b Haas, Mariah (November 6, 2018). "Comedian Paul Rodriguez says he 'agrees with a lot of things' Trump has 'done'". Fox News.
- ^ Adriana Maestas (October 19, 2012). "Comedian Paul Rodriguez Cuts An Ad For Romney". Politic365. Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ Stephen Cox (April 11, 2013). "Paul Rodriguez Interrogated". The Berrics. Archived from the original on April 13, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ Giovanni Reda (April 11, 2012). "WEDNESDAYS WITH REDA Day With P-Rod Part 2". The Berrics. Archived from the original (Video upload) on June 18, 2012. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
- ^ "Cast/Characters". El Americano The Movie. Olmos. 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
- ^ "How comedian Paul Rodriguez regained his mojo — and his faith | Angelus News". August 7, 2019. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
External links
[edit]
Quotations related to Paul Rodriguez (actor) at Wikiquote- Paul Rodriguez at IMDb
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