Buzz Belmondo

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Buzz Belmondo is the stage name of actor, comedian, film maker, film producer and writer Lorenzo Matawaran. It is also a persona created by Matawaran from his days in improvisational and stand-up comedy. Born on February 20, 1957 in San Francisco, California to Luis and Effie Matawaran, a Filipino immigrant couple, he grew up in a housing project not far from Fisherman's Wharf. As a child, he had the reputation of being “the cut-up of the guys” from his neighborhood.

In the mid-1970s, Buzz served a tour of duty in [Germany] in the Signal Corps. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1977 under circumstances that have never been made public. He held the rank of sergeant. His teenage years were spent with San Francisco's Performing Arts Workshop as well as a member of the North Beach housing Projects street gang, "The Majestics". Fellow members of the gang were artist Harry Louie and Teamster Official Joe Benny Agular. After going to see a friend’s performance in an improv troupe, Matawaran was invited to join troupe. This led to his decision to try the open-mike night in a Church basement in San Francisco's North Beach area. It was his work at the legendary Holy City Zoo (along with Robin Williams, Dana Carvey, Joe Sharky, Jose Simon) that opened doors for him professionally. Soon Matawaran was performing at comedy clubs throughout San Francisco, eventually heading for Los Angeles and a club called Igby's. While there as the emcee, he was spotted by a casting scout from The Joan Rivers Show. In his days on the short-lived talk show, Matawaran, in the persona of Belmondo, would schmooze with Joan, telling fake gossip about Hollywood stars. After the Joan Rivers Show, Buzz soon caught the interest of television producers, landing a regular role on the syndicated sitcom, Out of This World, with co-stars Donna Pescow and Maureen Flannigan and Doug McClure. He went on to land roles and appearances in several television show including the role of Guido of the hit show Baywatch. Buzz has also appeared in some films including The Big Fall, Underground, Family Values, Fashion Victim, The Dakota Kid, and others. Projects include collaboration with Danny Stump and Charles DuBois on the parody/spoof of the 1950s paranoia film, They Might be Us.

Won an Emmy Award along with writing partner Bill Farley.

Won Outstanding Screenplay Award from National Writers Workshop.

He lives in Los Angeles with his wife (Kathy) and son (Matt) and dog.

[edit] Trivia

Comedy duo of Carl Bradley and Buzz Belmondo voted Best Comedy Duo at Atlantic City Comedy Festival.
Carl and Buzz first Tag Team Champs in the Championship Comedy history.
Distant cousin of former Major League Baseball Pitcher Juan Marichal.
Table Setting enthusiast
Is lactose tolerant
Was a four-year letterman in track and field in high school
Favorite football team (the 49ers) and his favorite show on television is Monday Night Raw.