George Lopez

For other uses, see George Lopez (disambiguation).

George Lopez

Lopez at the Kids' Inaugural: We are the Future concert in Washington D.C. on January 19, 2009.
Birth name George Lopez
Born April 23, 1961
Mission Hills, Los Angeles, California, U.S.[1]
Medium Stand-up, television, film, books, radio
Nationality American
Years active 1983–present
Genres Observational comedy, satire, blue comedy
Subject(s) Mexican–American culture, race relations, racism, family, friends, everyday life
Influences Richard Pryor,[2] Freddie Prinze, Cheech & Chong, Bill Cosby, Paul Mooney, Chris Rock[3]
Spouse Ann Serrano (m. 1993–2011; 1 child)
Notable works and roles George Lopez on George Lopez
Commentator on Inside the NFL
Host of Lopez Tonight
Website GeorgeLopez.com

George Lopez (born April 23, 1961) is an American comedian, actor, and talk show host. He is mostly known for starring in his self-produced ABC sitcom George Lopez. His stand-up comedy examines race and ethnic relations, including Mexican American culture.

Early life

Lopez was born on April 23, 1961, in Mission Hills, Los Angeles, California, the son of Frieda and Anatasio Lopez, a migrant worker.[4] He is of Mexican descent.[5] He was deserted by his father when he was two months old and by his mother when he was 10 years old,[6] but was raised by his maternal grandmother, Benita Gutierrez, a factory worker, and step-grandfather, Refugio Gutierrez, a construction worker.[7][8] Lopez attended San Fernando High School, graduating in 1979.[9]

Career

Radio

In 1999, Lopez hosted a major morning radio show for Clear Channel Communications in Los Angeles. He was the first Latino to have headlined the keystone morning radio slot on an English-language station in LA — the nation’s top radio market.

Television

Lopez in 2007

In 2000, after several years of performing stand-up comedy, Lopez was approached by actress Sandra Bullock for Lopez to produce and star in a comedy. Bullock was concerned about the lack of Hispanic-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, ABC quickly 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 of Desi Arnaz, Freddie Prinze, and John Leguizamo. George Lopez is an American situation comedy that originally aired on ABC from 2002–2007. Lopez is the co-creator, writer, producer, and star of the show.

On March 8, 2007, it was announced that George Lopez would join the Nick at Nite lineup. 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 entered syndication in the fall of 2007. Never a big Nielsen hit in prime-time, the show became a surprise success in syndication.

Lopez was a cast member and commentator for HBO’s hit sports show Inside the NFL for the 2003–2004 football season.

Lopez guest starred as the mayor of Reno, Nevada in the fifth season of Reno 911! in 2008.

On March 28, 2009, it was announced that Lopez would be hosting his own late night talk show on TBS.[10] Lopez hosted a late-night talk show entitled Lopez Tonight on TBS Monday through Thursday at midnight Eastern Time. The show debuted in November 2009. In November 2010, the show moved back to midnight ET to accommodate a new show with former Tonight Show host Conan O'Brien. Lopez supported and even advocated for the move, making it different from the 2010 Tonight Show conflict that saw O'Brien depart NBC after a proposal to push Tonight back 30 minutes for Jay Leno to return to the 11:35 p.m. slot.[11] On August 10, 2011 Lopez received a cancellation notice from TBS. The network decided not to renew Lopez Tonight for a third season.[12][13]

On April 18, 2013, it was announced George Lopez would be starring in his own sitcom on FX called Saint George, which premiered on March 6, 2014.[14][15][16] Saint George was 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 George was canceled on June 25, 2014, after one season.[17]

Film

Lopez at his Walk of Fame star dedication ceremony, March 29, 2006.

Lopez earned praise for his performance in the HBO Films drama, Real Women Have Curves, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received the 2002 Audience Award. Previously, Lopez was featured in the drama Bread and Roses. The film, directed by British filmmaker Ken Loach, received critical acclaim after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. He recently starred in the ABC Wonderful World of Disney Christmas film Naughty or Nice. Lopez also starred in the Robert Rodríguez-directed film The Adventures of Shark Boy & Lava Girl, which opened in June 2005.

Brown is The New Green: George Lopez and the American Dream is a 2007 documentary directed and produced by Phillip Rodriguez.

In 2010, Lopez appeared in The Spy Next Door with Jackie Chan, starring as a villain named Glaze.

In 2011, Lopez reprised his role as Papi for Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2, and was the voice of a toco toucan, Rafael, in the box-office animated hit Rio, alongside Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, will.i.am, and Jamie Foxx.

Books

Lopez wrote an autobiography entitled Why You Crying, which was published by the Touchstone/Fireside division of Simon & Schuster, and placed in the New York Times Bestsellers top twenty. The book is co-written by Emmy Award winning writer and sportscaster Armen Keteyian.

Other work

In January 2009, Lopez appeared in We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial.

He is a two-time host of the Latin Grammy Awards, and a co-host of the Emmy Awards.

He also hosted a Season 9 elimination episode of American Idol after donating the most money on Idol Gives Back.

Politics

On December 21, 2010, Lopez announced on Good Day L.A. that he would run for mayor of Los Angeles in about eight years.[18]

In an interview with Piers Morgan, Lopez stated that if Sarah Palin ever becomes the President of the United States, he would emigrate to Canada.[19]

Personal life

In 1993, Lopez married Ann Serrano. The couple have a daughter, Maya Lopez. On September 27, 2010, Lopez announced that he and his wife had decided to end their marriage.[20] Serrano filed for divorce on November 23, 2010, citing "irreconcilable differences."[21] The divorce was finalized on July 1, 2011.[22]

Health problems

Lopez has a genetic condition that caused his kidneys 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 of George Lopez. In 2005, his wife Ann donated one of her kidneys to Lopez. The transplant was successful; Lopez lost 45 lbs 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.

Charity work and honors

Lopez was a featured celebrity golfer in the 2004 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and the 2004 AT&T Pebble Beach 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 the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. He is a member at Lakeside Country Club in Burbank, California, and has a 13 handicap.

A native of Los Angeles who grew up in the San 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 the Manny Mota Foundation Community Spirit Award and was named Honorary Mayor of Los Angeles for his extensive fund-raising efforts benefiting earthquake victims in El Salvador and Guatemala. In February 2004, Lopez was presented the 2004 Artist of the Year and Humanitarian Award by the Harvard Foundation at Harvard University, presented by its president and dean for his artistic work and charitable endeavors.[23]

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 by People for the American Way. In August 2005, Time magazine recognized George as one of "The 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America."[24] 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.[25]

Feuds

Jay Leno

Lopez criticized Jay Leno, someone he once considered a "close friend," during an interview on radio station WOMX-FM in Orlando, Florida on January 24, 2007, stating, "He's the biggest two-faced dude in TV." He also called him a back-stabber, and said he is not a proficient interviewer.[26][27]

Carlos Mencia

Lopez is also known for his conflict with Carlos Mencía. In an interview on The Howard Stern Show, Lopez accused Mencía of appropriating 13 minutes of his material in Mencía's HBO special. He also claimed he had a physical altercation with Mencía over the alleged appropriation.[28][29]

Erik Estrada

Lopez frequently mentions his dislike for Erik Estrada. According to Lopez, he met Estrada when he was a teenager and Estrada was at the zenith of his career. Estrada refused to shake the teenager's hand, and Lopez has disliked him ever since. Lopez related the story while guest-hosting The Jim Rome Show, then saying, "Fuck that puto!" In his comedy special America's Mexican, Lopez uses this story to warn celebrities to always be good to their fans, because they never know who their fans might grow up to be.

ABC Entertainment

After receiving the news that his show was cancelled in 2007, Lopez criticized president of ABC Entertainment Steve McPherson for using racially motivated reasons for his decision. The actor told the Los Angeles Times that "TV just became really, really white again," and lashed out against ABC by saying, "So a chicano can't be on TV, but a caveman can?" in reference to the short-lived sitcom Cavemen, which was replacing George Lopez on the schedule. Cavemen garnered a sharply negative reception from critics and viewers, and was cancelled after just 13 episodes.[30] Lopez blamed ABC for causing over a hundred of his show's staff to become jobless.[31][32][33]

Kirstie Alley

On March 24, 2011, George Lopez called Kirstie Alley a "pig" during her stint on Dancing with the Stars.[34] Kirstie responded on Twitter, "Don't worry about George's comments…just remember what happens to the big bad, drunk woolf…falls in a boiling pot of vodka. Piggy laughs." George later apologized on Twitter, saying, "I misjudged the joke. No malice was intended and I apologize to Kirstie." After the apology, Kirstie fired back on Twitter, "@georgelopez I don't need or want ur apology…I want your kidney dude..on behalf of ur X and all the women uv insulted…give it back."[35]

Joe Arpaio

On July 14, 2012, during one of his HBO specials, Lopez lashed out in a diatribe against controversial Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, in which Lopez ranted "Sheriff Joe in Arizona, fuck you, you fucking puto! How about that? Fuck you! You fat motherfucker, fuck you!" Lopez took exception to Arpaio's endorsement of Arizona's anti-immigration policies, which has been widely criticized among the Hispanic community.[36]

Filmography

Film
Year Film Role Notes
1990 Ski Patrol Eddie Martinez
1993 Fatal Instinct Murder Investigator
2001 Bread and Roses Perez Nominated—ALMA Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
2002 Real Women Have Curves Mr. Guzman
2002 Outta Time Felix
2005 The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl Mr. Electricidad/ Mr. Electric/Tobor
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) Voice acting debut
2009 Shannon's Rainbow Captain Martin
Mr. Troop Mom Eddie Serrano
2010 The Spy Next Door Glaze Nominated—Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actor
Valentine's Day Alfonso
Marmaduke Carlos (voice)
2011 Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 Papi (voice) Nominated—Imagen Award for Best Actor in a Feature Film
Nominated—Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actor
The Smurfs Grouchy Smurf (voice)
Rio Rafael (voice) Animation debut
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
Television
Year(s) Title Role Notes
2002 Fidel Chucho Osorio
The Brothers García Mr. Fender Episode "The Student Buddy"
Curb your Enthusiasm Himself
2002–2007 George Lopez George Lopez 120 episodes
Imagen Award for Best Actor – Television (won 2004; nominated 2005, 2006, 2007)
Nominated—ALMA Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Series
Nominated—BET Comedy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Nominated—Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series (nominated 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
Nominated—Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Breakout Star – Male
Nominated—Young Artist Award for Most Popular Mom & Pop in a Television Series (shared with Constance Marie)
2004 Naughty or Nice Henry Ramiro
2006 Freddie George "Freddie Gets Cross Over"
2007–2008 The Naked Brothers Band Himself 3 episodes
2008 Reno 911 Mayor of Reno 3 episodes
2009–2011 Lopez Tonight Himself (Host) Nominated—People's Choice Award for Favorite Talk Show Host
2011 America's Got Talent Grouchy Smurf (voice) July 27 (Season 6, Qtr Finals 3 results)
2012 Take Me Out (U.S.) Himself (Host)
2013 The Funny Face Show Armando Rodriguez (voice) Minor Character
2013 Shake It Up George Martinez Episode: "In The Bag It Up"
2014 Saint George George Series regular, also creator and executive producer
Stand up
Year Title Role Notes
2000 Alien Nation Himself
2001 Right Now, Right Now Himself
2002 Team Leader Himself
2004 Why You Crying? Himself Showtime special
2006 El Mas Chingon? Himself
2007 America's Mexican Himself HBO Special
2009 Tall, Dark, & Chicano Himself HBO Special

References

  1. ↑ "George Lopez Biography - Facts, Birthday, Life Story". Biography.com. 1961-04-23. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
  2. ↑ Lopez, George; Keteyian, Armen (2004). Why You Crying?: My Long, Hard Look at Life, Love, and Laughter. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 0-7432-5994-7.
  3. ↑ "George Lopez at MySpace". Myspace.com. Retrieved October 12, 2007.
  4. ↑
  5. ↑ http://www.deseretnews.com/article/902968/George-Lopez-breaks-barrier.html?pg=all
  6. ↑ "George Lopez Personal Life! All about George Lopez childhood and familly!". Bestcomedyonline.net. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
  7. ↑ "George Lopez Biography (1961-)". Filmreference.com. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
  8. ↑ "George Lopez and Ann Serrano Marriage Profile". Marriage.about.com. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
  9. ↑ http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/preps/post/_/id/9100/la-north-george-lopez-offers-to-buy-cif-rings-for-san-fernando-baseball-team
  10. ↑ Kate Ward, Entertainment Weekly
  11. ↑ Bill Carter (April 12, 2010). "How the Conan O’Brien-TBS Deal Happened". The New York Times. Retrieved April 12, 2010.
  12. ↑ "TBS Canceling Comic George Lopez's Talk Show". News.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
  13. ↑ Carter, Bill (August 10, 2011). "TBS Cancels "Lopez Tonight"". New York Times. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
  14. ↑ "George Lopez Show Picked Up By FX, Titled 'Saint George'". Huffington Post. 18 April 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  15. ↑ Bibel, Sara (18 April 2013). "FX Greenlights George Lopez Comedy 'Saint George'". TVBytheNumbers. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  16. ↑ Tabrys, Jason (19 April 2013). "FX Gives George Lopez the ‘Charlie Sheen’ Deal for New Sitcom". ScreenRant. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  17. ↑ Albiniak, Paige (June 25, 2014). "FX Won't Go Forward with 'Saint George'". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved June 25, 2014.
  18. ↑ "George Lopez: I'm Running for Mayor of L.A.!". TMZ.com. 2010-12-21. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
  19. ↑ "CNN.com Video". CNN. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
  20. ↑ "George Lopez and Wife End 17-Year Marriage". People. September 27, 2010. Retrieved September 27, 2010.
  21. ↑ "George Lopez' Wife Ann Lopez Filed For Divorce". TMZ. November 23, 2010. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  22. ↑ "George Lopez – Divorce Final". TMZ. July 1, 2011. Retrieved July 1, 2011.
  23. ↑ Harvard News Office (2004-02-26). "Harvard Gazette: Harvard Foundation names Lopez Artist of the Year". News.harvard.edu. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
  24. ↑ "The 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America". Time. August 13, 2005. Retrieved May 3, 2010.
  25. ↑ Strauss, Bob (October 19, 2011). "Comedian George Lopez gets Valley school's auditorium named after him". Los Angeles Daily News. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
  26. ↑ "Topic Galleries". OrlandoSentinel.com. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
  27. ↑ "Topic Galleries". OrlandoSentinel.com. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
  28. ↑ Goldyn, Debra (May 2, 2007). "Is Carlos Mencia a thief?". Advocate. University of Colorado at Denver. Retrieved May 14, 2007.
  29. ↑ Kozlowski, Carl (March 29, 2007). "Carlos Mencia Just Said That". Los Angeles CityBeat. Archived from the original on September 20, 2007. Retrieved July 14, 2007.
  30. ↑ Buckman, Adam (October 3, 2007). "IT'S A CAVE-IN! ROCKY OPENING FOR 'CAVEMEN'". New York Post.
  31. ↑ Keller, Joel (May 15, 2007). "George Lopez blasts ABC for cancelling his show". TV Squad. Retrieved March 16, 2009.
  32. ↑ Fernandez, Marie (May 15, 2007). "George Lopez lashes out at ABC". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 16, 2009.
  33. ↑ Fernandez, Marie (May 14, 2007). "TV just got a lot 'whiter,' says a canceled George Lopez". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 3, 2008.
  34. ↑ "Not Nice! George Lopez On Kirstie Alley's DWTS Performance". PerezHilton. March 24, 2011. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  35. ↑ "Kirstie Alley Fires Back At George Lopez…Goes WAY Too Far". PerezHilton. March 25, 2011. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  36. ↑ "Feud Alert! George Lopez vs. Controversial Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio". eonline.com. July 17, 2012. Retrieved July 17, 2012.

External links