Latino actor to star in "La Llorona" Grimm episode

Actor David Barrera co stars on a Grimm groundbreaking TV Event

By Dr. Al Carlos Hernandez, Herald De Paris

(Edited By Susan Aceves)

David Barrera is an American actor best known for his latest role as Gunnery Sgt. Ray ‘Casey Kasem’ Griego in Generation Kill. He has appeared in several television series including Heroes, CSI: Miami, Boston Legal,Medium, Nip/Tuck, Without a Trace, The West Wing and 24 for which he was nominated for an ALMA award as best actor.The most recent film in which Barrera can be seen is Universal’s family comedy Evan Almighty. He worked on films like Infinity, No Way Back and The United States of Leland. Barrera guest starred in the episode ‘Alex Gives Up’ in a Disney Channel Original Series live-action sitcom, Wizards of Waverly Place – a series in which his wife, Maria, is a star player.

David Barrera was born and raised in San Juan, Texas and was the seventh of eight children. He attended Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School, where he was involved in Theater. He received his BFA from Southern Methodist University on a theater scholarship. He went on to receive his MFA from The University of California, San Diego, where he garnered a San Diego Fellowship and was awarded The Princess Grace Acting Scholarship in his third year. While at UCSD, he was trained in and worked on several classical works of theater. He also did an internship at the prestigious La Jolla Playhouse and at Luis Valdez’ El Teatro Campesino. David is married to actress Maria Canals Barrera with whom he has two daughters.

On Friday October 26th a very special episode of NBC’s Grimm will be re-broadcast for the first time on Telemundo television. David will have a leading and ground breaking role. He said, “The episode will air on NBC, Telemundo and Mun2. The story deals with the legend of ‘La Llorona.’ I play a dad whose son is taken by her. We spend the episode searching for my son and La Llorona. It’s a really action packed episode and will have you on the edge of your seat. All my dialogue is completely in Spanish. One of the regulars on the series is fluent in Spanish and her character serves as my character’s translator.”

Here is the scenario:

Herald De Paris Deputy Managing Editor Dr. Al Carlos Hernandez had an inspiring conversation with David at the ALMA Awards:

Tell us about your family and growing up in Texas. What did your parents do and how was it growing up with seven siblings? How does your upbringing inform your work as an adult?

DB: I grew up in deep San Juan, Texas in an area of Southern Texas known as the Rio Grande Valley. I was born into a migrant farm working family of eight children. My family stopped traveling up north to work in the fields when I was around six or seven years old. This was a decision my mom made because it was hurting our education to be pulled out of school early in the summer and get back late for school in the fall. Although my family was of modest means, I remember a lot of laughter and good times. My dad later became a Jack-of-all-trades. He built houses and sold them for a while. He would buy and sell cars from time to time and had his own little lot for a bit. My mom was a lay-midwife (delivered babies) for most of her life. It was fantastic growing up in such a big family. We didn’t need anybody else. We had each other and friends were just icing on the cake. I think my upbringing informed my adult life in that I learned what hard work was from seeing my brothers and sisters working so hard from an early age. It also solidified the importance of family for me. Family comes first.

Who were your greatest supporters and who were the ‘nay sayers?’

DB: My greatest supporters were my parents and my family. They would support me in all my shows or the sports I participated in. They were my biggest fans. This gave me a lot of confidence in what I could do. I never saw failure as an option. I don’t think I ever had any ‘nay sayers’ - not any I could remember. I mean, you always run into people who are sometimes jealous of your accomplishment, that is natural, but I was always taught to ignore them and move forward.

What was it in your childhood that steered you towards the Arts? What was your first performance like?

DB: From my earliest years, growing up in a big family that loved to make each other laugh, I always enjoyed making other people laugh. It brought me great joy to tell jokes and be funny. That is where my want to perform was born. I remember when tryouts for the “creative dramatics” team came around in sixth grade, I jumped at the chance. I saw it as a chance to be funny in an environment where teachers did not tell you to stop talking. They encouraged it. I loved it! I then moved on into a high school that had a very strong theater department and was able to hone my passion into a more regular practice of my art. My first performance was exhilarating. It was at a “creative dramatics” competition in sixth grade against other elementary schools. Our team was very nervous, but we soon realized to just take the bull by the horns and perform. Very empowering. We placed sixth out of six schools, but it was a start. Ha! Ha!

When, and under what circumstances, did you know that you wanted to be an artist?

DB: I always knew I wanted to be and actor. I think a lot of kids have that dream, but it wasn’t until I was in college that I realized that it was actually possible. I realized that my belief that you are either really famous or a miserable failure was false. I realized you could be a working actor and make a decent living without the greater population knowing who you were. That seemed attainable to me. I went for it.

What was the reaction of your family when you decided to become involved in theater in high school? For Latino males, isn’t acting a nontraditional vocational choice? What kind of productions were you involved in?

DB: My family was very supportive. They loved it. We came from a family that had some singers in it. My mom sang at local shows when she was young and won competitions. For a while my parents had a singing ministry where they sang at various churches. Performing was kind of in our blood. It was never seen as a negative. Plus, the high school I went to was very successful across the state of Texas in drama competitions and because I grew up next to the Mexican border, most of us were Hispanic. Our community loved it. People would drive three or four hours to come see us compete at some of the One-Act Play competitions. It was always a plus.


What was the dream back then?

DB: The dream has always been to be a successful actor. To me that means working regularly and supporting yourself and your family from your art and enjoying the process of that. I have a very blue collar approach to it. I love to work. I work very hard and love getting chances to work. I love what I do.

Tell us how you earned your scholarship to Southern Methodist University in Dallas. What were some of the highs and lows during your college years at SMU?

DB: In my senior year of high school, three of us seniors were selected to go to a theater conference in Austin and perform audition monologues for all the colleges in Texas. You had to do a comedy monologue and dramatic monologue. After everyone had performed, we found out what colleges had called us back for an interview to see if we wanted to attend their university. I got a callback from a bunch of schools. I remember the University of Texas called me back and offered me a $500 dollar scholarship and I was ecstatic! I was a poor kid, so $500 was a lot of money to me. Well, then SMU called me back and I had no idea what a respected program they had. All I knew was that Eric Dickerson had played football there. It’s the best program in the state and one of the best in the country. They offered me a full ride and I just about passed out. Needless to say, I passed on UT and attended SMU.

The highs were being a part of such a prestigious professional actor training program. I was performing in plays with really talented class mates; growing and maturing in my craft. It was a student actors dream. The lows were being away from my family. I’ve always been very strong, but that was hard for me. It’s clear across the state, and Texas is huge! Ha! Ha! But, I grew from that experience as well. With the backing of my family, I became very independent and able to adapt to any environment.

What circumstances led to attaining an MFA from UC San Diego? Did you want to teach?

DB: In my senior year at SMU, a few of us were going to move to Chicago and start a theater company. I had no intention of going to grad school. One of my professors persuaded me to audition for at least a few of the more respected schools: Yale, NYU, UCSD. I did and was accepted at UCSD where I was offered a full ride plus a stipend to live on. I figured there was no way I could turn down such a wonderful program that was very respected in the professional world. I decided to go. It was a great decision. I got more great training and, through the showcases my class did in NY and LA, I landed my LA agent before I even moved here. I’m so glad I went there. I never had the intention of teaching. I always wanted to act professionally.

How important is it for Latinos in the arts to have advanced degrees?

DB: The degree doesn’t matter to anyone in the business. They couldn’t care less, but the training you receive is invaluable. One of the things my training affords me is a consistent level of performance from audition to audition. I learned that through technique at these schools. Consistency of quality auditions is the key to booking jobs. You can’t have too many off days.

What is the Princess Grace Acting Scholarship and how did you win it? What kind of doors did it open for you?

DB: Princess Grace Awards are given out by the Princess Grace Foundation (Princess Grace of Monaco) to honor artists who show excellence and promise in the disciplines of theater, dance, choreography, and film. I was picked in 1993 as the student award recipient for that year. Prompted by a professor, we submitted an audition tape plus a lot of paperwork and I won. It paid for my third year of grad school. It was a wonderful blessing.

http://www.pgfusa.com/award-winners/browse/by-year/1993/

Tell us about your work with El Teatro Compesino.

DB: In my third year of grad school, I got the opportunity to audition for an Octavio Solis play called ‘Prospect’ that was being produced by El Teatro Campesino. I was selected to play the lead role of ‘Scout’ and the school allowed me to do it as my externship that year. It was a great experience.

What was your first big break? What kinds of other jobs did you have before you ‘made it?'

DB: When I moved to LA I worked as a waiter at the Red Lobster in Beverly Hills. Thank God I could act, because I was a lousy waiter. I worked there four months until I got my first film. It was called ‘Infinity’ and it was directed by and starred Matthew Broderick. After that movie, a friend of mine got me a job a UCLA as a research assistant. The job was basically to hang out in the waiting rooms of clinics in South Central LA, approach people and ask all kinds of personal question and determine if they would be good candidates for the research study. I worked there for about a year until the study ended. Since then I’ve supported myself solely from my craft.

What are some of the TV shows and films you have worked on and what are some of the ‘types’ they book you for?

DB: I have 53 television titles and 14 film titles on IMDB.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0056876/

Some of those include NYPD: Blue, ER, The West Wing, The Mentalist, Heroes, Medium, CSI: NY and the HBO miniseries Generation Kill. I book a lot of roles for doctors, lawyers, cops and, lately, dads and detectives.

Which platform do you prefer the most: stage, screen, or TV?

DB: I prefer film. I think most actors do. There is generally a lot more time to shoot scenes in film. It takes time to develop a character, etc. Although lately, there are a lot more interesting scripts being done on TV than in film. Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, shows like that. I think HBO started that trend with The Sopranos.Drama is, by far, my favorite. I still like being funny and making people laugh but I just find that in drama I feel very at home. It resonates with me a lot easier.

What was the first time you realized you were famous?

DB: The first time a stranger stopped me in the mall was pretty shocking. I usually get stopped for my arc on NYPD: Blue. People who stop me and loved that show feel like they know me as a member of their family. That was a very special show to a lot of people.

How did you meet your wife? How hard is it for two working actors to raise a family in Hollywood?

DB: I met Maria working on a staged reading at the Mark Taper Forum. It was called ‘The Seductions of Johnny Diego’ – I played Johnny Diego and she was one of my seductions. It was written by Guillermo Reyes and it was directed by Tony Plana. Within ten days, we were madly in love and still are!

It is difficult to juggle schedules with two working actors, especially with this current trend of leaving town for most jobs. We make it happen. We put our family first in every decision. That’s the only way to make it work. It comes with some sacrifice but at the end of the day we have each other and that’s all that counts.

Tell us about this very special episode of Grimm. I understand this is the first time Telemundo will re-broadcast.

DB: Yes. It will air on NBC, Telemundo and Mun2. The story deals with the legend of ‘La Llorona.’ I play a father whose son is taken by her. We spend the episode searching for my son and La Llorona. It’s a really action packed episode and will have you on the edge of your seat. All my dialogue is completely in Spanish. One of the regulars is fluent in Spanish and her character serves as my character’s translator.

How difficult was it doing the whole program speaking Spanish? What is your highest hope for this episode?

DB: It was not that difficult because the Spanish was written beautifully. So many times, if you get Spanish dialogue it’s written horribly and you end up having to translate on the fly. That can be difficult. But this was a joy to work on. My highest hope would be that the episode gets incredible numbers, NBC capitalizes on it to create more Latino characters and that there is more work for Latino actors. That would be amazing.

Do you think your career has been limited because of your ethnicity and/or moral posture?

DB: Early on in my career, I turned down a lot of stuff because it was stereotypical. Had I taken some of that stuff, my career would have moved further along at a much faster pace. However, I would not have been happy with my decisions. There are certainly not as many roles as I would like there to be for me to have the opportunity to work on – but I try not to ‘live’ in that. I try not to spend my energy getting upset about that. I focus on what is in front of me. I focus my energy on getting the work that IS available.

What are the kinds of parts you would like to play? What would be the perfect project?

DB: I would love to play a detective on a television series who investigates crimes. I would like it to shoot in town so I could be close to my family. That would be ideal for me.

What advice would you give to young actors who are just starting out?

DB: Get trained. Learn your craft. Learn what acting is and how to do it well at a consistent level and you will always work.

When it’s all said and done, 50 years from now how would you like to be remembered? What would you like your legacy to be?

DB: I would like to be remembered as a guy who worked really hard at what he loved and sometimes did it pretty well. A guy who always enjoyed what he did and treated people with respect and dignity as he did it. I would also like to be remembered as a good father and husband who was not defined by Hollywood, but tackled Hollywood on his own terms. That would be nice.

Zoe Saldana 'not dark enough' for lead role

Controversy hits Hollywood as Zoe Saldana is dubbed 'not dark-skinned enough' to play Nina Simone

By Jennifer Ruby, Daily Mail

She's one of Hollywood's hottest rising stars, but apparently not everyone is a fan of Avatar actress Zoe Saldana.

Since it emerged that the Dominican-Puerto Rican actress was to play jazz legend Nina Simone in eagerly anticipated biopic, Nina, they has been backlash about the colour of her skin.

Not dark enough? Hollywood producers have faced criticism for casting Zoe

An article by The New York Times states that there has been a concerted attempt by certain members of the online community to have Zoe removed from the role, as they don't believe her to be dark-skinned enough for the part.

Tiffani Jones, who runs Coffee Rhetoric, raised the issue on her blog: '

Hollywood and the media have a tendency to whitewash and lightwash a lot of stories, particularly when black actresses are concerned.

'When is it going to be OK to not be the delicate looking ideal of what the media considers blackness to be?'

The blog links to an online petition run by Change.org , which has nearly 3000 supporters, calling for director Cynthia Mott to dismiss Zoe from the film and hire an actress whose skin tone is closer to Nina's.

There has also been disapproval from those who were closest to the late, iconic singer.

Nina's daughter Simone Kelly has taken umbrage with the decision to cast Zoe, and has taken to her Facebook page to voice her concerns:

'Appearance-wise this is not the best choice,' she wrote.

Although Simone went on to say that she had no problem with the star's acting ability, she admitted that she would like to see a darker-skinned actress such as Viola Davis or Kimberly Elise take the part and suggested that her mother would have wanted Whoopi Goldberg to play her.

Zoe, who is hot property in Hollywood at the moment, has seen her profile rise after starring in a string of blockbusters and dating the likes of Bradley Cooper. She is rumoured to be starring in the forthcoming Avatar sequel.

The Rose of Spanish Harlem

The Rose of Spanish Harlem, Actress & Executive LYDIA NICOLE
By Al Carlos Hernandez, Herald de Paris, September 26, 2010

HOLLYWOOD – Tenacity, courage, audacity and motivation are trademarks of Lydia Nicole. These qualities have served her from a Harlem childhood to the present.  She lives a very diverse life:  mother, actress, writer, comedian, motivational speaker, and executive. At the age of 13 she was given a job at New York’s number one radio station and creator of urban contemporary, WBLS-FM in New York City. There she apprenticed under radio legends Frankie Crocker and Hal Jackson. She was promoted to music director by the age of 18. In Los Angeles her experience landed her a job working at Neil Bogart’s legendary Casablanca Records whose roster included Donna Summer, the Village People, Parliament, Kiss, Cameo, and Cher.

Lydia traded her executive hat for a career in acting. Over the years she has been featured in various notable television shows and feature films: The Jeffersons, Hill Street Blues, Indecent Proposal starring Robert Redford, Hollywood Shuffle starring Robert Townsend and Stand and Deliver with Edward James Olmos.  More.

Latina Actor reflects on The George Lopez Show

INTERVIEW: Belita not “Benny” Moreno
One of the most recognizable women in the history of Network TV
By Al Carlos Hernandez, Herald de Paris

Belita Moreno

HOLLYWOOD - Actress/acting coach Belita Moreno is one of the most recognizable comedic actress on television and probably the most recognizable Latinas in the history of network TV. She can be seen on televisions around the world and is best known for her television roles as George Lopez’s mother on “The George Lopez Show” now in syndication. She also starred and had a long network run as Lydia Markham on “Perfect Strangers.”

Belita was born in Plano, Texas after her parents came to the U.S. from Mexico. They raised her in Dallas where she majored in theatre at Southern Methodist University. She continued her acting studies at the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Santa Maria, California where she appeared on stage in the play Once Upon A Mattress.

Soon after Moreno arrived in Los Angeles to pursue her acting career, she met director Robert Altman and landed roles in three of his films: 3 Women, A Wedding, and A Perfect Couple. She has also appeared in many other films including Mommy Dearest, Swing Shift, Oh God! You Devil, Nobody’s Fool, Men Don’t Leave, Clear and Present Danger, and Grosse Pointe Blank.  More....

Latino actor Oscar Torre, always a human

Never a Villain or a Hero, Always a Human: Oscar Torre
By Al Carlos Hernandez, Herald de Paris

LOS ANGELES - Oscar Torre is a Miami born actor who is best known for his breakout work on the CBS TV series Cane, where he played the role of “Santo” alongside Jimmy Smits, Rita Moreno and Hector Elizando. He received major reviews for his comedic performance in Que Roba A Thief and has been a major player in several theatrical projects. He has appeared in Dollhouse, NCIS, Cold Case, and Larceny. His first major big screen role was in Suicide Blonde, then the film Versace Murder. Oscar is known for playing bad guys. He learned the way of the streets as a former drug counselor at a mental hospital and says it’s the best acting school ever.  MORE.

Latino brothers bring Hollywood to Mission District

Bratt brothers celebrate their neighborhood with film
By REED JOHNSON, LA Times via Star-telegram.com, Apr. 24, 2010

LOS ANGELES -- When Peter and Benjamin Bratt were growing up in San Francisco, the city's Mission District was the soul of their compact universe.

It was where their mother, a single parent, worked as a registered nurse and political organizer. It was where the boys and their siblings went to school and played in recreation centers. The area, named for the Spanish colonial Mission Dolores, was a neighborhood of lowriders, Peruvian flute players, American Indian and Latino activists, omnipresent street theater and vibrant murals that related the local history like "Aztec glyphs," Peter says.

Not surprisingly, for years afterward, the brothers dreamed of making a movie there together.

"We always wanted to tell a story in our back yard, in our hometown," says Peter, who still lives in San Francisco. "When you go see a Spike Lee film, Do the Right Thing, now we can say, 'Brooklyn' or 'Queens' or 'the Bronx,' [and] in South America or France, people know where those neighborhoods are."

But the right project didn't come along until Peter, a director and screenwriter, came up with the idea for La Mission, which is screening Wednesday at the USA Film Festival at the Angelika in Dallas and opening Friday at the Magnolia in Dallas. It stars his younger brother Benjamin, known for his award-winning role as Detective Rey Curtis on NBC's Law & Order as well as Pinero, Traffic and other films.

The privately financed movie, makes the Mission a virtual character in its tale of a proud, culturally old-school, macho Latino single father named Che Rivera (Benjamin Bratt), whose world is rocked to its foundations when his son Jes (Jeremy Ray Valdez), a bright UCLA scholarship student, comes out of the closet.

La Mission delves into the emotional thickets of homophobia, ethnic identity, domestic and street violence, and generational conflict.

But La Mission can also be read as the brothers' mash note to a community and a way of living.

"For all the heavy themes that the film focuses on, equally important to us was the effort to capture the exuberance and the real passion for life that lives in the Mission, in all its various forms," says Benjamin, an L.A. transplant. "And so right alongside the heartache within the film, we also want you to find the humor, as the characters do. "

The brothers have always been close, constantly socializing and not infrequently working together. Still, mix their temperamental differences with two strong creative visions and the pressures of co-producing an independent film, and sparks will fly.

"It wasn't all peace, love and Brussels sprouts, man," Benjamin says. "Because we know each other so well and we know each other's strengths and weaknesses, it's like there's a switchboard, and I know what button to push to get a certain reaction from him, and likewise he for me. "

The greatest tussle, however, may have been trying to get Hollywood financing. As an Emmy-nominated veteran of television and films, Benjamin says, he thought he had "enough relationships to get a compelling story like this told, fairly straightforwardly."

"But what we were met with was, one, 'It's an issue that's already been dealt with, the coming-out story of the son.' What they meant by that was, it's an issue that's already been dealt with in the dominant culture."

Latino stars react to Arizona immigration law

Latino Stars React To Arizona Immigration Law
Access Hollywood.com

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Hollywood’s Latino stars are taking to their Twitter pages to respond to a controversial new Arizona law that has drawn backlash from even the White House.

“ARIZONA .. George Lopez is coming .. Oops .. I just got pulled over .. Apparently I fit the profile .. Gacho !!” the late night comedian Tweeted on Friday, following up with more Tweets over the weekend.

“The Crackdown in ARIZONA continues .. The New Taco Bell TORTADA has been outlawed .by GOV Jan Brewer .. As a treat to the Colon"s of her people !” he Tweeted. “The changing the name of PATRON to make it more ARIZONA friendly .. Now .. PAT RON.”

Ricky Martin also spoke out against the new law, which is aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration. However, some have suggested it will lead to unjust racial profiling.

“Racial profiling should never be tolerated, in the US or anywhere in the world. We’re moving backwards. Scary. #SB1070,” he Tweeted on Saturday.

Eva Longoria Parker re-Tweeted both stars’ messages, as well as a Tweet from President Barack Obama’s official account – “The recent legislation in Arizona threatens to undermine basic notions of fairness.”

Senate Bill 1070, signed by Gov. Brewer on Friday, represents a crackdown on illegal immigration and requires authorities to question individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants – prompting protests in the state capitol on Friday and leaving many concerned that the law will lead to racial profiling.

According to CNN, the governor will require officers to undergo “additional training” to avoid such concerns while enforcing the law.

Latino comedy troupe gets a home

A home sweet home for Culture Clash in MacArthur Park?
LA Times, November 27, 2009

Salinas Will the sweet green icing of success be pouring down on Culture Clash, the iconic L.A. Latino comic-theater troupe, if it moves to a new home beside MacArthur Park?

Under a proposal spearheaded by the Community Redevelopment Agency of the city of Los Angeles (CRA/LA), the Westlake Theatre at the edge of MacArthur Park, which was built in 1926 and currently is used as a swap meet, would be converted into a multi-use entertainment space for live theater, film screenings, musical performances and community and social events. The project also would include the creation of 49 units of affordable housing and a 300-space parking garage.

According to CRA officials, the Music Box@Fonda, which runs the Music Box theater in Hollywood, would operate and program the revamped Westlake Theatre, and Culture Clash, the popular and respected Latino performance ensemble that is marking its 25th anniversary this year, would become the facility’s resident theater company. In addition to performing at the theater for a minimum of 30 days per year, Culture Clash would provide youth-oriented programming and instruction in writing and acting, said Leslie Lambert, the CRA’s administrator for its Hollywood and Central region.

"They’re very popular, they attract a big audience," said Lambert in explaining selection of Culture Clash, which is known for its mix of antic comedy and biting social commentary. "Ethnically, they fit perfectly with that community. They’re very much in touch with that community. [And] they’ll bring in audiences from elsewhere."

Richard Montoya of Culture Clash, who with colleagues Herbert Siguenza and Ric Salinas have operated as a gypsy ensemble since the group moved from the Bay Area to Los Angeles in the early 1990s, praised the Westlake Theatre as "a grand old faded lady" and said the trio was excited about finally acquiring a "bricks and mortar" home of its own.

"Thank God there’s angels in bureaucracy — there are — that have said, ‘You guys deserve a home,’" Montoya said. "We’re, like, two Salvadorans, one Chicano, there’s a need in the area."

However, he emphasized, MacArthur Park is "not an area devoid of culture. No, it’s a very, actually, sophisticated place."

Latino actor is cast in new Tyler Perry flick

$400 million movie producer casts Latino actor in newest flick
By Shari Logan, New York Post, September 11, 2009

Tyler Perry’s “I Can Do Bad All by Myself” hits theatres today and this time around Latino heartthrob Adam Rodriguez of “CSI: Miami” has a leading role opposite Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson (April). In the movie, Rodriguez plays Sandino, a down on his luck Colombian immigrant that moves into April’s basement until he can find a job. While living with April, he gives her the one thing that she’s been missing most of her life—real love. Rodriquez spoke to TEMPO Espresso about the movie and his next move in Hollywood.

Tyler Perry is known for bringing the laughs and a message, what can Sandino’s character teach audiences?

I would say …here’s a guy that has an accent, isn’t from this country, has no family, no home, and doesn’t really have a job or a future. Seemingly this guy has his life more together than anybody else that would’ve judged him. And he understands what’s important about life: to give love freely. And when you give that love freely, you give others a chance to be their best selves and to love others around them.

Taraji said something today and it was “without love you are not living” and that’s the truth. People that want to hold on to the bad things that happened in their lives and expect that that should determine who you are for the rest of your life. Well, then you’re wasting your time. You gotta have hope, you gotta have faith, you gotta believe.

I think part of the message too is that the people it’s hard to love, are the ones you need to love harder. April was one of those people and I don’t think Sandino was going to quit.

How did the relationship with Tyler Perry start?

I met him in LA for a meeting. His agent [Charles King] is an old friend of mine and Tyler asked King about young Latino leading men that he should be aware of. So he [King] put my name in the hat.

When you first heard that your name was put out there to Tyler Perry, how did you feel about being able to work with him?

I was excited to see what Tyler’s process was. Here is a guy who is so prolific, so successful starting from the ground up. Once I did get a glimpse of it I was blown away.

I was inspired as well. It made me want to work harder, reinforced some things that I already knew like go your own path, do what you have to do, do what you believe in regardless of what other people think. That’s what you have to do to make a change in anything. And he’s definitely making a change in the way Hollywood makes movies.

What was it like it on the set?

Non stop laughs. We had a fun from the minute we all got in the room together to the minute we turned the lights off and wrapped the movie.

Do you remember anything specifically that was funny?

It was the first day on the set and I had essentially just met Taraji. We had a scene where she gets some bad news and I’m consoling her. At the end of the scene we were just in the moment and we started kissing. It wasn’t scripted. And Tyler decided to play a joke on us and let it keep going and going. It was like a Big Red commercial.

What’s next for you?

I’ll be in New York doing "Ugly Betty." So I’m going to get a chance to do some comedy. I’m doing seven episodes and I’m finishing up “CSI: Miami.” I have seven episodes left.

So, no more “CSI Miami”?

After this year, that’s it?

Latina masters several media platforms

A Jack of All Trades; Hollywood's Lidia Pires, flying high under the radar
Al Carlos Hernandez
www.LatinoLA.com

Lidia Pires may not be a name you recognize but she has been a recognizable face on numerous international TV commercials, network TV programs and more than ten feature films. She is most recently featured as one of the stars in the cross-over heist film Ladron que Roba a Lardron. There is no doubt that she will flirt with A- List notoriety in her upcoming feature, the comedic romp, Lean Like a Cholo.

In a time of media myopia and typecasting, Lidia is a transcendent Latina, a jack of all trades, an artistic multi-talented chameleon who can reinvent herself through many genres while mastering several media platforms.

She has worked as a model, writer, script doctor, producer, PR executive, and on-air host. She is a painter as well as a successful casting and production associate. Lidia says that acting is her first love and she can say it in three languages: English, Spanish and Portuguese. Ever active and engaged with the world around her, she takes time to give back to the community

Pires tells LatinoLA:

I was born in Asuncion, Paraguay but at the age of two my father joined the United Nations. We started to travel and we lived all over the world. I was raised in numerous different countries.

Growing up in many cultures has enriched me in many ways. I was an only child and that thrust me into situations I had to face alone. I was extremely shy and realized that either I retreated with my uniqueness or I had to learn to observe, absorb, and transform myself into one of "them" so as to fit in with the crowd. I found that the latter worked best.

I am completely bilingual. I think in English when I speak/write in English and in Spanish when I speak/write Spanish. When I was six my parents put me in a painting class that was offered at the Museum of Fine Arts in Rio de Janeiro. My artistic side was born.

I always loved film; nothing compares to immersing myself in other people's lives. I am inspired by Kathryn Hepburn. Her life on and off screen touched me in a personal way. I was enthralled by the hugeness of film, both on a physical and emotional scale. I approached my parents to tell them of my desire to enter the acting world. They were appalled so I took a secretarial course and travelled back to my country.

Started my working career in Paraguay and joined an advertising agency as its public relations liaison. From there I joined a production company as producer. Television production there, at that time, was in its infancy. To get something done you had to be a jack-of-all-trades. There I became friends with a marketing director. He convinced me to have a renowned photographer take some photos of me. My modeling career was born.

Through modeling, a production company approached me to be in one of their commercials. Since I was very vocal about what could be done to improve it, they hired me to produce. Hence my production and sort of acting career were born. At the time there were only two production companies and the industry was really in its infancy. So you ended up being in charge of pretty much everything. You had to scout locations, you had to find props, you had to cast the commercial, you had to feed the people, pick them up and take them back, you had to light it, you almost had to film it too! There were no demarcations of "this is your job and this is mine" or any hierarchy.

I remained in Paraguay for two years. I had difficulties adapting to the way things were done. I'd come from New York (my father's last post in the United Nations) so the adjustments were hard, plus I really loved New York. The city fascinated me. It offered so much. The museums, the parks, the theater, the foreign-films, everything that excited me was there. So there I returned.

When I moved from NY to Miami, I was a fish out water. There's a very different attitude, so when I was offered a job in Los Angeles I jumped at it. And here is where I found the happiest of mediums. Everything is so geared to the entertainment business and most everybody in the business understands what you need.

In LA I was offered a job as a producer where I produced commercials (both local and international), a worldwide documentary, and a movie in Venezuela.

I liked working in commercials as a producer for their quick turn around and variety. What did not satisfy me much was that I did not have much creative input in them.

Documentaries are a labor of love. I compare them to raising a child because you put in a lot of time and money and you just hope that maybe they will go out into the world and do good. At the time I was doing TV production it was incredibly time consuming. Now it is all high tech. I loved them all in their own way.

I started producing independently and had a program Gems Spa on Gems Television (a US based international network) where I also served as its host. I also produce a local access program Entre Amigas where I am again one of the hosts. Gems Spa came about through a contact in Miami that was looking for programs for Gems Television. I didn't have a concept at that time but turned to my producing partner to find a subject matter that was accessible, of interest, and feasible to get permits quickly. We headed off to Dessert Hot Springs for a story on one of its spas.

It was so quickly done that one of the hosts had to be me. We sent it to the programming person explaining that we were going to replace me as host. She called saying that she would purchase a season for the network and wanted me in it. So now I was producer and host. Since we travelled with a very small crew I found that producing and hosting was challenging indeed.

Recognition (for I have no fame) has been wonderful. Though I don't get it often, when someone approaches me and treats me as if they know me because I have been in a tiny part of their day, it is incredibly rewarding.

As an actress I am partial to film. I like the process; the minuteness of the shots and the immensity of the result. I like to see how so many can work so well toward one result. Almost like observing an ant farm or a mass of freeways intertwining.

Stage has my full respect because I tend toward stage-fright and have had to overcome it. I started doing theater in school and then continued in Spain with an experimental group that went to little towns and set up in the town plaza. I like that you can form a true bond with your fellow actors. I like the immediacy of the response. It’s almost like a rollercoaster where you go, "Wow, what a ride!" I would add, "I'm so glad it's done," and then, "Let's go again!"

I like TV hosting if I have creative/writing input, but that rarely happens in the real world. I was fortunate to have that when I did.

There is no escaping that fact when you look at me, I am a Latina actress, and I am proud of that. I like to think of myself as one of those wise Latinas that Justice Sotomayor refered to. I have been fortunate due to the fact that I'm good at adopting other cultures and accents.

I have played roles where ethnicity does not take a prominent role but there is a lot more that can be done. In real life we are placed more and more in pivotal positions where we just happen to be a minority - not because of it. However, the television and film world has been slow and reluctant to recognize that. The tides are changing with the advent of digital which makes it economically possible for minorities to create roles for themselves that do not fall into stereotypes. Ultimately, I have no problem in being hired because I am a Latina and I am choosing a lot of projects that show us in a good light as with Rollout!, Flights of Fancy, and Divina Crane.

I may be falling into a cliche here, but because of the nature of the business and its unreliability as to steady roles, I consider each acting experience "big" and give it great importance.

The first time that I was on set as an actor in a commercial and had the luxury to shed my producer hat was huge. The first time I was in a major film on theater screens in the United States and worldwide was huge. The first time I stepped into a town square and conquered my stage fright was huge. I love drama so, as an actress, I tend to gravitate to those roles, but some directors have discovered my comedic timing and are willing to pursue that as well.

I have a knack for seeing in some people what others don't. A friend of mine, Rosalinda Morales, has her own company, Far More Casting & Production, and was getting extremely busy at one point and - knowing my involvement in the industry - brought me in as the casting associate in a few projects. We worked well together so continued working in many others.

I look for honesty in an actor. I don't want to question who they are when they are in character. If you can hook me by provoking a strong reaction in me with a writer's line you will have me as a fan for life. As a casting director I look to see if you have respect for your craft and the auditioning process is very important. With that comes being on time, and having the sides and the headshot if requested. Knowing the etiquette in the process and the ground rules is important as well. Come rested, and if frazzled or tired, make sure it doesn't show.

In casting there are always scripts that come into our hands. In reading them I started correcting and giving notes to the writers. That started another side career which I enjoy almost as much: script analyst and copy editor. Since I am fully bilingual (English/Spanish) and knowledgeable of the way people say things and what words they use in different countries and regions, I segued into translating and doctoring scripts as well.

Again, chance and luck played a substantial role. We received a short film script that I thought had great value as a story but needed a lot of adjustments. I asked the filmmaker if he wouldn't mind if I gave him some notes. Since he welcomed them, I gave them to him and from then on, through word of mouth I have done so with many others.

I am a firm believer that not only as a human, but as double-minority, a Latina woman, I have to give back to my community. My way of doing so is by volunteering. I have volunteered with The Flying Samaritans going to remote towns in Mexico and being the interpreter between the patients and the doctors who come from the U.S. I have recorded newspapers articles for a service the Braille Institute offers, as well as textbooks that another organizations offer. My indigenous roots brought me to the Native American Voices program at the Autry and I am very involved with their Young Native American Playwrights Mentorship Program.

I have various projects coming up such as Flights of Fancy, a film written by Diana Lesmez and based on the true story of world renowned, Dr. Ricardo Saca –an inmigrant from El Salvador; Divina Crane, a webisode based on a psychologist who works as a social worker in the inner city (a Latina) along with a detective appointed by the Governor’s office (a Native American); Walking on Turtle Island, a TV series on Iktomi (the trickster) in the Lakota world; Rollout!, a feature film based on the true story of handball coach Tony Huante who, for two decades, mentored East LA kids, ultimately producing several national pro champions.

You can also see me in the soon to be released feature film Lean Like a Cholo, a movie directed by Demetrius Navarro (ER). The film is starring Kilo (aka Down) a rapper who had the hit "Lean Like a Cholo." I play the role of Kilo's mom. Demetrius, Kilo's real life son, Valente Rodriguez (George Lopez show), and Erlinda Orozco's mom is my role as well. My husband is played by Rick Najera (Latinologues).

What I do get is recognition as one of the few Paraguayan actors to be part of SAG and AFTRA. For that I am grateful. I have been able to represent my country well.

It has given me the opportunity to let budding filmmakers in my country know that the film business in the United States is in fact open to all who are willing to put the training and effort into it.

As for me, I want to be have the traits of a chameleon; always adapting and changing, hopefully for the better. I want to work in this magical world of entertainment until my very last breath.

If I were to leave a legacy it would be that I wish that I have touched someone's heart in some way. I hope that perhaps I've instilled a work and life ethic with which I have been able to achieve many goals. That being a minority shouldn't stop us and, on the contrary, make us better. Our essence and character is judged in how we take our life journeys and not so much as to where we reach. I hope they say she took the journey well, enjoyed it all the way and planted so many seeds along the road that we are blessed with the shade from these tall trees thanks to her.

My advice would be to not be stifled by the preconceived notion that because of being a double minority (a woman and a Latina) we have the odds stacked against us. Prepare yourself through training and read as much as possible in the branch of the arts you want to concentrate on, stay on top of the latest developments, and forge ahead! If we put our minds, our hearts, our efforts to it... si se puede! Yes, we can do it.

Hispanic comedian/actor leads water group

Actor/Comedian takes water issues to new level
The Latino Journal E-News

Paul Rodriguez was born in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, a birthplace he shares with Boxing Champion Julio Cesar Chavez. Both became celebrities and extremely popular among people from all ethnic and racial backgrounds. Today, one is known among Latinos as the best pound-for-pound fighter, the other is known for taking on a fight that will make a difference to thousands of Latinos.

Raised in East Los Angeles by farm worker parents, Paul Rodriguez says he wanted to be a lawyer until he discovered comedy. His success in comedy has afforded Rodriguez to actively participate in numerous causes, but none has been more serious for him than seeking water for the farms in California’s central valley. As a farmer and now head of the California Latino Water Coalition, Rodriguez has put a serious face on to fight those who are harming the farming and Latino communities.

“What we are fighting for is something (Cesar) Chavez himself, were he alive, would be fighting for, the Campesino,” says Rodriguez. “We’re not people who are here asking you to give us anything. Just let us do what we do. But we haven’t figured out a way to grow food without water.”

Known as the “Nation’s Bread Basket” because of the abundance of agricultural produce it provides the nation, California’s central valley farmers have been told they will receive “zero” allocation of water for their farms. This has left 100,000 acres to be fallowed and is expected to grow to as much as 850,000 acres left without planting, almost one-fifth of the state’s farmland.

“We are in the middle of a drought,” says Rodriguez. “But in urban cities, most of us are oblivious to that because when we turn on the faucet, water comes out, so there is no problem. But, there is a problem, the (water) conveyance system for this state is antiquated,” adds Rodriguez. “It was built, more or less, for 18 million people.” (California’s population is pushing 38 million.)

The impacts are significant, if not gross. Unemployment rates are running as high as 35 percent (80,000 jobs) in this mostly Latino region. Without farming, there is no need for workers, packing sheds are closing, local stores are closing, and all agricultural related businesses, including trucking, are being adversely impacted. The cities where these Latino families live are unable to help as their tax base deteriorates. And, as the area becomes ideal for dust storms due to the fallowed lands, the area’s residents could be exposed to air-borne contaminants from years of agricultural chemical use.

“What I’m advocating for is legislation that will put funds into making our conveyance systems larger for more dams, more water stored above ground and underground,” says Rodriguez. “This would create jobs and a win-win situation and we Hispanics must use our muscle, our power, political and economic, intelligently, soundly, without ego, without prejudice. Others have done it. Let’s emulate them.”

The California Latino Water Coalition seeks to benefit all California residents including Latino farm workers, families, businesses and communities by advocating improved water supplies. The CLWC believes additional water resources are directly linked to creating jobs and providing economic stability and opportunity throughout California. The Coalition engages in public education and outreach to generate support among elected officials, influential Latinos and all Californians. For more information visit www.gotwater.org.

(The Latino Journal wants to congratulate Paul Rodriguez’ son, Paul Jr. ‘P-Rod’ for his accomplishment this past weekend as a professional skateboarder.)

Latina telenovela star is reborn

Kate del Castillo is a telenovela star reborn
The Mexican actress breaks out of her successful but limited career to take on a more powerful role in Showtime's 'Weeds,' be a face of L'Oreal, and star in a Web-based drama.
By Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, August 2, 2009

She strolled into the dim dining space of Musso & Frank Grill on Hollywood Boulevard undetected. Even when she placed her oversized sunglasses atop her head -- revealing a face seen on millions of television screens -- customers remained oblivious.

But some heads did turn. Waiters. Busboys. They recognized Kate del Castillo. To them and the masses who have watched her across Latin America and beyond, the svelte 36-year-old Mexican actress is a household name (think Jennifer Aniston of Latin America). Starring in nine telenovelas can sometimes have that effect, especially when they've aired multiple times in more than 100 countries, including the U.S. on Univision.

And her face is likely to become more recognizable to American audiences. After finding it difficult to break into films in her homeland because of her telenovela ties, the actress moved stateside three years ago for a career rebirth that has included roles in films, spots on hot television shows and the occasional spokeswoman deal with big cosmetic companies.

"It's good to be busy, right?" Del Castillo whispered before a star-struck server approached to reveal he was a fan of her telenovela work.

She starred in the 2007 independent movie "La Misma Luna" ("Under the Same Moon"), about a Mexican mother who immigrates to the U.S. and the son she leaves behind -- it recently became the highest-grossing Spanish-language theatrical release in U.S. history. The actress, joining the hair-flipping ranks of fellow Latina sirens Penélope Cruz and Eva Longoria Parker, just closed a deal to become the new face of L'Oreal Paris, with print and TV ads debuting in the U.S. this fall. Oh, and she recently appeared on A&E's "The Cleaner."

She also has a recurring role on Showtime's "Weeds." She plays Pilar Zuazo, a powerful Mexican crime boss and a new nemesis for Nancy (Mary-Louise Parker), the suburban mom-turned-pot dealer. The role also finds her bossing around her real-life ex-boyfriend Demian Bichir, who plays drug lord/respected politician Esteban.

"I love playing this powerful Latina woman," Del Castillo said as she ignored a call on her iPhone, revealing a beach-side photo of her and beau Aaron Diaz, a Mexican model/actor. "We're usually either seductive, slutty women or we play maids. To play someone with power was a lot of fun."

"Weeds" creator Jenji Kohan, though she hadn't been familiar with Del Castillo's acting, didn't even need to see the Latina starlet audition in person. "Truthfully, she was out of town," Kohan said. "All we had was her reel and that was enough. She just blew everyone away."

Del Castillo's strong and confident demeanor made her "perfect for the role" as a stiletto-heeled chief who is a powerful figure in Esteban's life, causing a dent in his relationship with Nancy. And she's done it without being "particularly 'soapy' or melodramatic in her acting," Kohan added.

Del Castillo may have ditched the telenovela-esque performance usually outfitted with over-the-top facial expressions and exaggerated dialogue delivery, but she did find the genre's work regimen useful on set.

"I've done 40 scenes in a day when I did telenovelas," she said, motioning with her hands to emphasize the rapid pace. "Here, you do two or three -- maybe four. [Telenovelas] give you a lot of tools to work with. There's not a lot of time to waste. You have to be on top of your game. It was almost like a training school and I really appreciate that."

And, as another part of her campaign to branch out, soon the alum will be going back to her training grounds. She'll star alongside Brazilian-born actor Guy Ecker in "Vidas Cruzadas," a Web novela appearing on Univision.com this summer. The 15-episode series, Univision's second venture in the genre, will consist of three- to five-minute shorts.

Del Castillo plays a woman who wants to have a baby and, after growing tired of waiting for the right man to come along, decides to get artificially inseminated. And, in true novela form, viewers can expect a twist.

"Telenovelas are huge," Del Castillo said. "People still turn on their TV sets every night at 7 o'clock. But the Internet is where everyone is going. And the videos are good quality. People won't know the difference."

The Web venture reunites Ecker, Del Castillo and producer Carlos Sotomayor, who all worked together in Televisa's hit 1998 telenovela "La Mentira" (The Lie), about a man who travels to his native Mexico to try to unearth what led to his brother's suicide. After finding themselves living in Los Angeles, the trio were "itching" to work together again. They wanted to do it in Los Angeles -- and they wanted to send a message.

"There is really no Latin TV production here in Los Angeles where there is a huge Latino population," Ecker said. "We wanted to show everyone that it can be done. Programming on the Univisions, the Telemundos . . . are mainly telling the story of Latinos in Latin America. We wanted to tell the success stories of Latinos here in the United States."

Del Castillo is one of those success stories, Ecker said. She was born in Mexico City to a family steeped in entertainment. Her father, Eric, is a well-known Mexican actor who also starred in a slew of telenovelas. Kate even acted as a child alongside her father in "Las sobrinas del diablo" (The Devil's Nieces)

"He didn't push me at all," she said, adding that she just returned from Mexico where she spent Father's Day munching on carnitas and barbacoa. "He actually didn't want me to become an actress, just because it's a hard life. Now I see he was so right. It is very hard."

Her role as Leticia in Televisa's hit telenovela "Muchachitas" in the early '90s propelled her into the serial melodrama stratosphere. But after finding it difficult to break into film in Mexico because of her TV background, Del Castillo relocated to California; she now lives in Westwood.

"It was really hard to break out of telenovelas back home," she said. "It's hard to divorce from them and go into movies. I come here and when I go to an audition, I'm just another actor. If I get a job, it's because of my talent not because of the telenovelas or who I am or who my father is. It's different and I love it. It's like starting all over again."

She made her American debut in the Golden Globe-nominated PBS series "American Family" alongside Edward James Olmos.

And since her role in "Under the Same Moon," she has starred alongside Tilda Swinton in 2008's "Julia" and recently completed production for "Down for Life," which depicts the lifestyle of a Latina gang leader in South Central LA.

Ecker compared her to Salma Hayek and Penélope Cruz as a glamorous but versatile actress. "And she has the audience she's brought along with her from Latin America and within the Latin community in the United States. It's a loyal audience; as soon as people become aware of projects with their favorite stars, they go watch. The big actors in Latin America are the novela actors. It's not the film actors."

For now, her only complaint is the workaholic style of the industry here.

"I look around and people always have their heads down looking at their phones," Del Castillo said. "I call friends up to see if they want to have a drink and they say they'll put it on their schedule for next week. I'm thinking to myself, 'Next week? I want a beer now!' It's something I'm getting used to about this place . . . in Mexico, we're a bit more spontaneous."

yvonne.villarreal@latimes.com

Latina actor takes charge on internet show

Ruth Livier: A New Media Pioneer
Actress/writer/producer: She's a Latina Tina Fey
By Al Carlos Hernandez, LatinoLA, July 31, 2009

Ruth Livier is not just another alluring Hollywood beauty. She has substance, style and is an in-demand working actress of stage, screen, and film. Ruth is probably most remembered for her continuing role in the ground-breaking Showtime TV series "Resurrection Blvd." She is continuing to break new artistic ground in her second season of writing, producing, and starring in her own Tina Fey-styled, one woman army webcast program called "Ylse." www.Ylse.net

Her journey to cinematic success is rooted in a strong Mexican family.

Here's what she told LatinoLA:

I'm from Guadalajara; totalmente Tapatia. The first parents I remember were my maternal grandparents and my mom's youngest brother and sister. I lived with them in Guadalajara for a part of my childhood while my parents worked in the fields in California.

When I was about seven they finally crossed me to this side of the border. My home life was very Mexican and I grew up in a Spanish-speaking household. I'm a child of migrant workers. At one point eleven of us, including aunts, uncles, and cousins, lived in one trailer. So you can understand why now-a-days I value space and silence. Bilingualism, then biculturalism, wasn't a part of my life at home. Once outside the home, I adapted to the American culture simply from growing up in the States. That's how I'm both Mexican and American.

My first acting gig, actually my first job ever, was touring with children's plays across Jalisco. It was fantastic! We performed in really beautiful quaint theaters and even in bullfighting stadiums. But my first performance was singing 'El Rey' de Jose Alfredo Jimenez on TV in Mexico when I was five or six. Then, in junior high, it turned out I did extremely well in 'Declamación' competitions. It's when you recite poetry competitively.

I found my role models in books. As soon as I learned to read English, I devoured every single Nancy Drew book in the library, then the Hardy Boys. There just weren't enough mystery novels to keep me satisfied. I guess I was attracted to these characters' inquisitive nature and problem-solving abilities. The characters were not content with taking things at face value. They were willing to ask the questions, do the diligent work that others wouldn't, and they weren't satisfied until the mystery was solved. I loved that. I still do.

Yo soy una preguntona. It just dawned on me that maybe I got this from reading too much Nancy Drew! Yeah, I was a very serious kid. I've since learned to loosen up a bit.

I've been drawn to acting and to the theater my entire life. I have to say that what made me sure that I was destined to act was after doing my first 'serious' dramatic play as a small child with a very reputable theater company in Guadalajara. My performance was very successful and I took it as a good sign. I just never stopped working after that. I was moved by the idea that you could emotionally affect people, question the status quo, put a mirror up to society or simply make people laugh. I have decided to make performance my life's work.

I was greatly encouraged by my first acting teacher and her playwright husband. They were my first mentors in the theater. They believed so much, they charged me with so much confidence at such a critical stage in my development. That confidence, discipline and love of the art is still in me. My first 'serious' play was a social piece written by him. It is one of my favorite experiences ever.

In addition to acting, I'm learning to write. It's such a beautifully powerful craft. The pen is mightier than the sword. Writing my web series Ylse has been a phenomenal experience. To see these amazingly talented, experienced, generous actors giving life to my words . . . it just blows me away. I find the process is addicting; the more I do it, the more I want to do it. Writing . . . it is almost cathartic. I get to explore issues that are important to me, things that I am dealing with and trying to understand. I get to ask questions. This process gives me insight and understanding.

I find that I like producing too, although on Ylse I've it done more out of necessity. It turns out I enjoy the process and do it pretty well. My co-executive producer on the series Stephanie and I joke about it; we attribute our producing skills to our type 'A' personalities. But hey, whatever gets you there.

As an actress I enjoy all performance based platforms: stage, screen, TV, even voiceover work. I particularly love good stories and I love being around other people who love stories.

I have to say that my greatest role so far was playing Yolanda Santiago in Resurrection Blvd. The show was truly groundbreaking and the people I got to meet and work with were just incredible. I mean, aside from the countless amazing experiences on set, I was invited to the executive offices in Washington, DC. There I was, sitting at a conference table with the likes of Robert Rodriguez and Esai Morales while government representatives asked our opinion on the state of Hispanic representation in the entertainment business. For an ESL kid from a trailer park...well that's just a pretty surreal turn of events!

Participating in this show was another instance that recharged my confidence. Before the show I was extremely uncomfortable speaking up, but I have been able to overcome that and speak publicly with confidence all the time. Because of the show I learned that I have as much of a right to state my opinions and ask question as anybody else. It helped me feel like I belonged to the theatrical community and it took some of the mystery of the entertainment world away. That was very good for me.

In the entertainment community there is typecasting. The 'powers that be' don't really know what to do with you. In my case I am not dark enough to fit their Latina stereotype and not white enough to be white. That's why writing and producing for New Media is such a fantastic option. It affords us the opportunities that traditional media hasn't. Let's be real, the opportunities to break in through 'traditional' channels are slim. Like my friend Dennis Leoni says, "The oldest form of affirmative action is the 'Good Ol' Boy' network." And he is right. Try breaking through that! If you are not a part of the GOB network, mainstream media is super expensive. I don't know about other Hispanic Americans with similar upbringings to mine, but rich relatives do not abound. No one has the private money to fund theatrical projects. I am not complaining. I'm grateful for my life experience.

I'm just saying New Media, the vehicle we are now using for Ylse, is a fantastic resource and a wonderful opportunity for us. We have immediate and unaltered access to a world audience and are circumventing traditional media platforms which are controlled by a small few.

We get to tell our stories from our POV, shoot them, edit them and distribute them worldwide. It's an exciting new world! The 2010 census projects there are over 47 million Latinos in the U.S. and, by 2050, Latinos will be nearly 25% of the population. This means one in four Americans will be of Hispanic origin. Well, I'd say we are 'THE' untapped market . . . so I'm not too worried. My focus is to continue to create projects to give up-and-coming Latino and Latina talent material with which to shine. My goal is that I will contribute by giving our growing audience some culturally relevant programming to choose from. Ylse is a new and pioneering effort.

From day one a lot of friends have come on board to make Ylse happen. The cyber response has been good and we know it is going to get exponentially better. What could be more fantastic than working with your friends? We have so much fun and we get to create something that is actually being distributed and viewed worldwide.

There's a lot of serious work involved and a lot of people are contributing their talents and their time. I don't take that lightly, although you'll see me bouncing up and down with joy once in a while 'cause what we do is so friggin' cool and we have so much fun!

My job is to piece it together into a whole that we can all be proud of. My cast is amazing: Marlene Forte (Star Trek, The House of Payne), Judy Reyes (Scrubs), Alma Delfina (Te Amare en Silencio), Richard Yniguez (B-Girl, Boulevard Nights), Raymond Cruz, Yvonne De La Rosa, Alex Mendoza . . . the list goes on and on. The crew is amazing, young, and talented. My editor Stephen Murray is brilliant . . . plus Elizabeth Peña came on board to direct a webisode this second season as well.

The production team is amazing! Herbert Siguenza and Stephanie Wiand have also come on board as writers. And we are all friends. Most of us were already good friends before the start of production.

I like dramedy. It is a combination of drama and comedy just like real life. I just like having the ability to communicate. Whether it's sharing a serious moment or a great laugh, comedy and drama are all intertwined really, like in life. I do like wearing many hats. 'Whatever it takes' is my personal mantra.

I think we Latinas are still largely stereotyped in the English language media and still greatly objectified in the Spanish language media. Neither of these are a realistic representation of what a real Latina is. And, as an audience member, neither is culturally relevant to me. They just don't ring true.

I see this as a gap in the market that simply needs to be filled. As a writer who is a part of this demographic, my job is to write the roles I'd like to see. Heck, it's my pleasure to write roles for Latinas.

There are some wonderful Latina writers who are doing just that, including Ligiah Villalobos who wrote 'Under the Same Moon.' She is fantastic! And some amazing Latina producers are moving projects forward, including my mentor Diana Lesmez.

Right now we're in post-production for season two of Ylse. We launch the revamped website the end of August. I'm in rewrites for a feature film driven by a strong Latina character. I love the story and I can't wait to launch Ylse 2.0 so I can just focus on the feature film rewrites.

Season three of Ylse is already written and we're looking to shoot in the first quarter of next year. And I was just asked to produce a PSA with Attorney General Jerry Brown.

I did get to work on Sam Raimi's 'Drag Me to Hell' where, on the first day of rehearsals, I got to meet Adriana Barraza and that was a thrill.

How can people support you in your artistic and culturally enriching endeavors?

Watch Ylse! Tell your friends to watch Ylse! Every view counts. That's the thing with the web, every view actually counts. And the way for us to continue to create culturally relevant programming is to prove we have an audience.

Season 2 of Ylse will launch late in August. Tell all of your friends and familia to watch: www.Ylse.net

Latino child singer/actor talks about influences

From child prodigy to rising star: A Conversation with Kalimba
CMN.com

So, how does one fit the criteria to become an unadulterated rock star? Could it be a well-put together, eclectic yet fashionable outfit? Or how about having the ability to play multiple instruments during a performance while completely captivating an entire audience? Seems like Latin rock prince Kalimba has it all together, especially judging from his knockout performance before a capacity crowd last week in Chicago, as the just-turned 27-year-old kicked off the 2009 Gold Cup festivities for Miller Lite as part of its “Solo Con Invitacion” Concert Series. The CMN Insider caught up with the international heartthrob as he opened up about his love for music, early influences, and, of course, the world’s game! --By Juel Grange

JG: You’ve worked in the film industry and even on stage when you played Simba in “The Lion King.” Tell me, which really has your heart, acting or music?
K: Definitely music. My dad was a Cuban-African musician, so I grew up listening to different styles of music. My mom was born in Mexico, but her family is from France and Spain, so I’ve had this wonderful mix of cultures and music in my family.

JG: Is there a person who has particularly influenced you, musically?
K: Well, my dad was a big influence early on. He was definitely a great influence, and he taught me everything that I know about music. He also introduced me to the music of Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Prince – all of whom have had a great influence on me.

JG: Are you often compared to another artist?
K: Yes! Lenny Kravitz. I don’t know why. He’s taller and bigger than me.

JG: You kind of look like him.
K: Really? Well I am handsome, of course [Laughing]. But seriously, that’s good because Lenny is a great musician. To be compared with a great artist like Lenny Kravitz is pretty amazing.

JG: How would you classify your style of music?
K: There’s a word that I love: psychedelic. I want to start injecting that into my music, so that every time people play a song of mine, either a ballad or a good-up tempo, in their car, kitchen, shower, party or just anywhere, they can feel the psychedelic inside of them. I want them to be like, ‘Hey, I need to move, I feel like I need to move!’

JG: What should we be expecting to see from Kalimba in the future?
We’re actually winding down with this album. After the tour, as soon as we get some time, we’ll be heading back to the studio. We are planning to record the new album early next year. By the way the album is going to be produced and recorded by this same crew. I would like to thank the label for all their support so far. I think after the FIFA World Cup, you’ll being hearing from us.

JG: Speaking of the World Cup, which team will you be rooting for?
K: Mexico! Oh please, Mexico.

JG: Well, thanks very much for spending time with the CMN Insider.
K: No, thank you. God Bless.

Hispanic actor has left footprint on TV and Movies

Richard Yniguez, The Original Boulevard Knight
By Al Carlos Hernandez, HERALD DE PARIS, July 17, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO (Irreverent Homemaker @ Herald de Paris) - If you have watched TV or have gone to the movies over the last thirty years you know his face, even his voice, but may not know his name. He is Richard Yniquez, a seminal, in-demand character actor who has appeared in more than one hundred prime time television programs and feature films. In the Latino community he is legendary for his leading role in the theatrical film Boulevard Nights. Produced by Tony Bill, Nights was the first major release film to topically explore the lowrider culture in the early 70’s.

Richard explains, “I was born in Fresno County, California but was raised in Mexico by my father after my mother passed away while I was a child. I returned to the states when I was seventeen. My dad signed for me and I joined the Navy. Off I went into the Viet Nam controversy, heading overseas on the USS Yorktown for three and a half years. Saw most of Asia and lived through the tense years of war and social strife on board a ship. But we were not totally insulated; the problems at home affected us as well.

“Once back, and settled in LA, I did some odd jobs while attending East LA College in business administration. At this time I was living in a mortuary (Pierce Brothers, Simone on North Broadway) and was singing in the park while playing my guitar. During this time I learned of a new TV show that was going to cast from the real Latino community and they’d asked people to get involved in a crash course in acting. From that group of about four hundred they were going to pick a cast and create the first Latino family for a major prime time series on PBS. This was a soap-styled dramedy about the Avila famliy in East LA. The acting teachers were Victor Millian, Francisco Ortega, and Natividad Vacio. These men were primetime and film character actors. These were the men I had seen on TV while growing up and here they were actually teaching me the trade.

“They never choose the family from the neophytes. They hired pros. All of us who took the course were left out in the cold and didn’t understand why we were not used as promised. We banded together and formed The Mexican American Theatre Workshop. We performed throughout Los Angeles and held classes to keep our work alive. I was one of the teachers at that point, along with Mario Aniov. Can you imagine? I had only three weeks of acting under my belt, but felt it was worth keeping alive. Mario had already studied and performed the classics; he knew what he was doing.

“It wasn’t until weeks later that I was approached to play the youngest member of the Avila family. In 1968 I joined the cast and became a professional actor.”

For many Latinos the doors for acting opportunities started to open in the early 70’s, commensurate, and no doubt inspired, by social activism and a growing awareness of the emergence of Latino culture in the USA. So was it harder back then to get started in the business?

“Yes, it was a lot harder back then. Chicanos/Mexican Americans were not looked at in a positive way. Up to this time Latinos were played by non Latinos - mostly by Jews, Arabs, Italians, and even African Americans. It wasn’t until Ricardo Montalban, who formed Nosotros, and Ray Andrade, who formed Justica, that we started a serious trend in the industry and cast real Latinos in real Latino roles. Ricardo put his career on the line. I knew him very well and have had the chance to work with him up close and personal as an activist and as an actor. He didn’t shy away from controversy and was misquoted constantly. He never asked for actual Mexicans to play Mexicans. He only asked that we be given the opportunity to read for those important roles. They say that your ability to perform is determined by your last job. But we, Latino actors, don’t have those opportunities coming down the pike. People may read this and think it’s just sour grapes or that we have plenty of opportunities out there, just no actors to fill the parts. This is NOT true. And this is why we are creating our own films and internet websodes.”

What about working Latinos now? How is it for them?

“Hollywood gets into the rut of using the same faces over and over again despite the inroads that some actors and actresses have made with their careers. You see them once and you never see them again. We live in a youth oriented society, always looking for the young and beautiful in the eyes of the mainstream. And Latinos ain’t the mainstream. But we have an audience thirsty for stories they can relate to, hence we need to raise productions from our own community using that community’s voice. Our voice.”

Speaking of community, what did your family think about your decision to become an actor?

“My family didn’t think much about me becoming an actor. In fact I was laughed at. True story. They thought I was nuts. I don’t blame them. I thought I was nuts too. But there was something in me that persisted and I went on to work with some very wonderful people. Anthony Quinn, Robert Mitchum, Lucille Ball, Angela Lansbury, Glen Ford, Joan Plowright, and Ricardo Montalban, just to name a few. It was also nice to walk into an audition and be told that I had come highly recommended. I would ask by whom and the reply was always the same…Ricardo Montalban.

“There had been times when the role for a specific show was already cast. A young activist working with Ricardo would fight to get people to be seen by the production and try to get an Hispanic actor cast since the lead role was that of a Latino. All he asked for was a chance for Latino actors to read for the part. That young activist, an actor himself, was Jerry Velasco and I’ve always remembered his fight for all of us. Getting back to the family, once I started to work it was a different story. They didn’t laugh anymore. They wanted to visit the set and meet the other actors!”

What was your very first role? When did you know that you could do this?

“Cancion De La Raza, a dramedy soap for PBS. After a crash course in acting, I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It was actually theatre; you read the material, blocked it like a play, memorized it (I should say absorbed it) and then brought it to life for the cameras. For me acting is reacting. You listen and then react accordingly. In life and in acting there is no difference. The only thing different is that a writer took the time to create the scenario in which the character lives. The actor, with the guidance of the director, brings it to life. I love it!”

What is your favorite acting platform? Stage, screen, or TV? Why? Which is your least favorite?

“I like them all but prefer film acting. And there is a difference, believe me. I love to watch an actor think on film and wrestle with a problem. Steve McQueen was an expert at that…you watched his every move and you knew what he was thinking. There is a subtlety in working with film that you don’t have when working on the stage. Again it’s listening and reacting in character to dialogue that you’ve heard repeatedly. Yet each take it’s the first time. Taking your time is another interesting film thing for me. It’s that time when nothing is being said but there is oh-so-much happening. That’s the wonder of film and the trust one must have for the director.”

How did Boulevard Nights come along? Whose idea was it? Why did you want to do the role? Did taking the role stereotype you as a Latino actor? (I met and interviewed Tony Bill on radio when the film came out)

“Boulevard Nights is a very interesting moment in my life. I had nothing to do with the idea or the making of the film. I was merely an actor for hire. I didn’t even feel that I was right for the role. I thought I was too old and not really Chicano enough for what they were looking for. I didn’t want to do the film on that basis; I just felt I wasn’t right. But I was called back and the producer made me understand that the audience would believe what we told them and for me not to worry. I made my sentiments clear. They should market the film as a story of two brothers or as a love story between a young man and his girl. They went with the gang element which I think killed the point of the story. Tony Bill and I did not see the same opportunity. He did not include me in any promotion of the film and I would not have participated anyway. But, interestingly enough, the film has risen above all the negative sentiments in its time to bounce back as a classic. It is now seen with the proper eyes and appreciated for its message. I don’t think I was stereotyped. It’s what I am really, a Chicano actor who, given the opportunity, can play anything he is right for. In this business that’s key. They don’t use make-up to change an actor’s appearance unless it’s for age or special effects. I am ethnic looking in that I can play a person of Middle Eastern descent, Italian, Greek, you name it… The question is can they (Hollywood) get past the fact that my name is of Spanish origin? You don’t have to go back too far to see who the non Latinos were that play us on screen.”

What are you working on now? What kinds of projects would you like to do? Who would you like to work with? What are your plans for the future?

“I am very excited because I’ve been contacted by a gentleman who has been working on his own newsletter for the community and has created his own internet with programmable channels. He didn’t wait for Hollywood or investors. He put his money where he felt he could make a difference. And now he’s reached out to me. The opportunity to create content that makes a difference is just sparking my inner artist to express itself. Adrian Perez & The Latino Journal has me developing a partnership that can put together a machine not unlike the studio system of old Hollywood, where producers can interface with writers, directors, actors, etc… Some of the projects I hope to bring to the forefront will deal with aspects of our community that can make a difference in how we see ourselves:

American Anthology will focus on those in our ethnic communities who have contributed to the greatness of this country.

Divina Crane: A Latina psychologist who practices as a social worker under adverse conditions in the most dangerous areas of the inner city.

The Wanderer: An undercover Latino cop forced into retirement when hit by lightning. He survives and attains miraculous powers. He’s on the run from a high priced detective hired by a billionaire and also has a price on his head from organized crime. It’s the wanderer who can heal and bring people back from the brink of death. (Run For Your Life meets Highway To Heaven)

Soldaderas: A look into the lives of the women of the Mexican revolution. War hasn’t changed and women have always been in the forefront.

Circus World: A circus clown is saddled with his three nephews after an auto accident takes the life of their parents.

Ku Kul Kan (mythical Mayan hero) is a super hero living in the inner city. He uses the powers of stealth, levitation and the super human strength of the ancient aboriginal Mayan people.”

In the promotion for the film Boulevard Nights it says:

“Everything happens on the boulevard - and the boulevard happens at night.”

The question for Latino artists remains. Who’s boulevard is it?

Latina actor joins Save Planet Blue movement

La Actriz Lorena Rojas, Conocida Internacionalmente por Sus Telenovelas se une al Equipo Save Planet Blue
PRESS RELEASE

ORLANDO – 14 de Julio de 2009 – Los fanáticos de la televisión de habla hispana pueden recordar a Lorena Rojas por representar a la protagonista Isabel Arroyo en la popular telenovela "El Cuerpo Del Deseo", ahora se convertirá en una verdadera heroína en su último proyecto como la portavoz de habla hispana de Save Planet Blue.

Rojas se unió al equipo de Save Planet Blue para ayudar a promover el divertido e interactivo sitio web de educación para niños dedicado a promover la conciencia y la acción ambiental. La actriz se desempeñará como la portavoz de habla hispana, quien tambien prestara su voz al personaje de Sunny Sun? para ayudar a crear conciencia sobre el proyecto, tanto entre las comunidades hispanas de los Estados Unidos, como alrededor del mundo.

"Me siento honrada de formar parte del equipo de Save Planet Blue promoviendo la conciencia ambiental y la educación para los niños de habla hispana de todo el mundo", dijo Rojas. "No importa qué idioma hables, todos tenemos que trabajar juntos en los asuntos críticos, tales como, el calentamiento global, el reciclaje y la preservación de nuestro hábitat natural".

Más recientemente, Rojas protagonizó con el personaje de Natalia Ruíz en la telenovela de la cadena Telemundo de NBC "Pecados Ajenos". Su carrera en las telenovelas ha abarcado dos décadas con series populares como "El Cuerpo Del Deseo" "Ladrón de Corazones" “Como En El Cine” y “Alcanzar Una Estrella” entre otras. Asi mismo, recientemente fue invitada especial en la serie de VH-1 ¡Viva Hollywood! y expandió su carrera musical en el 2006 con el lanzamiento de su álbum "Deseo", que incluye el título de la pista de la telenovela "El Cuerpo Del Deseo".

"Estamos muy entusiasmados de poder contar con esta estrella de las telenovelas. Hoy por hoy heroína de su propia vida. Como sobreviviente de cáncer a Lorena le preocupa como el deterioro del medio hambiente afecta la salud. Lorena Rojas y yo tuvimos un acercamiento y nos preguntó cómo podía ayudar con nuestra misión de educación ambiental cuyo público son los niños de todo el mundo", dijo Victoria Lauren, creadora de Save Planet Blue. "Su popularidad entre los televidentes del mundo entero definitivamente será la punta de lanza en nuestro deseo de alcanzar objetivos educativos entre las personas de habla hispana".

Para obtener más información acerca de Save Planet Blue, o para vivir la aventura con sus hijos, por favor visiten su sitio web www.saveplanetblue.com. Un pre-estreno especial de la serie de televisión también se encuentra disponible en: www.saveplanetblue.com/trailer/.

Latino stage actor to keynote Journalist conference

Tony Award-Winner Lin-Manuel Miranda to Keynote NAHJ Banquet
"In The Heights" Creator's Work Tells Latino Story; Gala Benefits Scholarships
MSNBC

WASHINGTON, DC - Tony Award-winning playwright and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of 2008's Best Musical "In The Heights," will be the keynote speaker at the National Association of Hispanic Journalists' 20th Annual NAHJ Scholarship Banquet next week in New York City.

Miranda, 29, who began writing the musical that won four Tony Awards when he was a sophomore at Wesleyan University, will address journalists, media executives, students, and members of the Latino business, arts and grassroots communities, at one of NAHJ's premiere fundraising events on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers in Manhattan.

The annual gala benefits the Rubén Salazar Scholarship Fund, which offers financial aid annually to about 25 aspiring journalists. Through the fund, named for a Mexican-American journalism pioneer killed by police in Los Angeles in 1970, NAHJ has awarded more than $1.5 million to 550 students since 1988.

Hispanic Actor: Don't call me Latino

Andy Garcia: Don't Call Me a Latino Actor
Latina.com

Andy Garcia, otherwise known as the quintessential old-school Cuban American, now says that when it comes to his career, he does not want to be identified as a Latino.

In an interview with Agencia EFE promoting his new movie, Pink Panther 2, the star explains his position. "The whole world knows that I love my culture and I've always said that I am Cuban, but I don't consider myself a Latino actor, nor do I want people to consider me or classify me in that way. One should classify all actors as equals."

Using an all-too-familiar argument, Garcia says that to identify him as a Latino actor is to uphold a double standard. "They don't say about Dustin Hoffman: he's a great Jewish American actor. I don't think that heritage has anything to do with acting, in realilty we are all actors. In my case I am an actor, American, with a Cuban heritage that gives me a sensibility or point of view that others probably don't have."

Hmm...sounds like Garcia is trying to have his identity politics cake and eat it, too. We see where his all-too-familiar thought process is headed, but who's to say that identifying an actor as Latino or otherwise is reinforcing some sort of inequality? Does the same criteria apply to other professions outside of acting?