Rodolfo Salas Signs with Artists First for Representation Across All Areas

Rodolfo Salas has new representation…

The 40-year-old Venezuelan actor and model has signed with Artists First for representation across all areas.

Rodolfo SalasSalas has become one of the central faces of Netflix’s Latin American expansion, as he most recently starred in the platform’s hit series Fake Profile which follows a woman who creates a sexy profile on the online dating app Spice looking for the man of her dreams. Her dreams quickly turn into nightmares, and Camila ends up falling into a web of sex, lies, and deception. The show is headed into production on its second season in Colombia.

Prior to Fake Profile, he led the Mexican limited series Pact of Silence for Netflix. Next, he’ll star in the Lifetime original movie Padres, which is set to premiere in 2024.

Salas was also a mainstay of Telemundo after emigrating to the United States in 2014. He starred in their series La Fan, Neighborhood Butterfly, Blood of My Land, Betty In NY and most recently, Back To Me.

While not in production overseas, Rodolfo resides with his family in Miami, Florida.

Artists First is a talent management and production company focused on actors, writers, directors and producers in film, television and digital media, Artists First boasts a roster that also includes Martin Lawrence, Awkwafina, Kenya Barris, Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Niecy Nash, Ed Helms, Will Arnett, Ike Barinholtz, Paul Walter Hauser, Kate McKinnon, Michael Showalter, Jon M. Chu, Lior Raz, Mitch Hurwitz and Cristela Alonzo, among others.

Cucho Hernandez Named MLS Cup MVP After Leading Columbus Crew Past Defending MLS Cup Champions Los Angeles FC

Cucho Hernandez has helped dethrone the reigning champions…

The 24-year-old Colombian professional footballer scored a goal to help the Columbus Crew defeat Los Angeles FC (LAFC) on Saturday to give his team their third MLS Cup and earn this year’s MLS Cup MVP award.

Cucho HernandezTwo of those titles have come in the last four seasons. Columbus advanced to the 2015 title game but lost to the Portland Timbers. The LA Galaxy‘s five titles are still the most for a Major League Soccer franchise.

Saturday’s win capped the Crew’s impressive turnaround this season. After winning the 2020 MLS Cup, Columbus missed the playoffs the next two seasons. The franchise has since undergone significant changes, including the hiring of Wilfried Nancy as the team’s head coach.

Hernandez scored in the 33rd minute, putting Columbus up 1-0 on a penalty kick. He deposited the ball in the lower left corner for his fifth goal in six playoff matches this season. LAFC defender Diego Palacios was whistled for a handball off his right arm at the top of the box, setting up the penalty.

Yaw Yeboah added a goal in the 37th minute, doubling Columbus’ lead when Malte Amundsen threaded a pass through to Yeboah on the left flank. From there, Yeboah dribbled to the goal box and slipped a shot past goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.

The objective for the Crew in the second half was to avoid the same fate as FC Cincinnati a week earlier in the Eastern Conference final. Columbus rallied in that game from a two-goal deficit in the final 15 minutes of regulation and won 3-2 in extra time.

LAFC’s Bouanga made it 2-1, scoring on his own rebound after Patrick Schulte made a save at the left post in the 74th minute. Bouanga, who led the MLS with 20 goals, has 38 goals in 49 matches in all competitions this year.

Earlier this year, Hernandez was named to the MLS Best XI, an annual acknowledgment of the best eleven players in Major League Soccer. The selection is determined by a collection of media, players and MLS club technical staffs.

Mariah Carey Releases Special Edition of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” Video for Her Fans

Mariah Carey is giving her fans a special Christmas gift…

The 54-year-old half-Venezuelan Grammy-winning songstress has been traveling across the country for nearly a month on her festive Merry Christmas One and All tour and she’s officially presented her fans with the greatest gift of all: a new Lambs-centric video for her modern holiday classic, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

Mariah Carey“The best thing about being on tour is getting to celebrate the holidays with my lambily!! To show my appreciation, here is a new video for ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You,’ [Christmas tree, present emoji],” she tweeted. “I’m calling this one the ‘Festive Lambs Edition!’ [heart, snowman emoji].”

The refreshed clip opens with footage of Carey getting touched up backstage before a quick cut of super-excited fans in their Santa finest getting pumped for the show.

The rest of the four-minute visual is essentially a super-cut featuring footage from the concerts intercut with rehearsal run-throughs, peeks at the action backstage, lots of shots of fans singing and dancing along with all their hearts and enough unabashed joy to float you through the next two weeks.

Carey kicked off the tour on November 15 at the Yaamava’ Casino in Highland, CA and she’s kept the sled fueled up through dates at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, as well as gigs in Denver, Kansas City, Toronto, Montreal, Detroit, Chicago and Pittsburgh.

She’ll touch down in Boston on Monday, December 11 as the run winds down with stops in Philadelphia (December 13), Baltimore (December 15) and a final gig at Madison Square Garden in New York on December 17.

Because it’s MC’s time of year, of course “All I Want for Christmas is You” reclaimed the top spot on both the Billboard Global 200 and the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts dated December 9, dashing from No. 3 to No. 1 on the former and 8-1 on the latter.

Paramount Global Content Distribution Acquires Worldwide Rights to Victoria Justice’s Thriller “Depravity”

Victoria Justice’s latest project is going global…

Paramount Global Content Distribution has acquired the worldwide rights to Depravity (previously known as Sic), starring the 30-year-old half-Puerto Rican singer/actress and former Nickelodeon star.

Victoria JusticeIt’s the directorial debut screenwriter Paul Tamasy, who also wrote the script.

In addition to Justice, the thriller also stars Devon Ross, Taylor John Smith, Sasha Luss and Dermot Mulroney.

The film follows three residents of an old apartment building who suspect their creepy neighbor is a serial killer and after acting on their suspicions, stumble upon an art heist worth millions.

Tamasy produced the film alongside Dorothy Aufiero, Jordan Gertner, Scott Clayton, Wych Kaosayananda and Gary A. Hirsch.

The project was shot at Baang Rig Studios in Thailand, with the Southeast Asian country standing in for the U.S. Backing reportedly comes from Thai sources and a U.S. company which wasn’t disclosed.

MTV Renews Snooki’s “Jersey Shore Family Vacation” for Seventh Season

Snooki’s vacation continues…

MTV has renewed the Jersey Shore Family Vacation, starring the 36-year-old Chilean reality television personality, for a seventh season.

The new season is slated to premiere in 2024.

Nicole “Snooki” PolizziThe news comes as the current season is scoring some of its best ratings in years.

The latter half of Season 6 has produced the franchise’s highest rating and best share in two years, up 2% and 1%, respectively, over the previous season.

When Season 6 returned to airwaves in August, it helped boost MTV’s Thursday primetime rating more than 300% over its previous weekly average to become the best season premiere for Jersey Shore Family Vacation in more than four years.

Audiences have been buzzing about the season online as well, according to Paramount Global. Throughout the season, Jersey Shore Family Vacation raked in more than 18M total engagements, which is up 128% season-over-season.

Season 6 isn’t quite over yet, as Jersey Shore Family Vacation – Reunion: Part Two is set to air Thursday on MTV.

In addition to Snooki, whose real name is Nicole Polizzi, the cast also includes Paul “Pauly D” DelVecchio, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, Jenni “JWoww” Farley, Vinny Guadagnino, Deena Cortese, Angelina Pivarnick and Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola.

Jersey Shore Family Vacation is produced by SallyAnn Salsano and Frank Miccolis for 495 Productions. Jacquelyn French serves as Executive Producer for MTV.

Jorge Lopez Agrees to One-Year, $2 Million Contract with New York Mets

Jorge Lopez has Mets an offer he can’t refuse…

The 30-year-oldPuerto Rican professional baseball pitcher has agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the New York Mets.

Jorge LopezLopez’s hiring adds another reliever to a team that has spent the past week bolstering its organization depth.

Lopez struggled with three teams this year after a career-best 2022 in which he looked the part of a front-line reliever.

With a velocity bump from his move from the rotation to the bullpen, Lopez rode a 98 mph fastball and heavy curveball to a 2.54 ERA. The regression he showed after his midseason trade from the Baltimore Orioles to Minnesota Twins continued into 2023, when the Twins traded him to the Miami Marlins and he later went back to the Orioles without similar success.

Lopez nevertheless remained strong, and the Mets are hopeful he can return to form after posting a 5.95 ERA in 59 innings in 2023 with the three teams. New York, under new president of baseball operations David Stearns, in the past week claimed a pair of catchers (Cooper Hummel, Tyler Heineman) off waivers, signed two pitchers (Kyle Crick, Andre Scrubb) and an infielder (Jose Iglesias) to minor league deals, added another reliever (Michael Tonkin) on a split major league deal, and guaranteed $13 million to starter Luis Severino in hopes of a return to past excellence.

The Mets’ pitching depth going into the winter after a deeply disappointing 75-87 season called for significant additions, and Stearns is attempting to do what he did in Milwaukee, where often-overlooked relievers thrived and turned the Brewers’ bullpen into a weapon.

Lopez rejoins Mets closer Edwin Diaz, his teammate on Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, during which Diaz ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee celebrating a victory over the Dominican Republic. Diaz’s return deepens a bullpen with left-hander Brooks Raley the only other pitcher whose role is clearly defined.

Peso Pluma Teams Up with Anitta to Release Reggaeton Banger “Bellakao”

Peso Pluma is expanding his sound, and he’s enlisted a Latina superstar to help…

The 24-year-old Mexican singer has joined voices with Anitta to release the single “Bellakao.”

Peso Pluma & AnittaThe sweltering reggaetón number continues to showcase Peso Pluma’s genre versatility.

In their first collaboration together, Peso Pluma and Anitta belt out a duet about feeling intoxicated with each other’s irresistibility.

“Everyone wants to get close to me/ But I don’t want anyone/ It’s just that when you move it like that/ The atmosphere gets dangerous,” spits the Brazilian femme fatale.

Meanwhile, Peso pluma leads the tongue-twisting “Bellaque-que-que-que-que-que-queo” verbiage to hype up the vibe.

The music video was filmed in Madrid, and viewers see the collaborators performing their bellakeo ritual against a dingy, dark backdrop.

Camila Sodi Signs with AFA Prime Talent Media

Camila Sodi has new representation…

The 37-year-old Mexican singer, actress, producer and model has signed with AFA Prime Talent Media, a division of Kenan Thompson’s Artists for Artists company, in all areas.

Camila Sodi Sodi is currently shooting the series El Dentista alongside Demián Bichir for ViX and Movistar Plus +. She plays Sofia Roth, a brilliant chemist who aids Bichir’s character, Nolasco Black, in solving a case involving the infamous Jack The Ripper. The series is produced by Oscar-winning brothers Pablo and Juan de Dios Larraín.

Also, earlier this year, Sodi created and executive produced the series Cualquier Parecido for Viacom CBS and ViX. The series, also starring the actress, is based loosely on her own romantic experiences and explores stories of love and heartbreak, friendship, family and sex, as well as the process of rediscovering oneself and becoming empowered. The show tells the tale of Carlota, who, after separating from the person she thought was the love of her life, discovers that the saying “happily ever after” is not always true, but that doesn’t mean she can’t be happy.

The signing heralds a reunion for Sodi and Cuban Talent Manager Eliseo Ruiz; they worked together in the past when Ruiz was an up-and-coming talent agent in Mexico City.

“I am honored to join forces with Eliseo and AFA Prime Talent, said Sodi in an exclusive statement to Deadline. “Their commitment to nurturing talent and strategic vision aligns perfectly with my goals. I look forward to this collaboration and the exciting projects that lie ahead. I have no doubts we will create some magic together.”

Patricio “Pato” O’Ward Signs with Range Media Partners

Patricio “Pato” O’Ward is expanding his Range

The 24-year-old Mexican professional auto racer, who competes full-time in the IndyCar Series, has signed with Range Media Partners.

Patricio “Pato” O’WardThe signing comes off the heels of the recent announcement that O’Ward, the Arrow McLaren driver, was named a Formula One Reserve Driver for McLaren F1 for the upcoming 2024 season.

As he speeds towards his racing dreams, Range will be helping O’Ward further expand his media repertoire, building out a larger brand partnerships strategy and a content business across television and film.

Originally from Mexico, O’Ward grew up in San Antonio where he started his racing journey karting at the age of 6.

Seven years later, he began competing in open-wheel racing, including the LATAM Formula 2000, Formula Renault 1.6 NEC and Pacific Formula F2000.

He is the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship champion in the Prototype Challenge class, a two-time class winner at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and a Prototype Challenge class winner at the Twelve Hours of Sebring.

In 2018, O’Ward was named Rookie of the Year after becoming the Indy NXT by Firestone champion (previously known as Indy Lights).

O’Ward had a strong 2023 IndyCar season, including his best starting position to date in the 2023 Indianapolis 500, ultimately finishing fourth in the championship with the most podium finishes (seven) and top five finishes of his career. This success allowed O’Ward to qualify for his FIA Super License, which coupled with his strong performance in the new McLaren Driver Development Programme, helped pave the way for his recent promotion to McLaren’s reserve driver pool for 2024.

Eduardo Rodriguez Agrees to Four-Year Deal with Arizona Diamondbacks

Eduardo Rodriguez is heading to The Copper State.

The 30-year-old Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher, nicknamed “E-Rod,” has agreed to a four-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks valued at around $20 million a year, according to ESPN.

Eduardo Rodriguez The deal is pending a physical.

The left-handed starter opted out of the final three years of his deal with the Detroit Tigers after going 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA in 152⅔ innings. He was expected to be moved at the trade deadline this year but invoked his no-trade clause to kill an agreed-upon deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Rodriguez gives the National League champion Diamondbacks another quality starter for their rotation that includes NL Cy Young Award finalist Zac Gallen, veteran Merrill Kelly and youngsters like righty Brandon Pfaadt and lefty Tommy Henry.

During their recent run to the World Series, Arizona only had three true starting pitchers, using the bullpen to get through Game 4 of the NL Championship Series and the World Series.

At his best, Rodriguez offers a polished four-pitch mix he controls well and uses to generate strikeouts. Over his eight-year career, he has punched out more than a batter an inning, and his ability to limit home runs prompted the Tigers to lavish a five-year, $77 million deal on him after he reached free agency following six seasons with the Boston Red Sox.

Rodriguez missed almost half of his first season with Detroit in 2022 while dealing with marital issues. He was looking like a surefire All-Star this year until a ruptured pulley in his left index finger caused him to miss all of June. Rodriguez wasn’t nearly as effective after he returned, posting a 4.24 ERA over 15 starts and 85 innings as compared to a 2.13 ERA in 11 starts and 67⅔ innings before the injury.

He opted out anyway, forgoing the final three years and $49 million on his deal to hit free agency once again.