Vanna White’s “Wheel of Fortune” Renewed through the 2022-23 Season

Posted on November 6, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Vanna White will be spinning for several more years…

Less than a week after renewing her contract, the 61-year-old half-Puerto Rican television personality’s syndicated game show Wheel of Fortune has been renewed through the 2022-23 season.

Host Pat Sajak and letter-turner White will keep their roles on the popular game show.

The three-year renewal will take Wheel of Fortune through its 40th season. It will continue to air on numerous ABC stations, including those in the top four markets of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia.

Wheel of Fortunereaches 25 million-plus weekly viewers, more than any other program on television.

In May 2013, Whitewas honored by Guinness World Records for being the most frequent clapper on television. As of January 31, 2013, it was estimated that she had clapped at least 3,480,864 times across the show’s 30 seasons. Having appeared in all but 10 of Wheel of Fortune‘s 5,754 episodes to that point, during the show’s modern syndicated run, which began on September 19, 1983. That averaged of to about 606 claps per show.

The show is executive produced by Harry Friedman for Sony Pictures Television and is distributed domestically by CBS Television Distribution and internationally by CBS Studios International.

Liza Colón-Zayas to Appear in OWN’s Coming-of-Age Drama Series “David Makes Man”

Posted on October 27, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Liza Colón-Zayas is OWNingthe day…

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network has added ten recurring and guest star cast members to the ensemble of its upcoming coming-of-age drama series David Makes Man, including the Puerto Rican actress and playwright.

From Oscar-winningMoonlight co-writer Tarell Alvin McCraney and Warner Horizon Scripted Television. David Makes Mancenters on David, a 14-year-old prodigy from the projects who is haunted by the death of his closest friend and relied on by his hardworking mother to find a way out of poverty. He must choose between the streets that raised him or the higher education that may offer him a way out.

Set in South Florida, the lyrical drama, inspired by events in McCraney’s own life, explores the inherent trauma sustained in the fight for survival.

In addition to Colon-Zayas, who starred in The Purge: Election Year, other cast additions include Lela Rochon, Trace Lysette, Juanita Jennings, Lindsey Blackwell, Solomon Valdez ([Bi]Polar), Teshi Thomas, and newcomers Nick Creegan, Kimaya Naomi and Logan Rozos.

Colon-Zayas plays Principal Fallow. She runs the magnet school that David, Seren and Marissa attend.

Valdezwill play Willie Derrick, an 11-year-old wanna-be dope dealer.

They join the previously announced series regular ensemble cast that includes Akili McDowell, Phylicia Rashad, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, Isaiah Johnson, Ade Chike Torbert, Jordan Bolger, Cayden K. Williams, Travis Coles and Alana Arenas, along with guest stars Gillian Williams, Elvis Nolasco, and Ruben Santiago-Hudson.

Rene Rosado Lands Recurring Role on ABC’s “The Conners”

Posted on October 26, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Rene Rosado conner do it!

The Latino actor has landed a recurring role on ABC’s Roseanne spinoff The Conners.

In the spinoff, after the loss of the family matriarch, the Conners are forced to face the daily struggles of life in Lanford in a way they never have before, grappling with parenthood, dating, an unexpected pregnancy, financial pressures, aging and in-laws in working-class America.

Rosado will play Emilio, who is described as kind, sweet and cute. He’s a busser at Casita Bonita restaurant. Though he may have some trouble communicating in English, when he speaks his first language, Spanish, he is straightforward, earnest and determined.

Rosado most recently had a recurring role on TNT’s Major Crimes. His other credits include appearances on Code Black, Criminal Minds and Rizzoli & Isles.

Scotty Tovar Lands Recurring Role on Fox’s “Empire”

Posted on October 26, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Scotty Tovar is exploring anEmpire…

The Latino actor has signed on for a recurring role on Fox’s hit musical family drama Empire.

Tovar will portray Carlito, a young rap star on the rise, who believes he’s the savior of hip-hop and acts as such.

Empire, created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong and starring Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, hails from Imagine Television and 20th Century Fox Television.

Tovar recently guest-starred on Amazon’s Too Old To Die Young and Animal Kingdom and he recurred on Freeform’s The Fosters.

Paola Andino to Star in the Addiction Drama “Sno Babies”

Posted on October 25, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Paola Andino is battling addiction in her latest project…

The 20-year-old Puerto Rican actress has landed a role inthe Bridget Smith-directed independent drama Sno Babies, which goes into production in early November in Philadelphia.

Inspired by true events, Sno Babies tells the story of 16 year-old best friends Kristen McKusker and Hannah Reid (Andino) who become addicted to heroin. Kristin is an honor student from a good Catholic family who finds her world upside down after becoming pregnant while addicted to heroin. Hannah is an edgy, vixen and an only child from a family of divorce who finds herself battling for her life while also battling her struggles with heroin.

“After a long casting process, we are thrilled to have found these two crazy talented, beautiful, passionate actresses to tell this very powerful story,” said Smith in a statement.

Sno Babies is written and produced by Michael Walsh.

Andino’s credits include Nickelodeon’s Every Witch Way and Queen of the South. Her other credits include appearances on Grey’s Anatomyand WITS Academy.

Elsa Pataky to Star in Netflix’s First Australian Original Series “Tidelands”

Posted on October 25, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Thetide is high for Elsa Pataky…

The 42-year-old half-Spanish actress and Fast and The Furious franchise star is starring in Netflix’s first Australian original, Tidelands, an eight-part supernatural series created by Secrets & Lies’ Stephen M Irwin.

Hailing from the Australian production company Hoodlum Entertainment, the story follows Cal McTeer (Charlotte Best), a young woman who returns home to the small fishing village of Orphelin Bay after 10 years in juvenile detention and jail. When the body of a local fisherman washes ashore, Orphelin Bay’s clandestine relationship with drug smuggling is suddenly on public display. Cal must uncover the town’s well-hidden secrets, while investigating a commune of outcasts who live in a hidden pocket of the bay — a group of beautiful and dangerous half-Siren/half-human Tidelanders.

Pataky plays the mysterious and alluring Adrielle Cuthbert, the leader of the Tidelanders who will go to any length to protect her tribe.

Tidelands also stars Australian actors Aaron Jakubenko and Peter O’Brien as Cal’s misguided and secretive brother Augie and his faithful deckhand, respectively.

Brazilian actor Marco Pigossi, who appeared in Caras E Bocas, Kiwi Mattias Inwood and Aussies Madeleine Madden, Caroline Brazier and Dalip Sondhi round out the cast

The series has been set for a December 14 global launch with the first teaser and images released by Netflix.

Tidelands is written by Irwin and Leigh McGrath.

Danny Trejo to Star in the ABC Comedy Project “Food & Familia,” Inspired By His Life

Posted on October 15, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Danny Trejo is bringing his life to the small screen, so to speak…

The 74-year-old Mexican American actor is attached to star in an ABC comedy project that boasts Will Smith among its executive producers.

Trejo will star in and executive produce Food & Familia, which is currently in development at the network. The multi-camera comedy, is inspired by Trejo’s life. When the matriarch of the family passes away, she leaves her restaurant to her son, Danny (Trejo) – who’s about to get out of prison — and her granddaughter, Michelle, who hates her father for abandoning her. This gift from beyond the grave might heal the father and daughter and get them back together but, it’s gonna be rocky as the two of them work their differences out while trying to operate a restaurant, live together, and become a real family again.

Peter Murrietta will write and executive produce the project. Trejo and Smith will executive produce along with Caleeb Pinkett and James Lassiter of Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment. ABC Studios will produce.

Should the project move forward, it would only be Trejo’s second series regular role, with the other being the short-lived George Lopez FX sitcom Saint George. Trejo is also known for his role in the Machete films as well as several other Robert Rodriguez films. His other TV roles include appearances on Sons of Anarchy, Rick & Morty, The Adventures of Puss in Boots, and From Dusk til Dawn: The Series. Trejo also opened his first restaurant, Trejo’s Tacos, in 2016 with multiple locations now open throughout Los Angeles. He also operates Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts and Trejo’s Cantina.

Murrietta most recently worked on the CBS comedy Superior Donuts. His other recent credits include One Day at a Time, Lopez, and Cristela. Murrietta also won two Emmy awards for his time on the Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place.

Café Tacvba Performs Four Original Songs at the NPR Music Tiny Desk Stage

Posted on October 14, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Café Tacvba doesn’t need a large stage to make an impact…

The five-piece Mexican band brightened the NPR Music Tiny Desk stage with four original songs in a performance released on Friday.

Café Tacvba brought an arsenal of instruments into the cozy space, including ukuleles, guitars, drums, a bass and a melodica.

They opened with the lively “Olita del Altamar,” with singer Rubén Ortega, donning a blue kimono and two top knots, hopping around the setup centered behind a desk in a book-filled office during the song as he joyfully sang in his signature ragged voice.

The group followed with the noticeably more relaxed “Diente de León,” during which Ortega closed his eyes and raised his hands, getting lost in the gentle guitar strumming and warm drum beats.

“Las Flores” flipped the script with an energetic tempo, which inspired the whole room to clap along to the fun ska groove. The band closed their set with “Que No,” an easygoing ballad about love and moving on.

David Longoria’s “Playground” Featuring Dallas Lovato Enters Billboard’s Dance Club Songs Chart

Posted on October 13, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

David Longoria has found a new Playground…

The Latino music producer enters Billboard‘s Dance Club Songs chart (dated October 13) at No. 48 with “Playground,” featuring vocals from Dallas Lovato.

It’s the third chart appearance for the trumpet player and first since his instrumental “Zoon Baloomba” zoomed to No. 21 in 2012. That followed what remains Longoria’s biggest hit, “Deeper Love,” featuring CeCe Peniston (No. 14, 2005).

“Playground” was remixed by Stonebridge & Damian Hall, Robert Eibach and Drew G., among a host of others.

For Dallas, Demi’s older sister, the track marks her first Billboard chart appearance. She tells Billboard, “If music is supposed to be how feelings sound, then ‘Playground’ definitely awakens the senses. It hits your ears like a party, gets stuck in your head in the best way and travels to your toes, making you have to dance. You can’t listen to the song without instantly feeling excited, like you’re transported to a rave on the beach in Rio!”

Following Demi Lovato’s recent No. 22 peak as featured on Clean Bandit‘s “Solo,” Dallas says, “It’s surreal to be on the same Billboard chart that my sister was on just a few weeks ago, and an honor to work with such great music creators like David.”

Briarcliff Entertainment Acquires US Rights to Raúl Castillo’s Latino Superhero Film “El Chicano”

Posted on October 13, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

El Chicano will be sweeping into theaters next year…

Briarcliff Entertainment has acquired U.S. rights to the Latino superhero film with an all-Hispanic cast, including star Raúl Castillo.

The action film tells the story of twin brothers Diego and Pedro (both played by Castillo), who grew up together on the streets of East Los Angeles. As adults, their lives took radically different paths as Diego became a celebrated detective for the LAPD, and Pedro turned to a dead-end life of crime. When clues start connecting Pedro’s death to a case Diego is working on, a mythological figure from his youth, The Ghetto Grim Reaper, draws Diego in deeper than he ever expected. He becomes that figure, a Hispanic version of Batman or Black Panther.

The film also stars George Lopez, Aimee Garcia, Emilio Rivera, Kate del Castillo, Mr. Criminal, Noel G. Marco Rodriguez, Marlene Forte, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Sal Lopez, David Castañeda and Armida Lopez.

El Chicano marks the feature film directorial debut of 25-year veteran stuntman Ben Hernandez Bray, who co-wrote the script with Joe Carnahan.

Carnahan was frustrated waiting for Bad Boys 3 to come together, he succumbed to Bray’s rationale and bailed on one franchise in hopes of starting another.

“I was frustrated with Bad Boys 3, and Ben had been talking about this for a decade,” Carnahan said. “He would tell me that 25% of movie tickets are purchased by Latinos, and so where are their big heroes? We wrote this on spec, and these white oil and gas guys from Canada gave us the money to make it at an under $8 million budget. It got an amazing response at the L.A. Film Festival. We believe in this, and that it can find a big audience and launch a franchise.”

Said Bray: “Just the fact that we’re making this announcement during Hispanic Heritage Month, which celebrates the vital and important presence of Hispanics and Latinos in North America, is wonderful to me. The time is now for a film like El Chicano. A Latino superhero franchise is long overdue, but to have the forces of Joe Carnahan, Frank Grillo, Tom Ortenberg and Lorenzo di Bonaventurain the mix just makes it even sweeter and well worth the wait!”

The film will be released theatrically on March 22, 2019, with a reported target of 600-800 screens.

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