Tag Archives: John Leguizamo

HBO Presents “The Latino List”…

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This Hispanic Heritage Month, HBO will present a new documentary that offers an enlightening look into the “Latino experience” by presenting highly personal video portraits of Latinos who’ve positively influenced the fabric of contemporary society.

Entitled “The Latino List,” the funny, poignant and irreverent conversations help shine a spotlight on what it means to be a Latino in the United States today.

Directed by acclaimed photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, who directed three editions of HBO’s “The Black List,” the documentary features a diverse range of prominent Latinos from music, science, journalism, theater, politics, business and government.

“The Latino List is an extension of my previous films, which all deal with identity, struggle and achievement,” says Greenfield-Sanders. “We wanted famous names, of course, but also stories from people whom you might not know about,” said Greenfield-Sanders. “I’m very proud of the film and think it has a great emotional resonance.”

Featured interviewees include: Acclaimed writer Sandra Cisneros; Grammy-winning singer Gloria Estefan; Golden Globe-winning actress America Ferrera; NASA astronaut Jose Moreno Hernandez; military veteran Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch; actor/writer/producer John Leguizamo; actress Eva Longoria; U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ); rapper Pitbull; PGA golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez; ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero; radio host Eddie “Piolin” Sotelo; U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor; financial advisor Julie Stav; and scholar Dr. Marta Moreno Vega.

Conducted by NPR’s Latino USA anchor Maria Hinojosa, the interviews with the 15 power players discuss the childhood inspirations that fueled their ambitions, how they achieved success, the evolving American cultural landscape they helped mold, the importance of preserving a distinct cultural identity for future generations to embrace, the challenges of discrimination and more.

HBO Latino will broadcast “The Latino List” on Wednesday, September 28 on at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Meanwhile, the main HBO channel will air the documentary on Thursday, September 29 at 8:00 pm.

Mr. Ambassador Leguizamo!

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He’s one of the most successful Colombian actors in Hollywood, noted for his work in beloved films like the “Ice Age” franchise, “Romeo + Juliet” and “Moulin Rouge”… But Colombian-born actor/comedian John Leguizamo is taking on a big role! He’ll serve as a Colombian ambassador.

Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos elevated Leguizamo’s “Honorary Ambassador” status, which he received in 2009, to the official title of the country’s ambassador to the world of cinema.

“He was named ambassador of Colombia for all the directors and great actors in the world,” announced Santos in a press conference with Leguizamo, whom he’d previously met at the presidential palace.

The Bogota born actor, who was raised in Queens, New York, is ready for the challenge.

“To be an ambassador is a big responsibility,” professed Leguizamo. “But Colombia is a stunning country… And we want to offer it to the world to enjoy.”

President Santos hopes Leguizamo’s work will help disprove many of the outdated negative views and notions about Colombia.

“I want to thank you very much, with all of my heart, in the name of all Colombians, for your presence and this offer to become our ambassador to Hollywood, to all of the great international studios, because this not only helps our image, it shows who we really are, it breaks a series of negative perceptions that over many years have accumulated in the mind of many people,” announced the Colombian head of state.