Daniella Pineda to Star in AMC’s “Tales of the Walking Dead”

Daniella Pineda has a new tale(s)

The 34-year-old Mexican American actress will star in AMC‘s anthology series Tales of the Walking Dead.

Daniella Pineda  Pineda joins previously announced cast members Terry Crews, Parker Posey, Poppy Liu, Anthony Edwards, and Jillian Bell.

Details on the characters each will play in the series are being kept under wraps.

The six-episode episodic anthology series will feature both new and established characters from The Walking Dead universe.

Tales of the Walking Dead is scheduled to debut this summer on AMC and AMC Plus.

The show was first announced as being in development in September 2020 and ordered to series in October 2021. In an interview with Variety in 2020, then-AMC COO Ed Carroll said that “Tales” would serve as a “test kitchen” of sorts, meaning that if a particular episode is well received, it could lead to another spinoff.

Pineda most recently starred in the Netflix live-action remake of Cowboy Bebop in the role of Faye Valentine.

Her other television roles include What/If, The Detour, and The Originals.

In film, she appeared in the film Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom in 2018 and will reprise her role as Zia Rodriguez in the upcoming sequel Jurassic World Dominion. That film will debut in theaters on June 10.

She has also wrapped production on the feature The Plane starring Gerard Butler and Mike Colter for Lionsgate and Di Bonaventura Pictures.

Nikki Bella to Serve as a Judge on NBC’s “AGT: Extreme”

Nikki Bella is taking things to the Extreme

The 37-year-old half-Mexican American reality television personality, entrepreneur and retired professional wrestler, one half of The Bella Twins with her sister Brie Bella, will serve as a judge for NBC’s extreme version of America’s Got Talent.

Nikki Bella

In addition to Nikki Bella, the other judges for AGT: Extreme include Travis Pastrana and Simon Cowell.

Terry Crews, who is host of the main AGT series, will host.

Nikki Bella is a former WWE Hall of Famer, who is the star of E!’s reality series Total Bellas.

The series is set to launch midseason on NBC and is produced by Syco Entertainment and Fremantle.

It will showcase the most outrageous and jaw-dropping daredevil acts. Each week extreme contestants will go head-to-head in the most wild, wacky and craziest stunts to vie for the ultimate title.

Becky G Joins United Nations Human Rights “We All Rise” Campaign on International Women’s Day

Becky G is commemorating International Women’s Day in a big way…

The 24-year-old Mexican American bilingual rapper/singer has joined the United Nations Human Rights on International Women’s Day (March 8) for the “We All Rise” campaign for gender equality during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Becky G

Becky G appears in the campaign alongside Celine Dion, Cher, Cyndi Lauper and many most stars.

The artists — joined by activist/tennis legend Billie Jean King, TV personality Padma Lakshmi, actors Renée Elise Goldsberry and Terry Crews, WNBA champ Sue Bird and singer/songwriter Amanda Shires — have partnered with the UN to select the 2021 We All Rise female empowerment anthem “Together We Are Stronger.”

The soaring song features KT Tunstall, Lolo, Devyn Lorea and Nikki Vianna, and was written by written by Morgan Dorr, Greg Hansen and Lorea, with production by the Highland Park Collective.

We All Rise aims to reach more than 150 million with its first effort, described in a release as a “celebrity-driven social media campaign promoting gender equality as a fundamental human right essential to achieving a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.” The coalition of celebrities and advocates participating in the effort also includes LeAnn Rimes, Dionne Warwick, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Liv Warfield, Blair Underwood, Gloria Estefan, Naomi Campbell, Bridget Moynihan, and Debbie Allen.

“Gender equality is one of the fundamental values of the United Nations and lies at the very heart of human rights,” said Veronica Birga, chief of the Women’s Rights and Gender Section of United Nations Human Rights in a statement. “That is why we are the global partner of WE ALL RISE, an exciting new initiative committed to promoting, protecting, and advancing the human rights of all women and girls around the world. Because gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, it is essential to achieving a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.”

The effort is one of many across the music world on Monday to celebrate International Women’s Day, including a playlist curated by BLACKPINK‘s Rosé and a remake of “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan and Idina Menzel, among other efforts.

“Gender equality and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women are fundamental human rights and core values of the United Nations,” added Trish Golden, president of We All Rise. “Together with our Global Partner, United Nations Human Rights, We All Rise is dedicated to promoting gender equality around the world and the human rights of women and girls, in all their diversity. When we support women’s rights, We All Rise together.”

The video for the inspiring “Together We Are Stronger” features images of women from around the world marching for equality and securing a future for girls and young women where they can achieve their goals.

Sofia Vergara Returning to the Judges Table on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”

Sofia Vergara’s still got talent… 

The 48-year-old Colombian actress and former Modern Family star and her fellow America’s Got Talent judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel will all return for season 16 of the hit NBC talent competition series.

Sofia Vergara

Terry Crews also will return as host.

The Season 16 premiere date will be announced later.

AGT will host one final nationwide “Last Chance Audition” for the upcoming season on Saturday, March 6. Interested acts can register at http://www.AGTAuditions.com for a virtual audition slot where they will perform live for show producers. The best acts discovered that day will then go on to perform for the AGT judges.

America’s Got Talent dominated the ratings last summer as the No. 1 series on the Big 4 networks in total viewers and led NBC to 18-49 wins among the Big 4 on every Tuesday night (excluding sports). The show was the most-watched entertainment program nearly every week it aired. Additionally, AGT amassed 2.95 billion views across all digital video platforms in 2020 and was ranked the No.3 most-social broadcast series last year.

Vergara, who has been the highest paid actress in American television for seven consecutive years, from 2013 to 2020, joined the judges panel last year for Season 15.

NBC to End Melissa Fumero’s Police Comedy “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” with Upcoming Eighth Season

Melissa Fumero is turning in her badge and gun…

NBC has announced the 38-year-old Cuban-American actress’ police comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine, co-starring Andy Samberg, will be ending during the 2021-22 broadcast season, bringing its fairytale resurrection to a close with its upcoming eighth season.

Melissa Fumero

The show, produced by Universal Television, originally ran for five seasons on Fox before it was cancelled but NBC picked up the show for a sixth season that aired in 2019. Season seven aired in spring 2020 and the eighth season was renewed three months before season seven premiered.

Production on season eight, which will be comprised of 10 episodes, was hit by the pandemic but Samberg said that he expects them to be back on set “fairly soon”. The earliest the show will return is fall 2021, meaning that the comedy will not have aired a season during the 2020-21 season.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which has had a particularly fervent digital audience, stars Samberg as Det. Jake Peralta alongside his squad of somewhat hapless police officers played by Fumero, Andre Braugher, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero, Stephanie Beatriz, Joe Lo Truglio, Dirk Blocker and Joel McKinnon Miller.

“I still remember the palpable excitement that night in 2018 when we announced Brooklyn Nine-Nine would be returning to its rightful home at NBC,” said Lisa Katz, President of Scripted Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “We’ve always loved these characters and the way they make us laugh while also masterfully weaving in storylines that make us reflect as well.”

Brooklyn Nine-Nine has been one of the jewels in our comedy crown. It’s had an incredible run across not one but two networks, garnered widespread acclaim and captured the hearts of fans all over the world,” added Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman, Universal Studio Group. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher and our entire wonderful ensemble, and our amazingly talented writers, producers and crew.”

Wilson Cruz to Take Part in Classic “Superman” Radio Series Reenactments During Next Week’s ‘DC FanDome: Explore the Multiverse’ Virtual Event

Wilson Cruz is preparing for a super project…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican actor will take part in Warner Bros. and The Creative Coalition’s reenactments of the 1940s Superman radio series to take place during DC FanDome: Explore the Multiverse on September 12. The acclaimed original long-running radio serial originally aired from 1940 to 1951.

Wilson Cruz

The reenactments of the Superman radio series will be available all day during the virtual confab and feature an all-star roster of actors toplined by Cruz, who stars on Star Trek: Discovery, Tim Daly and Daniel Dae Kim as the Man of Steel himself.

Superman Radio Series

Using original scripts from the long-running radio serial recently unearthed from the Warner Bros. Studios vault, this rare production will allow fans to experience one of their favorite superheros in a unique way.

“We are thrilled to join comic fans and creators at DC FanDome: Explore the Multiverse to bring the original Superman to life and celebrate the arts,” said The Creative Coalition CEO Robin Bronk. “We encourage Superman fans to learn more about The Creative Coalition’s mission to support the arts by visiting TheCreativeCoalition.org. We are grateful to Warner Bros. and DC for supporting that work.”

In addition to Cruz, Daly and Kim, the radio series will feature Jason Alexander, Troian Bellisario, Erich Bergen, Anthony Carrigan, Terry Crews, Sam Daly, Lea DeLaria, Giancarlo Esposito, Sean Giambrone, The Good Doctor’s Nicholas Gonzalez, Jason Isaacs, Richard Kind, Eric McCormack, Dean Norris, CCH Pounder, Anthony Rapp, Yolonda Ross, Caterina Scorsone, Tony Shalhoub, Tamara Tunie, Henry Winkler, Alfre Woodard and Constance Zimmer.

Click here to learn more about the DC FanDome: Explore the Multiverse.

“America’s Got Talent” Releases First Look Photo of Sofia Vergara at Judges Table

Sofia Vergarahas taken her seat at the table…

America’s Got Talent has released a first look photo of the NBC talent competition show’s season 15 judges panel, with the 47-year-old Colombian actress as a new addition and the first ever Latin judge.

America's Got Talent - Season 15 Judges Table

In addition Vergara, the photo shows AGT creator and judge Simon Cowell, longtime judge Howie Mandel, returning panelist Heidi Klum and returning host Terry Crews.

The revamped panel comes after the NBC competition series filled its two vacant chairs last week, following the exits of Gabrielle Unionand Julianne Hough, who were let go in November after one season.

This will be Modern Family star’s first turn as a judge. Klum was a panelist on AGTfrom 2013-2018.

The first round of production for America’s Got Talent: Season 15 will take place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium throughout the month of March.

The series is co-produced by Fremantle and Syco Entertainment

Sofia Vergara Named First Latin Judge on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”

Sofia Vergara’s got talent… and a new job…

The 47-year-old Colombian actress and Modern Family star has been added to the judges panel of  NBC’s America’s Got Talent.

Sofia Vergara

Vergara, a four-time Emmy nominee, will appear alongside Heidi Klum, who was a judge on AGTfor six seasons, from 2013-2018. 

They’ll be joined by returning judges Simon CowellAGTs creator and executive producer, and Howie Mandel, as well as host Terry Crews.

“I’m so happy to join my new family onAGT,” said Vergara, who’ll be making AGThistory. “This is a new and exciting next chapter for me and I’m extremely proud to be the first Latin judge on the show. I can’t wait to watch all the talent and have fun with all you guys!”

Vergara and Klum succeed Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough, who were let go in November after one season on AGT. Union’s ouster sparked controversy and triggered an investigation over allegations of a hostile work environment on the reality show. Results of the investigation, which was supposed to wrap by the end of January, have yet to be made public.

Shortly after Union and Hough’s exit, Vergara emerged as NBC’s top choice for a replacement. She met with executives from NBC and AGTproducer Fremantlein mid-December to discuss the possibility. By mid-January, word started getting out that Klum would be back, retaking her seat.

Klum never left the AGTfranchise — she’s been a judge on spinoff America’s Got Talent: The Champions since its launch last season.

Vergara is coming off an 11-season run as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on ABC’s hit comedy Modern Family,a role that has earned her four Emmy nominations.

“Sofia’s infectious energy and sharp wit will blend perfectly with returning favorites Heidi, Simon, Howie, and Terry. As both a respected actress and successful entrepreneur, she embodies the American dream that is synonymous with AGT’s transformative stage,” said Meredith Ahr, President, Alternative & Reality Group, NBC Entertainment.

JJ Soria to Star in Netflix’s 10-episode Half-Hour Latinx Dramedy “Gentefied”

JJ Soria is getting gentefied

The 32-year-old Mexican-American actor has been cast in the 10-episode half-hour Latinx dramedy Gentefied.

JJ Soria

Soria joins a main cast that includes Karrie MartinCarlos Santos and Joaquín Cosio.

The project hails from Gente-fied: The Digital Series creators Marvin Lemusand Linda Yvette Chávez, showrunner Monica MacerAmerica FerreraTeri Weinbergand Macro.

Written by Lemus and Chávez, Gentefied is adapted from the web series which premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival

Described as a badass bilingual series about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all, Gentefiedis about three Mexican-American cousins (Martin, Soria, Santos) who struggle to chase the American Dream, even while that same dream threatens the things they hold most dear: their neighborhood, their immigrant grandfather (Cosio), and the family taco shop. Set in a rapidly changing Los Angeles, the Spanglish dramedy will navigate important themes like identity, class, and balancing insta-fame with translating memes for their parents. But most importantly,Gentefiedwill settle once and for all how to pronounce Latinx.

Martin will play Ana Morales, a sarcastic, woke, blunt, and endearing, queer artist. Ana is a Chicana who leads with her heart and fights for her art with untethered conviction. She loves her abuelo and her entire family almost to a fault.

Soria will portray Erik, a wisecracking, well-read, charismatic, but tough homie with a heart of gold. He’s a high school dropout, but there isn’t a book in the local library Erik hasn’t read. He’s a reluctant dreamer trying to find his way back to himself. But his loyalty to his grandfather who took him in keeps him from putting time into himself or Lidia, the love of his life.

Santos is Chris, the prodigal grandson, a fun-loving, know-it-all, chef-in-training. Chris is a homegrown Boyle Heights boy who moved to Idaho at a young age and was abruptly introduced to Weezer and cow-tipping. His cousins call him guero for acting and looking like a white boy, which always leaves him wondering if he’ll ever be Mexican enough for anyone.

Cosio is Pop, a hard-working, stoic, but warm, old-fashioned ranchero and the rock of the Morales family. Though gruff with his Tejanaand potty-mouth (“cabron” is his favorite word!), Pop has a huge heart, but that also means a lot of heartache trying to protect them.

“We are thrilled to have gathered a lead cast that captures the unique nuance of the chisme, chistes, and chingaderas that we grew up with in our multi-generational, bilingual, immigrant families,” said Lemus and Chavez. “Joaquin, JJ, Carlos, and Karrie are the abuelo, primos, y prima we shot the shit with as kids, the cousins we partied with, and the grandpa we cried with. They are the Morales family and we can’t wait for everyone to start sending them invites to the carne asada!”

Lemus directs the Netflix production.

A love letter to the Latinx and Boyle Heights communities, creators Lemus and Chavez hope Gentefiedwill let their little cousins rocking Adidas, hoops, and big dreams see themselves on the big screen in ways they only dreamed of growing up.

Martin has co-starred on shows like Pretty Little LiarsThe ArrangementThe Purgeand will soon be appearing in David Ayer’s film The Tax Collector

Soria most recently appeared in the series regular role of Pete Ramos on Crackle series The Oath, and has recurred on TNT’s Animal Kingdom and Freeform’s The Fosters. On the film side, Soria can next be seen in the indie John Henry alongside Terry Crews

CBS Diversity Showcase alum Santos has appeared on CBS’ 2 Broke GirlstruTV’s Adam Ruins Everything and Seeso’s Bajillion Dollar Properties. He also was the lead in the 2013 Slamdance comedy horror feature Ghost Team One and guest-starred on Fox’s The Last Man on Earth

Cosio’s credits include the role of Angel de Plata on FX’s The Strain and Don Neto in Narcos: Mexico.He’s returning for Season 2 of Narcos: Mexicoand will be seen in a starring role in Amazon’s new series CDMX.On the film side, he’ll next be seen in Emilio Portes’ horror thriller Beelzebuth,as well as the sequel to Matando Cabos, where he’ll return to portray the title character. 

Jamila Velazquez to Star in the Dramatic Thriller “John Henry”

Jamila Velazquez is in for a thrill

The 22-year-old Puerto Rican, Dominican and Ecuadorian American actress has joined the cast of John Henry, a dramatic thriller from first-time film director Will Forbes.

Jamila Velazquez

Described as a modern retelling of the folklore, the plot, co-written by Forbes and Doug Skinner, follows John Henry (Terry Crews), a man who has traded violence for a peaceful life in South Los Angeles. But when he meets two immigrant kids running from the leader of his former gang (Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges), Henry must decide whether to revisit his troubled past in order to give them a future.

In addition to Crews, Bridges and Velazquez, best known for her television roles on Twisted and Empire, the film will also star Ken Foree, Tyler Alvarez, and JJ Soria.

The indie is being produced by Defiant StudiosEric B. Fleischman, Automatik’s Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, and Kodiak’s Maurice Fadida.