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ENTERTAINMENT
Lovin’ La Vida
Lopez! By Matt Muñoz MÁS staff
omedian George Lopez is boldly going where no Chicano has gone before. Preparing to throw his sombrero into the ring, TV’s funniest papa is taking his fearlessness into unchartered territory with a new, late-night talk show, “Lopez Tonight.” Premiering at 11 p.m., Monday, Nov, 9 on TBS, Lopez plans on bringing the party every week with a fierce cast of talent in tow. From the show’s band leader, Michael Bearden, who previously worked on Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” prior to the singer’s death, to a “secret” list of hot guests, it’s looking like prime time for Lopez’s next stratospheric step. Standing among the giants — Leno, Conan, and Letterman, one factor has him making history. He’s the first Latino to host his own latenight show. And as shocking as it sounds, it’s true. The last time a Mexican-born American sat behind a TV desk was in 1990 when Paul Rodriguez hosted “El Show de Paul Rodriguez,” on Univision in Spanish. Embraced by American TV audiences, much in part to the popular “George Lopez Show” now in syndication, you can’t change the channel without catching a glimpse of the comedian. Recently seen at the White House hosting a celebration of Hispanic musical heritage with the First Family, as well on CNN’s “Latino In America” report, it seems there’s no stopping Lopez. And don’t forget his ever-growing list of movie roles …“Mr. Troop,” anyone? Like actors Edward James Olmos and Rodriguez, Lopez has always offered to lend a helping hand when needed. Close ties to Bakersfield and United Farm Workers Co-founder
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16 | MÁS November 2009
Comedian/Sitcom star gets new gig: late-night talk show host
Dolores Huerta remain active today, as well as stating his views on a variety of subjects sensitive to the area. MÁS caught up with Lopez, via a telephone interview Oct. 20, to get the inside scoop on “Lopez Tonight,” the blurred lines between stage and real life, and his own take on possible cuts of the language department at Cal State University Bakersfield. Q: Your list of achievements is impressive, but your appearance at the White House really stood out. How was the experience? A: I’m fearless, baby! To me, I took it as a challenge. I know Barack (Obama) a little bit, but I thought, “Let me make the President and the First Lady laugh, and I really felt comfortable with what I had. When they laughed, now that’s the top. Now, there’s no one who is more important than anyone I’m going to run into than the leader of the free world. Q: How would you describe your show, “Lopez Tonight?” Your set looks incredible! A: I describe it as potentially having the opportunity to be the commander of the brand new space shuttle - something that’s about ready to blast off. Nobody goes into space by themselves. I’m taking a lot of people with me. Q: I’d like an opinion on an issue our local — and heavily Latino enrolled — Cal State University is facing. Latino studies programs are on the chopping block right now, due to our economy, including the popular Spanish department, Chicano studies, etc., yet other less popular departments remain safe. You have strong ties to the Central Valley with Dolores Huerta. When you hear something like that, what comes to mind? A: What comes to my mind is what’s always perceived to be the weakest link in the chain is what snaps first. So, to the people that are making the decisions — to them, what can they live without? Well, if you’re probably Anglo, you can live without Chicano Studies. And you can live without the programs that affect “us.” If I was overweight, and they said, “What are you going to cut out of your diet”? I’d say, “I’m going to cut salads out, and I’m not going to have any fruit.” You don’t give up meat ... ” — “Lopez Tonight” debuts 11 p.m., Nov. 9 on TBS. Check your local listings. www.lopeztonight.com/