Paul Rodriguez
My all-time hero was Freddie Prinze .
I remember seeing his show , Chico and the Man , and I remember reading thru the teletype communications , when he had taken his own life . by : Victor Padilla
It was the first time I cried for someone .
Victor Padilla : This is Latin Times TV , I ’ m Victor Padilla with actor comedian producer awesome guy Paul Rodriguez how are you doing ? Paul Rodriguez : Im doing good , I should specify I ’ m probably a Sr because my kid is also in the entertainment business he ’ s practically erased me from Facebook , he is so popular especially in Tampa . Now on social media its 100 pages of him and then me .
Victor Padilla : Tell us about where you come from and a little of you family history … Paul Rodriguez : I was born , they tell me , because I barely remember , in Sinaloain , Culiacan in Mexico . I came here when I was about 3-4 years old . I grew up in the field just following the harvest with my parents always super busy . We picked everything that the ground would grow and right around 12 – 13 , my father had an accident , my father broke his back in a farming accident ; a tractor ran over him . When I was 18-19 , I left for the air force and did 6 six years . I came back , went to college on the G . I . Bill and found my way to law school .
Victor Padilla : Tell us about who inspired to become a comedian and actor in the industry Paul Rodriguez : My all-time hero was Freddie Prinze . I remember seeing his show , Chico and the Man , and I remember reading thru the teletype communications , when he had taken his own life and it was the first time I cried for someone . I never met him , but he had such an influence in my life . I later became friends with his son .
Victor Padilla : Tell us about the pitch and how you are working with Mike Gomez , can you tell us about it , give us some info on it Paul Rodriguez : Well the “ Pitch ” is a protest , the pitch is a reminder to the powers that be that Latinos are all around you , you can throw a rock in any direction . The “ Pitch ” is a new play that I wrote that ’ s aimed at shaking up Hollywood . In “ The Pitch : Or How to Pitch a Latino Sitcom That Will Never Air ,” Rodriguez uses comedy to expose the challenges that Latinos face pitching a TV show to network executives .
Victor Padilla : So what advice would you give to young upcoming Latino actors and actresses ? Paul Rodriguez : To believe in themselves and have the persistence of a Jehovah ’ s Witness . Do not give , things will get better , and to have some dignity , if you see a part that ’ s condescending , let them know it . Show them how you will do , how it will be done , even if you don ’ t get the part , you walk out of that room knowing you didn ’ t kiss they ’ re ass , and you didn ’ t bow your head - you left with your dignity .
Victor Padilla : Im going to ask a very important question : What is your favorite Latino food , and do you love Cuban sandwiches ? Paul Rodriguez : Oh of course man , Im a Cubachero you know , I love it , and big fans of Tito Puente and Celia Cruz , but my favorite food when I ’ m in Florida is Ropa Vieja and in Los Angeles Tacos Al Carbon , and when I ’ m in new York I go for the Cuchifrito !
“ I am an international Latino person who has embarked and enjoyed all our cultures . That is what makes us better , eh , we bring spice to this country , without us it would be bland .”
Victor Padilla : Tell us who your hero has been , living or past … Paul Rodriguez : Well I have
Latin Times Magazine www . LatinTimesMedia . com Abraza el calor de tu cultura !
met a lot of my heroes , most of them are gone , but I even have Nelson Mandala was part of the crew of heroes . I walked with Cesar Chaves and my heroes have to be my parents , I ’ ve never met a pair of people who love each other for 50 years and they have done through bright and dark .
Victor Padilla : So that concludes its our interview time , but I wanted to tell you , my wife and I host the International Cuban Sandwich Festival over in Tampa , so I want to invite you to be a Judge next year , I ’ ll send Brenda all the info . You can ’ t eat for a whole week before you judge so haha … Paul Rodriguez : Hahha , if you see me lately ( NOW ) you know eating is not one of my problems haha
But send me some literature , I promise you I ’ ll make time .
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