Check out this article about the proposed new talent competition show tentatively titled "Q Viva: The Chosen" from producers Nigel Fuller, Jennifer López and Marc Anthony. The talent competition would find the best performers throughout 21 countries in Latin music, dance and other arts with the goal of creating a live extravaganza. The program would be filmed in three languages (English, Spanish and Portuguese). For more information, click here.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
HOLA Member Bochinche
Bochinche refers to "gossip." In this sense, we use it to mention HOLA members who are getting acting and performance gigs.
Dennis Brito acted in the film Weekend Killer (written, directed and produced by Tony Napolitano), which played at the Quad Theater in Manhattan's West Village as part of the New York Independent Film and Video Festival.
Rodney Roldán just shot a commercial for the U.S. Navy where he appeared opposite NASCAR race car drivers Jeff Gordon; Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; and Jimmie Johnson. He also completed work on the film Ten-Buck Baton (written by Nimer Bashu and directed by Mike Brochu).
Yanelba Ferreira and Ángelo Mercado, Jr. filmed a commercial for a legal firm where she played a young mom and he played a young dad, albeit for different families. In addition, Mercado reports that he will be performing standup comedy at the New York Comedy Club (in Manhattan's Kips Bay area) in a week.
Javier Vázquez reported that he did some work on "The Good Wife" (CBS).
If you are an HOLA member and want to submit a bochinche item, send us an e-mail at holagram@hellohola.org. If you are not an HOLA member, why not join?
Dennis Brito acted in the film Weekend Killer (written, directed and produced by Tony Napolitano), which played at the Quad Theater in Manhattan's West Village as part of the New York Independent Film and Video Festival.
Rodney Roldán just shot a commercial for the U.S. Navy where he appeared opposite NASCAR race car drivers Jeff Gordon; Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; and Jimmie Johnson. He also completed work on the film Ten-Buck Baton (written by Nimer Bashu and directed by Mike Brochu).
Yanelba Ferreira and Ángelo Mercado, Jr. filmed a commercial for a legal firm where she played a young mom and he played a young dad, albeit for different families. In addition, Mercado reports that he will be performing standup comedy at the New York Comedy Club (in Manhattan's Kips Bay area) in a week.
Javier Vázquez reported that he did some work on "The Good Wife" (CBS).
If you are an HOLA member and want to submit a bochinche item, send us an e-mail at holagram@hellohola.org. If you are not an HOLA member, why not join?
Friday, April 29, 2011
HOLA Legends: Víctor Argo
Víctor Argo (1934–2004) was a veteran character actor who usually played the part of a tough bad guy in his movies. Born Víctor Jiménez in New York, New York, U.S.A. to parents from Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, he began his career as a stage actor. While performing in an off-Broadway play during the 1960s, he met Yoko Ono, with whom he participated in the so-called "Happening" movement. He also became friends with the then fledgling actor Harvey Keitel, with whom he remained close for nearly forty years. In 1977, he became a founding member of the Riverside Shakespeare Company on New York City's Upper West Side. As a member, he toured the parks of Manhattan playing Lord Montague in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
In the 1970s, he made his film debut with a small part in Unholy Rollers and his television debut in a made-for-TV film "Smile, Jenny, You're Dead." He became a durable movie tough guy and a favorite of such directors as Martin Scorsese and Woody Allen. His film credits include Taxi Driver, King of New York, Mean Streets, The Rose, New York Stories, Shadows and Fog, Crimes and Misdemeanors, The Last Temptation of Christ, After Hours, Bad Lieutenant, True Romance, Desperately Seeking Susan and Coyote Ugly. In 2001, he played Jennifer López's father in the romantic drama Angel Eyes. His television guest appearances include "The Rockford Files," "Wonder Woman," "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century," "Spenser: for Hire," "Law & Order" and "Miami Vice." He lent his talents to seventy-five films and twenty-one television guest roles in total.
Shortly before his death, he realized a lifelong dream of performing on Broadway when he was cast as Santiago, the owner of a cigar factory, in the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Anna in the Tropics. In his last on-screen role, in the independent film Lustre by director Art Jones, he portrayed a New York City loan shark who retreats from his everyday, hard-nosed rants to a deeply spiritual disconnect with the world. The film was released in 2005. He died in New York from complications of lung cancer at age 69. In 2005, Electronic music group Bodega System releases a 12" vinyl LP which includes the track "Victor Argo."Trailer for the film The Electric Chair
Trailer for the film True Romance
Film Lustre
Are We Witnessing The End Of The Hispanic Advertising Agency, As We Know It?
Check out this article by Juan Aceves in Media Post to find out more information.
WELCOME NEW AND RETURNING MEMBERS - MARCH AND APRIL 2011
Below is a list of new (and returning) HOLA members who joined between March 1, 2011 and April 30, 2011. (Note that "returning members" refer those members who have returned to HOLA after having their memberships expire for some time and do not include renewing members.)
(Top row, left to right): J.A. Acevedo, Julio Agustín; (second row, left to right): Marisol Burgos, Erika Cazeneuve; (third row, left to right): Robin De Jesús, Francisco Díaz; (fourth row, left to right): Jessica Díaz, Casandra Kate Escobar; (fifth row, left to right): Andrea L. García, Ignacio García Bustelo; (sixth row, left to right): Jeffrey Hernández, Lerubi López; (seventh row, left to right): Nerea Lovecchio, Karla Mayté; (eighth row, left to right) Gloribell Mercado, Ángelo Mercado, Jr.; (ninth row, left to right) Ray Montañez, Robmariel Olea; (tenth row, left to right) Ayanery Reyes, Fernando Reyes; (eleventh row, left to right) Elizabeth Rivera de García, Ángel Salas; (twelfth row, left to right) Alba Sánchez, Lisandra Sánchez Rivera Payán; (thirteenth row, left to right) Jayson Simba, Pastor Torres; (bottom row, left to right) Silvia Tovar, José Yenque.
Not pictured: Dinah Infante, Carlos Leonel, Isis Velázquez.
(Top row, left to right): J.A. Acevedo, Julio Agustín; (second row, left to right): Marisol Burgos, Erika Cazeneuve; (third row, left to right): Robin De Jesús, Francisco Díaz; (fourth row, left to right): Jessica Díaz, Casandra Kate Escobar; (fifth row, left to right): Andrea L. García, Ignacio García Bustelo; (sixth row, left to right): Jeffrey Hernández, Lerubi López; (seventh row, left to right): Nerea Lovecchio, Karla Mayté; (eighth row, left to right) Gloribell Mercado, Ángelo Mercado, Jr.; (ninth row, left to right) Ray Montañez, Robmariel Olea; (tenth row, left to right) Ayanery Reyes, Fernando Reyes; (eleventh row, left to right) Elizabeth Rivera de García, Ángel Salas; (twelfth row, left to right) Alba Sánchez, Lisandra Sánchez Rivera Payán; (thirteenth row, left to right) Jayson Simba, Pastor Torres; (bottom row, left to right) Silvia Tovar, José Yenque.
Not pictured: Dinah Infante, Carlos Leonel, Isis Velázquez.
HOLA Member Bochinche
Bochinche refers to "gossip." In this sense, we use it to mention HOLA members who are getting acting and performance gigs.
Joseph Meléndez can be seen playing Chief of Police Alemeida in the Justin Lim-helmed film The Fast and the Furious 5. Also known as Fast Five, the film stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Dwayne Johnson, Elsa Pataky, Tego Calderón and Don Omar and will be released to U.S. theaters this weekend.
Mauricio Alexander can be currently seen playing Pablo in the webseries "East WillyB" For more info on the show, click here. He also recently screened his self-written and -directed short film Departure at the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) NOW Conference in Newport Beach, California. For more info on the film (which boasts an all-Latino cast), click here.
José Yenque e-mailed us to say that the Gerardo Naranjo-helmed film Miss Bala, in which he plays DEA Agent Kike Cámara will have its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France (he adds it his first time in France since he played Bernardo in West Side Story over 15 years ago). The film is produced by Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal and Pablo Cruz. In addition, he just found out that he will be receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from California State University at San Marcos. While California State University has given several honorary doctorates since they bestowed their first one on John F. Kennedy in 1963 (their alumni include Nicolas Cage, Rita Moreno and Nelson Mandela), the San Marcos campus has only honored 10 previous people with honorary doctorates. He is the 11th recipient of the honorary doctorate and the first Latino to receive the honor. (¡Felicitaciones, Dr. Yenque!)
La luz de un cigarrillo started performances at Teatro LATEA, located in the Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center (home to HOLA) in Manhattan's Loísaida neighborhood. Written and directed by Marco Antonio Rodríguez, the cast includes Susanna Guzmán, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Arisleyda Lombert, Teresa Yenque and Laura Patalano and features costume design by Lorraine Rodríguez. The production is scheduled for a six-week run, running now through June.
Gilbert Cruz will be reading two plays at the María Irene Fornes Hispanic Playwrights Lab in May at INTAR Theatre, located in the Hell's Kitchen/Clinton section of Manhattan. For more info, click here.
Nominations for the 56th Annual Drama Desk Awards, which honor the best in Broadway and Off-Broadway theater were announced April 29, 2011 at the Algonquin Hotel in midtown Manhattan. Nominees include Bobby Cannavale (Outstanding Actor in a Play, The Motherf**ker With The Hat), Yul Vásquez (Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play, The Motherf**ker With The Hat), John Leguizamo (Outstanding Solo Performance, Ghetto Klown, Moisés Kaufman (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo) and the team of Trey Parker, Robert López and Matt Stone, (Outstanding Book and Outstanding Lyrics, respectively, for the musical The Book of Mormon). The Drama Desk nominees will receive their Official Nomination Certificates at a gala cocktail reception May 2, 2011 at Bombay Palace Restaurant. The annual ceremony will be held May 23, 2011 at Hammerstein Ballroom at the Manhattan Center.
If you are an HOLA member and want to submit a bochinche item, send us an e-mail at holagram@hellohola.org. If you are not an HOLA member, why not join?
Joseph Meléndez can be seen playing Chief of Police Alemeida in the Justin Lim-helmed film The Fast and the Furious 5. Also known as Fast Five, the film stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Dwayne Johnson, Elsa Pataky, Tego Calderón and Don Omar and will be released to U.S. theaters this weekend.
Mauricio Alexander can be currently seen playing Pablo in the webseries "East WillyB" For more info on the show, click here. He also recently screened his self-written and -directed short film Departure at the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) NOW Conference in Newport Beach, California. For more info on the film (which boasts an all-Latino cast), click here.
José Yenque e-mailed us to say that the Gerardo Naranjo-helmed film Miss Bala, in which he plays DEA Agent Kike Cámara will have its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France (he adds it his first time in France since he played Bernardo in West Side Story over 15 years ago). The film is produced by Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal and Pablo Cruz. In addition, he just found out that he will be receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from California State University at San Marcos. While California State University has given several honorary doctorates since they bestowed their first one on John F. Kennedy in 1963 (their alumni include Nicolas Cage, Rita Moreno and Nelson Mandela), the San Marcos campus has only honored 10 previous people with honorary doctorates. He is the 11th recipient of the honorary doctorate and the first Latino to receive the honor. (¡Felicitaciones, Dr. Yenque!)
La luz de un cigarrillo started performances at Teatro LATEA, located in the Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center (home to HOLA) in Manhattan's Loísaida neighborhood. Written and directed by Marco Antonio Rodríguez, the cast includes Susanna Guzmán, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Arisleyda Lombert, Teresa Yenque and Laura Patalano and features costume design by Lorraine Rodríguez. The production is scheduled for a six-week run, running now through June.
Gilbert Cruz will be reading two plays at the María Irene Fornes Hispanic Playwrights Lab in May at INTAR Theatre, located in the Hell's Kitchen/Clinton section of Manhattan. For more info, click here.
Nominations for the 56th Annual Drama Desk Awards, which honor the best in Broadway and Off-Broadway theater were announced April 29, 2011 at the Algonquin Hotel in midtown Manhattan. Nominees include Bobby Cannavale (Outstanding Actor in a Play, The Motherf**ker With The Hat), Yul Vásquez (Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play, The Motherf**ker With The Hat), John Leguizamo (Outstanding Solo Performance, Ghetto Klown, Moisés Kaufman (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo) and the team of Trey Parker, Robert López and Matt Stone, (Outstanding Book and Outstanding Lyrics, respectively, for the musical The Book of Mormon). The Drama Desk nominees will receive their Official Nomination Certificates at a gala cocktail reception May 2, 2011 at Bombay Palace Restaurant. The annual ceremony will be held May 23, 2011 at Hammerstein Ballroom at the Manhattan Center.
If you are an HOLA member and want to submit a bochinche item, send us an e-mail at holagram@hellohola.org. If you are not an HOLA member, why not join?
Thursday, April 28, 2011
HOLA After The Curtain/Después Del Telón
We have a special new event for HOLA members and Friends of HOLA. We are proud to present HOLA After the Curtain. On Sunday, May 1st, 2011 at 4pm, Teatro LATEA invites HOLA members to attend a preview of La luz de un cigarrillo, written and directed by award-winning Dominican playwright Marco Antonio Rodríguez. The play is performed in Spanish with English subtitles. HOLA members and Friends of HOLA will receive a special discounted price of $15 per ticket. There will be a talkback with the writer-director and the cast after the show moderated by Isolda Peguero, National Correspondent, New York Bureau, NBCUniversal/Telemundo.
THE DISCOUNT CODE IS ONLY GOOD FOR INTERNET PURCHASES AND ONLY FOR THE MAY 1st PERFORMANCE!
The code will not be valid at the door nor through phone reservations.
Instructions:
Purchase tickets by clicking here.
There you will see "Enter Discount Code."
Type in the code Luz51 to enable the discount.
Showtime is at 4pm. Doors open at 3:30pm.
Synopsis: Over the course of two evenings, mother and son, two estranged generations of Dominicans living in Manhattan, attempt to rekindle the love and appreciation for each other and their roots; but unexpectedly revealed intimate and taboo secrets threaten to destroy an already thin bond. For mature audiences only.
Tenemos un nuevo evento especial para todos los miembros y Amigos de HOLA. Nos complacemos en presentar HOLA Después Del Telón. El domingo, 1ro de mayo, a las 4 de la tarde. El Teatro LATEA invita a todos los miembros de HOLA a presenciar una función de la obra La luz de un cigarrillo, escrita y dirigida por el galardonado escritor dominicano, Marco Antonio Rodríguez. La obra será presentada en español con subtítulos en inglés. Para los miembros y Amigos de HOLA, ofreceremos un descuento especial de $15 por boleto. Habrá un diálogo con el autor-director y el elenco después de la función. La moderadora del diálogo será Isolda Peguero, Corresponsal Nacional, Oficina de Nueva York, NBCUniversal/Telemundo.
EL CÓDIGO DE DESCUENTO ESPECIAL SOLAMENTE ES BUENO PARA BOLETOS COMPRADOS POR EL INTERNET Y SOLAMENTE PARA EL 1ro DE MAYO! El código no es válido en la puerta ni tampoco haciendo reservaciones por teléfono.
Instrucciones:
Vayan a comprar sus boletos aquí.
Ahí van a ver algo que dice "Enter Discount Code."
Pongan el código Luz51 para activar el descuento.
La función comienza a las 4pm. Puertas abren a las 3:30pm.
Sinopsis: En el transcurso de dos noches madre e hijo, dos generaciones de dominicanos distintas viviendo en Manhattan, tratan de crear una nueva empatía a través de su amor mutuo y el aprecio por sus raíces. Pero la inesperada revelación de secretos íntimos y tabúes atentan romper el ya debilitado vínculo. Esta obra es para adultos solamente.
THE DISCOUNT CODE IS ONLY GOOD FOR INTERNET PURCHASES AND ONLY FOR THE MAY 1st PERFORMANCE!
The code will not be valid at the door nor through phone reservations.
Instructions:
Purchase tickets by clicking here.
There you will see "Enter Discount Code."
Type in the code Luz51 to enable the discount.
Showtime is at 4pm. Doors open at 3:30pm.
Synopsis: Over the course of two evenings, mother and son, two estranged generations of Dominicans living in Manhattan, attempt to rekindle the love and appreciation for each other and their roots; but unexpectedly revealed intimate and taboo secrets threaten to destroy an already thin bond. For mature audiences only.
Tenemos un nuevo evento especial para todos los miembros y Amigos de HOLA. Nos complacemos en presentar HOLA Después Del Telón. El domingo, 1ro de mayo, a las 4 de la tarde. El Teatro LATEA invita a todos los miembros de HOLA a presenciar una función de la obra La luz de un cigarrillo, escrita y dirigida por el galardonado escritor dominicano, Marco Antonio Rodríguez. La obra será presentada en español con subtítulos en inglés. Para los miembros y Amigos de HOLA, ofreceremos un descuento especial de $15 por boleto. Habrá un diálogo con el autor-director y el elenco después de la función. La moderadora del diálogo será Isolda Peguero, Corresponsal Nacional, Oficina de Nueva York, NBCUniversal/Telemundo.
EL CÓDIGO DE DESCUENTO ESPECIAL SOLAMENTE ES BUENO PARA BOLETOS COMPRADOS POR EL INTERNET Y SOLAMENTE PARA EL 1ro DE MAYO! El código no es válido en la puerta ni tampoco haciendo reservaciones por teléfono.
Instrucciones:
Vayan a comprar sus boletos aquí.
Ahí van a ver algo que dice "Enter Discount Code."
Pongan el código Luz51 para activar el descuento.
La función comienza a las 4pm. Puertas abren a las 3:30pm.
Sinopsis: En el transcurso de dos noches madre e hijo, dos generaciones de dominicanos distintas viviendo en Manhattan, tratan de crear una nueva empatía a través de su amor mutuo y el aprecio por sus raíces. Pero la inesperada revelación de secretos íntimos y tabúes atentan romper el ya debilitado vínculo. Esta obra es para adultos solamente.
# # # #
HOLA After The Curtain
HOLA Después Del Telón
HOLA Después Del Telón
LA LUZ DE UN CIGARRILLO
Written and directed by/Escrita y dirigida por
MARCO ANTONIO RODRÍGUEZ
with/con SUSANNA GUZMÁN, TERESA YENQUE,
ARISLEYDA LOMBERT, ISMAEL CRUZ-CÓRDOVA
Moderator/Moderadora: ISOLDA PEGUERO (NBCUniversal/Telemundo)
Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 4pm
Domingo, 1ro de mayo del 2011 a las 4pm
# # # #
Written and directed by/Escrita y dirigida por
MARCO ANTONIO RODRÍGUEZ
with/con SUSANNA GUZMÁN, TERESA YENQUE,
ARISLEYDA LOMBERT, ISMAEL CRUZ-CÓRDOVA
Moderator/Moderadora: ISOLDA PEGUERO (NBCUniversal/Telemundo)
Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 4pm
Domingo, 1ro de mayo del 2011 a las 4pm
# # # #
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tess Sánchez Named New Head of Casting at FOX
Tess Sánchez has been named the new head of casting from Fox. She will replace outgoing head of casting Marcia Shulman. She begins her job on June 1, 2011.
For more information on this article and others, check out the Latinos in the Media newsletter from the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) by clicking here.
For more information on this article and others, check out the Latinos in the Media newsletter from the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) by clicking here.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
HOLAfábrica presents THE TRANSITION WORKSHOP with JULIO AGUSTÍN
HOLAfábrica
presents
THE TRANSITION WORKSHOP
with Broadway performer Julio Agustín
Broadway performer-turned-audition coach and career consultant, Julio Agustín,
shares vital and proven transition strategies to take you
from struggling artist to working professional.
6:30pm-9:30pm
Teatro LATEA
Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center
107 Suffolk Street, Room 202
(bet. Rivington and Delancey streets), NYC
F to Delancey / J M Z to Essex /
M9, M14A buses
$30 for HOLA members
$50 for non-HOLA members
(Become a member of HOLA and the price difference will be allocated toward your membership registration fee!!)
Call (212) 253-1015 to register
Workshop includes: The Top Ten Transition Strategies • Making an Impact: Getting Noticed & Being Remembered • Creating a Compelling Character in Five Easy Steps
What You’ll Need: Workshop students should come prepared with audition materials as there will be a piano accompanist for the final hour. In addition, please also bring your headshots and resume and come prepared as if you were going to an actual audition.
What People Say About the Workshop:
“This workshop should be renamed the Transformation Workshop, because that is exactly what Julio does, transform each individual into the radiant self that 
they should be! He has a natural talent for seeking out the best in you and aiding you to bring it out. I booked my first musical lead right after taking his Transition Workshop!”
~Hjordy's Matos
Current Lead in Off-Broadway show
Plátanos & Collard Greens
Actress-Singer-Dancer (http://www.hjordysmatos.com)
Current Lead in Off-Broadway show
Plátanos & Collard Greens
Actress-Singer-Dancer (http://www.hjordysmatos.com)
“Julio taught his Transition Workshop to 40 of my students; they all raved about how much information they got from the class. Pages upon pages of notes were taken, and many of my students have already experienced successful professional auditions, having implemented much of Julio’s advice for actors. I would recommend this workshop for any group of performers, from college to professional.”
~Jonathan Flom Author, Get the Callback!
Professor of Acting, Directing and Musical Theatre, Shenandoah Conservatory (http://www.jonathanflom.com)
ABOUT JULIO: “I strive to provide students and clients with strategies, skills, and tools for transitioning from struggling artist to working professional.” Broadway performer, director and audition coach, Julio Agustín has coached clients working on and off-Broadway, in regional theatre and touring companies. Julio has over 15 years as a professional actor and Broadway performer including work in the disciplines of stage, screen, commercials and print. In addition to acting, he is also a writer and director with advanced degrees in Music Performance from Florida State University and Theatre Directing from Pennsylvania State University). His greatest joy comes from helping people to discover their unique talents and create a plan of action that maximizes each of those talents.
ABOUT THE TRANSITION WORKSHOP: The Transition Workshop (TTW) takes students beyond mere talent to the very truth of how the industry works and helps them to discover their place within it. TTW does this by providing practical "take action" guideposts, guaranteeing the transition from struggling artist to working professional. Although the strategies are specifically formulated for performing artists, they are universal and can be used anytime one wants to move from “here” to “there.”
# # # #
HOLA Member Bochinche
Bochinche refers to "gossip." In this sense, we use it to mention HOLA members who are getting acting and performance gigs.
Mauricio Leyton and Stefano Fossa will be acting in the play De Sous. Written by Camilla Le Bert and directed by Lucy Cashion, the play is produced by the Columbia University of the Arts, scheduled for an April and May run at the 3LD Art and Technology Center in Manhattan's Tribeca's neighborhood. The production also stars Le Bert, Lourdes Aguilar and Susana Victoria Pérez.
Repertorio Español is presenting Locuras en Wichita (Wild in Wichita). Written by Lina Gallegos and directed by Luis Fernández, the play was the winner of the MetLife Nuestras Voces Playwriting Competition. The production is set for a June and July at the Spanish Repertory Theater in the Rose Hill section of Manhattan.
José Cheo Oliveras and Eva Cristina Vásquez star in Carmen Loísaida. An adaptation (written by Vásquez) of the classic Prosper Merimée story and the Bizet opera as danced to the rhythms of salsa, merengue and bachata, the production is directed by Beatriz Córdoba, choreographed by Enrique Cruz De Jesús and musical arrangements by Jimmy Tanaka. Scheduled for a May run in the Teatro Círculo space in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan, the piece also stars Diana Chery Ramírez, Yanko Bakulic, Kisha Tikina Burgos, Winston Estévez, Fermín Suárez, Jessica Florí and Maité Bonilla in the cast.
José Yenque is filming the Kenny Castillo film The Hearts of Men.
Nominations for The 77th Annual Drama League Awards were announced April 25, 2011. Kathleen Turner will host The 77th Annual Drama League Awards Ceremony and Luncheon, which will be held May 20, 2011 at noon in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square. The awards, the oldest of its kind in New York City, were created in 1935 to honor distinguished productions and performances both on Broadway and off-Broadway, in addition to recognizing exemplary career achievements in theatre, musical theatre, and directing. This year's nominees include Vanessa Aspíllaga (underneathmybed), Bobby Cannavale (The Motherf**ker With The Hat), Raúl Esparza (Arcadia) and John Leguizamo (Ghetto Klown).
Nominations for the 2010-11 Outer Critics Circle Awards, which honor the best in Broadway and Off-Broadway theater were announced April 26, 2011 at the Algonquin Hotel in midtown Manhattan. Nominees include Bobby Cannavale (Outstanding Actor in a Play, The Motherf**ker With The Hat), Yul Vásquez (Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play, The Motherf**ker With The Hat), Elizabeth Rodríguez (Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play, The Motherf**ker With The Hat), John Leguizamo (Outstanding Solo Performance, Ghetto Klown) and Matthew López (John Gassner Award for playwriting, The Whipping Man). Winners of the awards will be announced May 16, 2011. The annual ceremony will be held May 26, 2011 at Sardi's Restaurant.
If you are an HOLA member and want to submit a bochinche item, send us an e-mail at holagram@hellohola.org. If you are not an HOLA member, why not join?
Mauricio Leyton and Stefano Fossa will be acting in the play De Sous. Written by Camilla Le Bert and directed by Lucy Cashion, the play is produced by the Columbia University of the Arts, scheduled for an April and May run at the 3LD Art and Technology Center in Manhattan's Tribeca's neighborhood. The production also stars Le Bert, Lourdes Aguilar and Susana Victoria Pérez.
Repertorio Español is presenting Locuras en Wichita (Wild in Wichita). Written by Lina Gallegos and directed by Luis Fernández, the play was the winner of the MetLife Nuestras Voces Playwriting Competition. The production is set for a June and July at the Spanish Repertory Theater in the Rose Hill section of Manhattan.
José Cheo Oliveras and Eva Cristina Vásquez star in Carmen Loísaida. An adaptation (written by Vásquez) of the classic Prosper Merimée story and the Bizet opera as danced to the rhythms of salsa, merengue and bachata, the production is directed by Beatriz Córdoba, choreographed by Enrique Cruz De Jesús and musical arrangements by Jimmy Tanaka. Scheduled for a May run in the Teatro Círculo space in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan, the piece also stars Diana Chery Ramírez, Yanko Bakulic, Kisha Tikina Burgos, Winston Estévez, Fermín Suárez, Jessica Florí and Maité Bonilla in the cast.
José Yenque is filming the Kenny Castillo film The Hearts of Men.
Nominations for The 77th Annual Drama League Awards were announced April 25, 2011. Kathleen Turner will host The 77th Annual Drama League Awards Ceremony and Luncheon, which will be held May 20, 2011 at noon in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square. The awards, the oldest of its kind in New York City, were created in 1935 to honor distinguished productions and performances both on Broadway and off-Broadway, in addition to recognizing exemplary career achievements in theatre, musical theatre, and directing. This year's nominees include Vanessa Aspíllaga (underneathmybed), Bobby Cannavale (The Motherf**ker With The Hat), Raúl Esparza (Arcadia) and John Leguizamo (Ghetto Klown).
Nominations for the 2010-11 Outer Critics Circle Awards, which honor the best in Broadway and Off-Broadway theater were announced April 26, 2011 at the Algonquin Hotel in midtown Manhattan. Nominees include Bobby Cannavale (Outstanding Actor in a Play, The Motherf**ker With The Hat), Yul Vásquez (Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play, The Motherf**ker With The Hat), Elizabeth Rodríguez (Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play, The Motherf**ker With The Hat), John Leguizamo (Outstanding Solo Performance, Ghetto Klown) and Matthew López (John Gassner Award for playwriting, The Whipping Man). Winners of the awards will be announced May 16, 2011. The annual ceremony will be held May 26, 2011 at Sardi's Restaurant.
If you are an HOLA member and want to submit a bochinche item, send us an e-mail at holagram@hellohola.org. If you are not an HOLA member, why not join?
Monday, April 25, 2011
Betcha Didn't Know...?
Some of the most notable names from the dawn of film and television are of Latino descent. Here are some of them.
In this edition, some Latinos who have often played by and are often assumed to be strictly Caucasians.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler (1981- ) is an actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Meadow Soprano on the HBO television series "The Sopranos." Born in Queens, New York, U.S.A., to a Sephardic Jewish father of Greek and Romanian parentage and a Cuban mother. She grew up in Jericho, Long Island, New York, and began acting and singing at age 7. In addition to her role on "The Sopranos," she has played Belle on Broadway in Beauty and the Beast. Film and television credits include playing Heidi Fleiss in the USA television movie "Call Me: The Rise and Fall of Heidi Fleiss," Wake, Extreme Dating, Lovewrecked, Homie Spumoni, "Entourage," "How I Met Your Mother," "Saturday Night Live" and "Ugly Betty." In 2001, she released a pop album called Here to Heaven, which featured pop songs, of which three were in Spanish.
Fred Armise
n (1966- ), born Alfredo Armisen in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, U.S.A., is an actor, comedian and musician best known for his work as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live." He moved to New York as a child. He was born to a Venezuelan mother and a German-Japanese mother. He attended the School of Visual Arts in New York City before dropping out to begin a career as a rock drummer. He began his career in 1988 when he moved from New York to Chicago to play drums for the punk rock band Trenchmouth. In the 1990s, he played drums with the Blue Man Group in Chicago. His television appearances on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," as well as work for "Crank Yankers" and "Adult Swim" led in 2002 to a role as a featured player on "Saturday Night Live." In the 2004 season, he was promoted to a repertory cast member. He has landed several minor and supporting roles in comedy films such as Eurotrip, Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Deck the Halls, The Ex, The Promotion, The Rocker and Confessions of a Shopaholic. With Carrie Brownstein, he is the co-creator and co-star of IFC sketch series "Portlandia." He has played numerous recurring characters on "Saturday Night Live." Some of his impressions include political figures such as Barack Obama, Hugo Chávez, Vicente Fox, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Barney Frank, George H.W. Bush, Muammar al-Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein, Hosni Mubarak and NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg. He has also impersonated celebrities such as Martin Scorsese, Desi Arnaz, Corbin Bleu, Sam Waterston, Joy Behar, George Carlin, Howie Mandel, Liberace, Larry King, Penny Marshall, David Lee Roth, Gene Simmons, Lawrence Welk, Paul Lynde, Randy Newman, John Oates (of Hall and Oates) and Ice-T.
Ian Gómez (1964- ) is an American actor best known for his comedic TV work, the most notable of which are his series-regular stints as Javier on "Felicity" and Andy on "Cougar Town." He was born in New York, New York, U.S.A., to to a Puerto Rican father and a Russian Jewish mother. His father was an artist and his mother was a dancer. On "The Drew Carey Show," he played Larry Almada, a co-worker of the title character at Winfred-Louder. He has also worked with Drew Carey on the show "Whose Line is it Anyway?" On "Curb Your Enthusiasm," he played the "bald chef," who the main character (Larry) hired to cook in the restaurant he co-owned. From 1998-2002, he played Javier Clemente Quintata on the hit WB show "Felicity." He has numerous film and television credits. He is married to actress-writer Nia Vardalos of My Big Fat Greek Wedding fame; the two can be seen together in the film Connie and Carla. They have a daughter.
Carlos Alazr
aqui (1962–) is an actor, stand-up comedian, impressionist and voice actor. He is best known for his role as Deputy James Oswaldo García on the Comedy Central series "Reno 911!" His voiceover work includes the role of Bobbi Fabulous on "Phineas and Ferb," Denzel Q. Crocker and Juandissimo Magnífico on "The Fairly OddParents!," Rocko on "Rocko's Modern Life," Lazlo in "Camp Lazlo" and Jonathan Weed on "Family Guy." He is best known, however for being the voice of the Taco Bell Chihuahua. He was born in Yonkers, New York, U.S.A., to Argentinian parents. Not only did he play Deputy James Oswaldo García in the mockumentary series "Reno 911!" for five seasons (2003–2008), he played the same role in the series' spinoff film, Reno 911! Miami. He has numerous film (including voiceover work for animate films) and television credits.
Joanna Kerns (1953- ), born Joanna Crussie de Varona Smith al estilo latino in San Francisco, California, U.S.A., is an actress and director best known for her role as Maggie Seaver on the family situation comedy Growing Pains from 1985-1992. Born to a Mexican-American father and an American mother of Irish heritage, she was a competitive swimmer and gymnast. Her older sister, Donna de Varona is a famed Olympic gold medal swimmer, who won two gold medals in the 1964 Olympics. Their aunt is silent film actress Miriam Cooper. She got her start in show business as a dancer before turning to acting. She attended UCLA and majored in dance. It was here where she saw an advertisement for a Gene Kelly production called Clown Around. She nabbed the part and dropped out of college to move to New York. Afterwards, she won parts in the New York Shakespeare Festival's production of Two Gentlemen of Verona and Ulysses in Nighttown where she was directed by Burgess Meredith. In 1972, she moved back to California and landed a job as a backup dancer at Disneyland and started going on auditions for TV commercials and steady acting jobs. During the late 1970s and early 1980s she turned heads and started making a name for herself in guest spots on many televisions shows that included "The A-Team" "Starsky & Hutch," "Laverne and Shirley," "Three's Company," "Hill Street Blues," "The Love Boat," "V," "Hunter" and "Magnum, P.I." as well as many commercials. She auditioned for and booked "Growing Pains" in 1984. During her time on the television show, she also acted in the television movies, "The Nightman," "Those She Left Behind," "Blind Faith," "Shameful Secrets" and "No One Could Protect Her." At the conclusion of the series, she turned to directing as well as acting. She has directed episodes of television shows including "Dawson's Creek," "Titans," "Scrubs," "Private Practice," "Psych," "Grey's Anatomy," "ER," "Ghost Whisperer" and "Army Wives." Feature film appearances include A*P*E; Girl, Interrupted; and Knocked Up. Her last name comes from her first husband Richard Kerns. She is currently married to Marc Appleton and has a daughter.
• Wanna see other editions of "Betcha Didn't Know...?" Click here.
In this edition, some Latinos who have often played by and are often assumed to be strictly Caucasians.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler (1981- ) is an actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Meadow Soprano on the HBO television series "The Sopranos." Born in Queens, New York, U.S.A., to a Sephardic Jewish father of Greek and Romanian parentage and a Cuban mother. She grew up in Jericho, Long Island, New York, and began acting and singing at age 7. In addition to her role on "The Sopranos," she has played Belle on Broadway in Beauty and the Beast. Film and television credits include playing Heidi Fleiss in the USA television movie "Call Me: The Rise and Fall of Heidi Fleiss," Wake, Extreme Dating, Lovewrecked, Homie Spumoni, "Entourage," "How I Met Your Mother," "Saturday Night Live" and "Ugly Betty." In 2001, she released a pop album called Here to Heaven, which featured pop songs, of which three were in Spanish.Fred Armise
n (1966- ), born Alfredo Armisen in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, U.S.A., is an actor, comedian and musician best known for his work as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live." He moved to New York as a child. He was born to a Venezuelan mother and a German-Japanese mother. He attended the School of Visual Arts in New York City before dropping out to begin a career as a rock drummer. He began his career in 1988 when he moved from New York to Chicago to play drums for the punk rock band Trenchmouth. In the 1990s, he played drums with the Blue Man Group in Chicago. His television appearances on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," as well as work for "Crank Yankers" and "Adult Swim" led in 2002 to a role as a featured player on "Saturday Night Live." In the 2004 season, he was promoted to a repertory cast member. He has landed several minor and supporting roles in comedy films such as Eurotrip, Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Deck the Halls, The Ex, The Promotion, The Rocker and Confessions of a Shopaholic. With Carrie Brownstein, he is the co-creator and co-star of IFC sketch series "Portlandia." He has played numerous recurring characters on "Saturday Night Live." Some of his impressions include political figures such as Barack Obama, Hugo Chávez, Vicente Fox, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Barney Frank, George H.W. Bush, Muammar al-Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein, Hosni Mubarak and NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg. He has also impersonated celebrities such as Martin Scorsese, Desi Arnaz, Corbin Bleu, Sam Waterston, Joy Behar, George Carlin, Howie Mandel, Liberace, Larry King, Penny Marshall, David Lee Roth, Gene Simmons, Lawrence Welk, Paul Lynde, Randy Newman, John Oates (of Hall and Oates) and Ice-T.
Ian Gómez (1964- ) is an American actor best known for his comedic TV work, the most notable of which are his series-regular stints as Javier on "Felicity" and Andy on "Cougar Town." He was born in New York, New York, U.S.A., to to a Puerto Rican father and a Russian Jewish mother. His father was an artist and his mother was a dancer. On "The Drew Carey Show," he played Larry Almada, a co-worker of the title character at Winfred-Louder. He has also worked with Drew Carey on the show "Whose Line is it Anyway?" On "Curb Your Enthusiasm," he played the "bald chef," who the main character (Larry) hired to cook in the restaurant he co-owned. From 1998-2002, he played Javier Clemente Quintata on the hit WB show "Felicity." He has numerous film and television credits. He is married to actress-writer Nia Vardalos of My Big Fat Greek Wedding fame; the two can be seen together in the film Connie and Carla. They have a daughter.Carlos Alazr
aqui (1962–) is an actor, stand-up comedian, impressionist and voice actor. He is best known for his role as Deputy James Oswaldo García on the Comedy Central series "Reno 911!" His voiceover work includes the role of Bobbi Fabulous on "Phineas and Ferb," Denzel Q. Crocker and Juandissimo Magnífico on "The Fairly OddParents!," Rocko on "Rocko's Modern Life," Lazlo in "Camp Lazlo" and Jonathan Weed on "Family Guy." He is best known, however for being the voice of the Taco Bell Chihuahua. He was born in Yonkers, New York, U.S.A., to Argentinian parents. Not only did he play Deputy James Oswaldo García in the mockumentary series "Reno 911!" for five seasons (2003–2008), he played the same role in the series' spinoff film, Reno 911! Miami. He has numerous film (including voiceover work for animate films) and television credits. 
Joanna Kerns (1953- ), born Joanna Crussie de Varona Smith al estilo latino in San Francisco, California, U.S.A., is an actress and director best known for her role as Maggie Seaver on the family situation comedy Growing Pains from 1985-1992. Born to a Mexican-American father and an American mother of Irish heritage, she was a competitive swimmer and gymnast. Her older sister, Donna de Varona is a famed Olympic gold medal swimmer, who won two gold medals in the 1964 Olympics. Their aunt is silent film actress Miriam Cooper. She got her start in show business as a dancer before turning to acting. She attended UCLA and majored in dance. It was here where she saw an advertisement for a Gene Kelly production called Clown Around. She nabbed the part and dropped out of college to move to New York. Afterwards, she won parts in the New York Shakespeare Festival's production of Two Gentlemen of Verona and Ulysses in Nighttown where she was directed by Burgess Meredith. In 1972, she moved back to California and landed a job as a backup dancer at Disneyland and started going on auditions for TV commercials and steady acting jobs. During the late 1970s and early 1980s she turned heads and started making a name for herself in guest spots on many televisions shows that included "The A-Team" "Starsky & Hutch," "Laverne and Shirley," "Three's Company," "Hill Street Blues," "The Love Boat," "V," "Hunter" and "Magnum, P.I." as well as many commercials. She auditioned for and booked "Growing Pains" in 1984. During her time on the television show, she also acted in the television movies, "The Nightman," "Those She Left Behind," "Blind Faith," "Shameful Secrets" and "No One Could Protect Her." At the conclusion of the series, she turned to directing as well as acting. She has directed episodes of television shows including "Dawson's Creek," "Titans," "Scrubs," "Private Practice," "Psych," "Grey's Anatomy," "ER," "Ghost Whisperer" and "Army Wives." Feature film appearances include A*P*E; Girl, Interrupted; and Knocked Up. Her last name comes from her first husband Richard Kerns. She is currently married to Marc Appleton and has a daughter.• Wanna see other editions of "Betcha Didn't Know...?" Click here.
HOLA Member Bochinche
Bochinche refers to "gossip." In this sense, we use it to mention HOLA members who are getting acting and performance gigs.
Éric-Dominique Pérez's self-penned solo show El Gringuito was announced as the winner of Teatro LATEA/Caicedo Productions' The ONE Festival. The festival was such that the audience voted for their favorite play. Directed by A.B. Lugo with assistant direction by Bobby Baker and stage management by Lisandra Sánchez Rivera Payán, the show will be presented at Teatro LATEA for a future weeklong run as a result of winning the festival.
Mónica Delgado, Freia Canals, Milteri Tucker, Gabriela García and Luis Salgado participated in The Easter Bonnet competition. It is one of the major fundraisers for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA), the others being The Gypsy of the Year competition, Broadway Bares, Broadway Bears and Annual Flea Market and Grand Auction. This year's Easter Bonnet took place at Broadway's Minskoff Theatre.
Caridad De La Luz was selected to be the La Madrina Juvenil (Official Godmother of the Youth) at the 54th National Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday, June 12, 2011 in New York.
Rodney Roldán e-mailed us to let us know that he booked roles in The Biography Channel program "Celebrity Close Calls" and a SAG new media film called The Double Con (directed by George LaJara and co-starring, written and produced by Alvin Hysong).
Issy Tavares let us know that he has completed co-executive producer duties on the film The Machine. It stars Eren Yar, Clarissa Thibeaux and Danny Morris and is co-written and directed by Michael C. Poole. The film is in post-production and headed for the film festival circuit.
The New York Association of Entertainment Critics (Asociación de Cronistas de Espectáculos de Nueva York en español) presented the 43rd Annual ACE Awards. Among the 2011 ACE Award winners are Koko De Jesús, Mônica Steuer, Edison Carrera, Marisol Carrere, Manuel Morán, Inma Heredia, Héctor Luis Rivera, Gredivel Vásquez, Enmanuel García, Ángel Gil Orrios and Soledad López.
If you are an HOLA member and want to submit a bochinche item, send us an e-mail at holagram@hellohola.org. If you are not an HOLA member, why not join?
Éric-Dominique Pérez's self-penned solo show El Gringuito was announced as the winner of Teatro LATEA/Caicedo Productions' The ONE Festival. The festival was such that the audience voted for their favorite play. Directed by A.B. Lugo with assistant direction by Bobby Baker and stage management by Lisandra Sánchez Rivera Payán, the show will be presented at Teatro LATEA for a future weeklong run as a result of winning the festival.
Mónica Delgado, Freia Canals, Milteri Tucker, Gabriela García and Luis Salgado participated in The Easter Bonnet competition. It is one of the major fundraisers for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA), the others being The Gypsy of the Year competition, Broadway Bares, Broadway Bears and Annual Flea Market and Grand Auction. This year's Easter Bonnet took place at Broadway's Minskoff Theatre.
Caridad De La Luz was selected to be the La Madrina Juvenil (Official Godmother of the Youth) at the 54th National Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday, June 12, 2011 in New York.
Rodney Roldán e-mailed us to let us know that he booked roles in The Biography Channel program "Celebrity Close Calls" and a SAG new media film called The Double Con (directed by George LaJara and co-starring, written and produced by Alvin Hysong).
Issy Tavares let us know that he has completed co-executive producer duties on the film The Machine. It stars Eren Yar, Clarissa Thibeaux and Danny Morris and is co-written and directed by Michael C. Poole. The film is in post-production and headed for the film festival circuit.
The New York Association of Entertainment Critics (Asociación de Cronistas de Espectáculos de Nueva York en español) presented the 43rd Annual ACE Awards. Among the 2011 ACE Award winners are Koko De Jesús, Mônica Steuer, Edison Carrera, Marisol Carrere, Manuel Morán, Inma Heredia, Héctor Luis Rivera, Gredivel Vásquez, Enmanuel García, Ángel Gil Orrios and Soledad López.
If you are an HOLA member and want to submit a bochinche item, send us an e-mail at holagram@hellohola.org. If you are not an HOLA member, why not join?
Friday, April 22, 2011
HOLA Legends: Juano Hernández
Juano Hernández, sometimes spelled as Huano Hernández (July 19, 1896? – July 17, 1970) was a Puerto Rican-born stage and film actor who is considered a pioneer for African-American actors and paved the way for them to perform serious dramatic roles in mainstream Hollywood movies.
He was born Juan G. Hernández Chávez in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1896 (some sources say it was Ponce in 1901). With no formal education, he worked as a sailor and settled in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was hired by a circus and become an entertainer, making his first appearance as an acrobat in Rio de Janeiro in 1922. He later lived in the Caribbean and made his living as a professional boxer, fighting under the name Kid Curley.
In New York City, he worked in vaudeville and minstrel shows, sang in a church choir and was a radio script writer. During his spare time he perfected his diction by studying Shakespeare thus enabling himself to work in the radio. He co-starred in radio's first all-black soap opera "We Love and Learn." He also acted in the following soap operas: "Mandrake the Magician" (opposite Raymond Edward Johnson and Jessica Tandy), "The Shadow," "Tennessee Jed" and "Against the Storm." He became a household name after his participation in "The Cavalcade of America," a series which promoted American history and inventiveness. He appeared in seven Broadway shows, including Strange Fruit and Set My People Free.
He appeared in 23 films throughout his career. His first films were small roles in films produced by Oscar Micheaux, the pioneering African American filmmaker who made films for black audiences. His film debut was a Micheaux film, The Girl from Chicago (1932), in which he was cast as a Cuban racketeer.
In 1949, he acted in his first mainstream film, based on William Faulkner's novel, Intruder in the Dust, in which he played the role of Lucas Beauchamp, a poor Southern sharecropper unjustly accused of murder. The film earned him a Golden Globe nomination for "New Star of the Year". The film was listed as one of the ten best of the year by the New York Times. Faulkner said of the film, "I'm not much of a moviegoer, but I did see that one. I thought it was a fine job. That Juano Hernández is a fine actor-- and man, too."
Film historian Donald Bogle said that Intruder in the Dust broke new ground in the cinematic portrayal of blacks, and Hernández's "performance and extraordinary presence still rank above that of almost any other black actor to appear in an American movie."
In the 1950 western Stars In My Crown, directed by Jacques Tourneur, starring Joel McCrea, he played a freed slave who refuses to sell his land and faces an angry lynch mob. He was was singled out for praise for his performance in the 1950 film The Breaking Point with John Garfield. The New York Times called his performance "quietly magnificent."
He also received favorable notices for his performances in Trial (1955), about a politically charged court case, in which he played the judge, and Sidney Lumet's The Pawnbroker (1965).
He played Rev. Charles Handy, W.C. Handy's father in the film St. Louis Blues (starring Nat King Cole, Eartha Kitt and Pearl Bailey). Other film credits include Lying Lips, The Breaking Point, Kiss Me Deadly, Ransom!, and the John Ford-helmed Sergeant Rutledge. He also made several notable television guest appearances, including "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Naked City," "The Defenders," "The Dick Powell Show" and "Studio One."
He returned to Puerto Rico late in his life. In the last two years of his life he appeared in three films, The Extraordinary Seaman (1969) with David Niven, The Reivers (1969) with Steve McQueen, and They Call Me MISTER Tibbs! (1970) with Sidney Poitier.
He died in San Juan on July 17, 1970 of a cerebral hemorrhage. He was laid to rest at Cementerio Buxeda Memorial Park, Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico.
The Oscar Micheaux-directed film Lying Lips (his name is misspelled in the credits as "Jauno Hernandez")
Puerto Rican newsreel about Juano Hernández in Puerto Rico
Legendary Puerto Rican actor Jacobo Morales talks about Juano Hernández
Trailer for the 1949 film Intruder in the Dust, based on the William Faulkner novel (Warning: Strong language, including a racial epithet, is mentioned in the trailer)
He was born Juan G. Hernández Chávez in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1896 (some sources say it was Ponce in 1901). With no formal education, he worked as a sailor and settled in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was hired by a circus and become an entertainer, making his first appearance as an acrobat in Rio de Janeiro in 1922. He later lived in the Caribbean and made his living as a professional boxer, fighting under the name Kid Curley.
In New York City, he worked in vaudeville and minstrel shows, sang in a church choir and was a radio script writer. During his spare time he perfected his diction by studying Shakespeare thus enabling himself to work in the radio. He co-starred in radio's first all-black soap opera "We Love and Learn." He also acted in the following soap operas: "Mandrake the Magician" (opposite Raymond Edward Johnson and Jessica Tandy), "The Shadow," "Tennessee Jed" and "Against the Storm." He became a household name after his participation in "The Cavalcade of America," a series which promoted American history and inventiveness. He appeared in seven Broadway shows, including Strange Fruit and Set My People Free.
He appeared in 23 films throughout his career. His first films were small roles in films produced by Oscar Micheaux, the pioneering African American filmmaker who made films for black audiences. His film debut was a Micheaux film, The Girl from Chicago (1932), in which he was cast as a Cuban racketeer.
In 1949, he acted in his first mainstream film, based on William Faulkner's novel, Intruder in the Dust, in which he played the role of Lucas Beauchamp, a poor Southern sharecropper unjustly accused of murder. The film earned him a Golden Globe nomination for "New Star of the Year". The film was listed as one of the ten best of the year by the New York Times. Faulkner said of the film, "I'm not much of a moviegoer, but I did see that one. I thought it was a fine job. That Juano Hernández is a fine actor-- and man, too."
Film historian Donald Bogle said that Intruder in the Dust broke new ground in the cinematic portrayal of blacks, and Hernández's "performance and extraordinary presence still rank above that of almost any other black actor to appear in an American movie."
In the 1950 western Stars In My Crown, directed by Jacques Tourneur, starring Joel McCrea, he played a freed slave who refuses to sell his land and faces an angry lynch mob. He was was singled out for praise for his performance in the 1950 film The Breaking Point with John Garfield. The New York Times called his performance "quietly magnificent."
He also received favorable notices for his performances in Trial (1955), about a politically charged court case, in which he played the judge, and Sidney Lumet's The Pawnbroker (1965).
He played Rev. Charles Handy, W.C. Handy's father in the film St. Louis Blues (starring Nat King Cole, Eartha Kitt and Pearl Bailey). Other film credits include Lying Lips, The Breaking Point, Kiss Me Deadly, Ransom!, and the John Ford-helmed Sergeant Rutledge. He also made several notable television guest appearances, including "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Naked City," "The Defenders," "The Dick Powell Show" and "Studio One."
He returned to Puerto Rico late in his life. In the last two years of his life he appeared in three films, The Extraordinary Seaman (1969) with David Niven, The Reivers (1969) with Steve McQueen, and They Call Me MISTER Tibbs! (1970) with Sidney Poitier.
He died in San Juan on July 17, 1970 of a cerebral hemorrhage. He was laid to rest at Cementerio Buxeda Memorial Park, Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico.
The Oscar Micheaux-directed film Lying Lips (his name is misspelled in the credits as "Jauno Hernandez")
Puerto Rican newsreel about Juano Hernández in Puerto Rico
Legendary Puerto Rican actor Jacobo Morales talks about Juano Hernández
Trailer for the 1949 film Intruder in the Dust, based on the William Faulkner novel (Warning: Strong language, including a racial epithet, is mentioned in the trailer)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
HOLA After The Curtain / HOLA Después Del Telón
We have a special new event for HOLA members and Friends of HOLA. We are proud to present HOLA After the Curtain. On Sunday, May 1st, 2011 at 4pm, Teatro LATEA invites HOLA members to attend a preview of La luz de un cigarrillo, written and directed by award-winning Dominican playwright Marco Antonio Rodríguez. The play is performed in Spanish with English subtitles. HOLA members and Friends of HOLA will receive a special discounted price of $15 per ticket. There will be a talkback with the writer-director and the cast after the show moderated by Isolda Peguero, National Correspondent, New York Bureau, NBCUniversal/Telemundo.
THE DISCOUNT CODE IS ONLY GOOD FOR INTERNET PURCHASES AND ONLY FOR THE MAY 1st PERFORMANCE!
The code will not be valid at the door nor through phone reservations.
Instructions:
Purchase tickets by clicking here.
There you will see "Enter Discount Code."
Type in the code Luz51 to enable the discount.
Showtime is at 4pm. Doors open at 3:30pm.
Synopsis: Over the course of two evenings, mother and son, two estranged generations of Dominicans living in Manhattan, attempt to rekindle the love and appreciation for each other and their roots; but unexpectedly revealed intimate and taboo secrets threaten to destroy an already thin bond. For mature audiences only.
Tenemos un nuevo evento especial para todos los miembros y Amigos de HOLA. Nos complacemos en presentar HOLA Después Del Telón. El domingo, 1ro de mayo, a las 4 de la tarde. El Teatro LATEA invita a todos los miembros de HOLA a presenciar una función de la obra La luz de un cigarrillo, escrita y dirigida por el galardonado escritor dominicano, Marco Antonio Rodríguez. La obra será presentada en español con subtítulos en inglés. Para los miembros y Amigos de HOLA, ofreceremos un descuento especial de $15 por boleto. Habrá un diálogo con el autor-director y el elenco después de la función. La moderadora del diálogo será Isolda Peguero, Corresponsal Nacional, Oficina de Nueva York, NBCUniversal/Telemundo.
EL CÓDIGO DE DESCUENTO ESPECIAL SOLAMENTE ES BUENO PARA BOLETOS COMPRADOS POR EL INTERNET Y SOLAMENTE PARA EL 1ro DE MAYO! El código no es válido en la puerta ni tampoco haciendo reservaciones por teléfono.
Instrucciones:
Vayan a comprar sus boletos aquí.
Ahí van a ver algo que dice "Enter Discount Code."
Pongan el código Luz51 para activar el descuento.
La función comienza a las 4pm. Puertas abren a las 3:30pm.
Sinopsis: En el transcurso de dos noches madre e hijo, dos generaciones de dominicanos distintas viviendo en Manhattan, tratan de crear una nueva empatía a través de su amor mutuo y el aprecio por sus raíces. Pero la inesperada revelación de secretos íntimos y tabúes atentan romper el ya debilitado vínculo. Esta obra es para adultos solamente.
THE DISCOUNT CODE IS ONLY GOOD FOR INTERNET PURCHASES AND ONLY FOR THE MAY 1st PERFORMANCE!
The code will not be valid at the door nor through phone reservations.
Instructions:
Purchase tickets by clicking here.
There you will see "Enter Discount Code."
Type in the code Luz51 to enable the discount.
Showtime is at 4pm. Doors open at 3:30pm.
Synopsis: Over the course of two evenings, mother and son, two estranged generations of Dominicans living in Manhattan, attempt to rekindle the love and appreciation for each other and their roots; but unexpectedly revealed intimate and taboo secrets threaten to destroy an already thin bond. For mature audiences only.
Tenemos un nuevo evento especial para todos los miembros y Amigos de HOLA. Nos complacemos en presentar HOLA Después Del Telón. El domingo, 1ro de mayo, a las 4 de la tarde. El Teatro LATEA invita a todos los miembros de HOLA a presenciar una función de la obra La luz de un cigarrillo, escrita y dirigida por el galardonado escritor dominicano, Marco Antonio Rodríguez. La obra será presentada en español con subtítulos en inglés. Para los miembros y Amigos de HOLA, ofreceremos un descuento especial de $15 por boleto. Habrá un diálogo con el autor-director y el elenco después de la función. La moderadora del diálogo será Isolda Peguero, Corresponsal Nacional, Oficina de Nueva York, NBCUniversal/Telemundo.
EL CÓDIGO DE DESCUENTO ESPECIAL SOLAMENTE ES BUENO PARA BOLETOS COMPRADOS POR EL INTERNET Y SOLAMENTE PARA EL 1ro DE MAYO! El código no es válido en la puerta ni tampoco haciendo reservaciones por teléfono.
Instrucciones:
Vayan a comprar sus boletos aquí.
Ahí van a ver algo que dice "Enter Discount Code."
Pongan el código Luz51 para activar el descuento.
La función comienza a las 4pm. Puertas abren a las 3:30pm.
Sinopsis: En el transcurso de dos noches madre e hijo, dos generaciones de dominicanos distintas viviendo en Manhattan, tratan de crear una nueva empatía a través de su amor mutuo y el aprecio por sus raíces. Pero la inesperada revelación de secretos íntimos y tabúes atentan romper el ya debilitado vínculo. Esta obra es para adultos solamente.
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HOLA After The Curtain
HOLA Después Del Telón
HOLA Después Del Telón
LA LUZ DE UN CIGARRILLO
Written and directed by/Escrita y dirigida por
MARCO ANTONIO RODRÍGUEZ
with/con SUSANNA GUZMÁN, TERESA YENQUE,
ARISLEYDA LOMBERT, ISMAEL CRUZ-CÓRDOVA
Moderator/Moderadora: ISOLDA PEGUERO (NBCUniversal/Telemundo)
Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 4pm
Domingo, 1ro de mayo del 2011 a las 4pm
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Written and directed by/Escrita y dirigida por
MARCO ANTONIO RODRÍGUEZ
with/con SUSANNA GUZMÁN, TERESA YENQUE,
ARISLEYDA LOMBERT, ISMAEL CRUZ-CÓRDOVA
Moderator/Moderadora: ISOLDA PEGUERO (NBCUniversal/Telemundo)
Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 4pm
Domingo, 1ro de mayo del 2011 a las 4pm
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Wednesday, April 20, 2011
HOLA Member Bochinche
Bochinche refers to "gossip." In this sense, we use it to mention HOLA members who are getting acting and performance gigs.
Graciela Lecube e-mailed us to let us know that the short film Loose Change (directed by Phil Botti), in which she stars, is an official selection of the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival in New York. For more information, click here.
Around the Block/Al Doblar La Esquina is presenting Computing April, a series of workshops of short plays descibed as "new plays at the alley/silicone interface." The plays were written by Evelyn Foley, Bill Beasley, Carlos Jerome and Thomas Eddy Moran and directed by Laurence Holder, Camille Holder and Gloria Zelaya. Scheduled for an April run, the production stars Jeffrey Hernández, Bárbara G. Santiago and Samuel Muñiz and will take place at the New York Public Library Epiphany Branch in the Kips Bay area of Manhattan.
Luis Salgado is teaching several dance master classes this month at Madrid Dance Center in Madrid, Spain.
Jorge Luis Berríos and Jorge Álvarez are appearing in Vida de perro. Written and directed by Félix Otero, the play is scheduled for a May run at the Studio Theatre at Herbert H. Lehman College, City University of New York in the Bedford Park section of the Bronx.
Edouard DeSoto booked an on-camera Verizon commercial.
Éric-Dominique Pérez's self-penned solo show El Gringuito is performing at Teatro LATEA/Caicedo Productions' The ONE Festival for an April run. Directed by A.B. Lugo, the show has received publicity from Hora Hispana (a New York Daily News supplement), People en Español's website, and the blogs House of Dandridge, El Blog de Pablo and Siembra Hielo. The production is taking place at Teatro LATEA in Manhattan's Loísaida neighborhood.
If you are an HOLA member and want to submit a bochinche item, send us an e-mail at holagram@hellohola.org. If you are not an HOLA member, why not join?
Graciela Lecube e-mailed us to let us know that the short film Loose Change (directed by Phil Botti), in which she stars, is an official selection of the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival in New York. For more information, click here.
Around the Block/Al Doblar La Esquina is presenting Computing April, a series of workshops of short plays descibed as "new plays at the alley/silicone interface." The plays were written by Evelyn Foley, Bill Beasley, Carlos Jerome and Thomas Eddy Moran and directed by Laurence Holder, Camille Holder and Gloria Zelaya. Scheduled for an April run, the production stars Jeffrey Hernández, Bárbara G. Santiago and Samuel Muñiz and will take place at the New York Public Library Epiphany Branch in the Kips Bay area of Manhattan.
Luis Salgado is teaching several dance master classes this month at Madrid Dance Center in Madrid, Spain.
Jorge Luis Berríos and Jorge Álvarez are appearing in Vida de perro. Written and directed by Félix Otero, the play is scheduled for a May run at the Studio Theatre at Herbert H. Lehman College, City University of New York in the Bedford Park section of the Bronx.
Edouard DeSoto booked an on-camera Verizon commercial.
Éric-Dominique Pérez's self-penned solo show El Gringuito is performing at Teatro LATEA/Caicedo Productions' The ONE Festival for an April run. Directed by A.B. Lugo, the show has received publicity from Hora Hispana (a New York Daily News supplement), People en Español's website, and the blogs House of Dandridge, El Blog de Pablo and Siembra Hielo. The production is taking place at Teatro LATEA in Manhattan's Loísaida neighborhood.
If you are an HOLA member and want to submit a bochinche item, send us an e-mail at holagram@hellohola.org. If you are not an HOLA member, why not join?
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
About Isolda Peguero and HOLA After the Curtain
Isolda Peguero is the National Correspondent of the New York Bureau for the Telemundo Network. Her experience in print, radio and television, make her one of the most complete, documented and versatile communicators in the New York market.In 1982, shortly after graduating from the Institute of Journalism in her native Dominican Republic, she emigrated to the United States to join her family and pursue a career in communications.
Her career in journalism took off in 1987 when, while working for an advertising agency, she was offered a position as a general assignment reporter with the New York City-based newspaper “Noticias del Mundo.” Shortly after being hired, she was promoted to Chief of the City Hall Bureau.
Two years later she embarked on a new challenge and accepted a position as Director of Public Affairs for WKDM 1380AM radio station. Her responsibilities included producing and hosting three weekly talk shows. She was also in charge of writing and scheduling the Public Service Announcements for the station, as well as attending and speaking at public events. After two successful years in WKDM, she joined the newscast of “Noticiero 47,” Telemundo’s local station in New York. While at “Noticiero 47,” she covered general news, special assignments and various human-interest stories. She also served as substitute anchor. In her current role as the National Correspondent of the New York Bureau of the Telemundo Network, she has produced and presented various special stories for the Network and its affiliates.
She is also the recipient of various awards for her work in several series and special programs. She received the Associated Press Award for the special series “Deseo a Ese Niño” and three ACE nominations, including best reporter. In 1990, The Governor of New York recognized her as an outstanding and influential communicator in the community. For three consecutive years, the Association of Dominican Broadcasters in New York City has honored her with the “El Pico de Oro Award.” She was also named one of Glamour magazine’s (Spanish Edition) most Distinguished and Influential Woman of the 1990s.
She will serve as moderator of the HOLA Después Del Telón (HOLA After The Curtain) event on Sunday, May 1, 2011 in conjunction with the Teatro LATEA production of Marco Antonio Rodríguez's play La luz de un cigarrillo. The HOLA After the Curtain event consists of a performance and a post-performance discussion with the company of the production. For more information, click here. For a preview of the production, click on the promo video link below.
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Will Farrell To Star in his First Spanish Language Film, Titled Casa de Mi Padre
Check out this article in Latin Heat about Will Farrell, who will star in his first Spanish-language film (titled Casa de Mi Padre, directed by Matt Piedmont and co-starring Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna, Génesis Rodríguez, Efren Ramírez and Adrián Martínez) by clicking here. A teaser trailer is below.
Monday, April 18, 2011
HOLA Member Bochinche
Bochinche refers to "gossip." In this sense, we use it to mention HOLA members who are getting acting and performance gigs.
Zahaira Curiel and J.A. Acevedo and will appear in the play Slums of Neverland. Written and directed by Deeon Brown, the play was brought back by popular demand to play in May for the LES Festival of the Arts in the East Village/Loísaida section of Manhattan as well as a June and July run in the Theater for the New City in Manhattan's East Village neighborhood.
Gabriel García has been cast in the short film Ama (written and directed by Lavern Rutivi and Sophia Liaka). For more information, click here.
Yanelba Ferreira shot a promo for You and I Wedding Photography, where she played a woman who receives a surprise proposal from her boyfriend. She was also featured in a State University of New York at Buffalo publication.
Nicole Colina appeared in Kathleen Douglass' play Malappropriate, which ran for an April run at The Richmond Shepard Theater in the Kips Bay section of Manhattan.
Zahaira Curiel and J.A. Acevedo and will appear in the play Slums of Neverland. Written and directed by Deeon Brown, the play was brought back by popular demand to play in May for the LES Festival of the Arts in the East Village/Loísaida section of Manhattan as well as a June and July run in the Theater for the New City in Manhattan's East Village neighborhood.
Gabriel García has been cast in the short film Ama (written and directed by Lavern Rutivi and Sophia Liaka). For more information, click here.
Yanelba Ferreira shot a promo for You and I Wedding Photography, where she played a woman who receives a surprise proposal from her boyfriend. She was also featured in a State University of New York at Buffalo publication.
Nicole Colina appeared in Kathleen Douglass' play Malappropriate, which ran for an April run at The Richmond Shepard Theater in the Kips Bay section of Manhattan.
If you are an HOLA member and want to submit a bochinche item, send us an e-mail at holagram@hellohola.org. If you are not an HOLA member, why not join?
Black in Latin America, Important Latino History Lesson
Check out the article written by Robert Waddell for My Latino Voice about the often overlooked Afro-Latino population and heritage and the upcoming four-part PBS special by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. entitled "Black in Latin America" by clicking here.
Betcha Didn't Know...?
Some of the most notable names from the dawn of film and television are of Latino descent. Here are some of them.
In this edition, some Latino pop and rock musicians.
Kelis (1981- ), born Kelis Rogers, was born in New York, New York, U.S.A. to a Chinese-Puerto Rican mother and African American father, is a singer-songwriter-musician. Her name is a portmanteau of the names of her parents (Kenneth and Eveliss). A two-time Grammy nominee and a BRIT Award winner, music runs in her family-- her father is a jazz musician and Pentecostal minister. Her mother is a former fashion designer. As a child, she sang in church choirs and played the violin, piano and saxophone. After graduating high school, she formed a band with The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo), and, with their support, landed herself a record deal. Her records include Kaleidoscope (with the breakout hit "Caught Out There"), Wanderland, Tasty (with her biggest hit "Milkshake") and Flesh Tone.
The Lennon Sisters are a singing group consisting of five siblings: Dianne, also known as Dee Dee (1939- ); Margaret, known as Peggy (1941-); Kathleen, known as Kathy (1943- ); Janet (1946- ); and Miriam, known as Mimi (1955- ). They were all born in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. to a Mexican mother and a German-Irish father. Originally a quartet, they were the eldest four in a family of twelve siblings. In 1992, younger sister Mimi replaced second sister Peggy who retired. Sister Dianne (DeeDee) has also retired. The group were a regular on the weekly television show, "The Lawrence Welk Show." They debuted on the show on December 24, 1955, after Welk's son Larry brought them to his attention. They were a mainstay on the show until they left to start a career of their own in 1968. Their first hit, "Tonight, You Belong to Me" reached to #15 on the charts in 1956. This was followed by their 1961 single, "Sad Movies (Make Me Cry)," which turned out to be their highest-charting record. It provided them with the only number #1 single of their career, reaching the top of the charts in Japan. In the 1970s, the sisters performed regularly on "The Andy Williams Show," and toured with him across the country including engagements at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. From 1994 to 2004, the quartet performed as headliners at the Welk Champagne Theater in Branson, Missouri, U.S.A. The current group lineup, appearing mostly at Welk resorts, consists of Mimi, Janet and Kathy. They have sung for seven U.S. Presidents (Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan). In 1987, they were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, U.S.A. In 2001, they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
Julián Casablancas (1978- ), born Julián Fernando Casablancas Christiansen al estilo latino, is the lead vocalist and chief songwriter of American rock band The Strokes. The son of John Casablancas (founder of Elite Model Management) and Jeanette Christiansen, he is half-Spaniard and half-Dutch. He met the members of The Strokes while in school and they formed in 1998. Their albums include Is This It (2001), Room on Fire (2003), First Impressions of Earth (2006) and their most recent work, Angles (2011). He released the solo album Phrazes for the Young (inspired by the Oscar Wilde book Phrases and Philosophies for the Use of the Young), was released in 2009.
Maxwell (1973– ), born Maxwell Rivera, is a soul/rhythm and blues singer and musician. Born in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A. to a Haitian mother and a Puerto Rican father, he released his first album Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite in 1996. A huge hit, it featured the songs "...Til the Cops Come Knockin'," "Ascension (Don't Even Wonder)," "Sumthin' Sumthin'" and "Whenever Wherever Whatever." Followup albums include Maxwell's MTV Unplugged (1997), Embrya (1998), Now (2001) and in 2009, the first part of a trilogy entitled BlackSummers'Night (to be called BLACKsummers'night, blackSUMMERS'night and blacksummers'NIGHT, respecively). Other hits include "Luxury: Cococure," "This Woman's Work" (cover of the Kate Bush song), "Fortunate" and "Pretty Wings." He is a two-time Grammy Award winner. In addition to singing, he plays the piano, guitar and Moog synthesizer.
?, also known as Question Mark, is the lead singer of ? and the Mysterians (known as Question Mark and the Mysterians on the record label) are an American rock and roll band formed in Bay City, Michigan, U.S.A., in 1962. The group is best known for its song "96 Tears", a garage rock classic recorded in 1966 that reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and would go on to sell over one million copies and receive a BMI award for over three million airplays. They were perhaps the first band to be described as punk rock, and also may be the first Latino rock group to have a mainstream hit record in the United States. The group named itself after the 1957 Japanese science fiction film The Mysterians, in which aliens from the destroyed planet Mysteroid arrive to conquer Earth. Question Mark was the band's frontman and primary songwriter. Though the singer has never confirmed it, Library of Congress copyright registrations indicate that his birth name is Rudy Martínez. His eccentric behavior helped to briefly establish the group in the national consciousness. He claimed (and still claims) to be a Martian who lived with dinosaurs in a past life, and he never appears in public without sunglasses. He asserts that he has traveled into the future and visited other planets. The original members of the band were ? (vocals), Larry Borjas (guitar, keyboards), Robert Balderrama (guitar) and Robert Martínez (guitar, bongos and drums). The current lineup is ?, Frank Rodríguez (keyboards), Balderrama, Martínez and Frank Lugo (bass). Former members include Eddie Serrato, Mel Schacher and Richard Schulz. The band re-recorded and re-released "96 Tears" in 1997. The band continues to tour.
• Wanna see other editions of "Betcha Didn't Know...?" Click here.
In this edition, some Latino pop and rock musicians.
Kelis (1981- ), born Kelis Rogers, was born in New York, New York, U.S.A. to a Chinese-Puerto Rican mother and African American father, is a singer-songwriter-musician. Her name is a portmanteau of the names of her parents (Kenneth and Eveliss). A two-time Grammy nominee and a BRIT Award winner, music runs in her family-- her father is a jazz musician and Pentecostal minister. Her mother is a former fashion designer. As a child, she sang in church choirs and played the violin, piano and saxophone. After graduating high school, she formed a band with The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo), and, with their support, landed herself a record deal. Her records include Kaleidoscope (with the breakout hit "Caught Out There"), Wanderland, Tasty (with her biggest hit "Milkshake") and Flesh Tone.
The Lennon Sisters are a singing group consisting of five siblings: Dianne, also known as Dee Dee (1939- ); Margaret, known as Peggy (1941-); Kathleen, known as Kathy (1943- ); Janet (1946- ); and Miriam, known as Mimi (1955- ). They were all born in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. to a Mexican mother and a German-Irish father. Originally a quartet, they were the eldest four in a family of twelve siblings. In 1992, younger sister Mimi replaced second sister Peggy who retired. Sister Dianne (DeeDee) has also retired. The group were a regular on the weekly television show, "The Lawrence Welk Show." They debuted on the show on December 24, 1955, after Welk's son Larry brought them to his attention. They were a mainstay on the show until they left to start a career of their own in 1968. Their first hit, "Tonight, You Belong to Me" reached to #15 on the charts in 1956. This was followed by their 1961 single, "Sad Movies (Make Me Cry)," which turned out to be their highest-charting record. It provided them with the only number #1 single of their career, reaching the top of the charts in Japan. In the 1970s, the sisters performed regularly on "The Andy Williams Show," and toured with him across the country including engagements at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. From 1994 to 2004, the quartet performed as headliners at the Welk Champagne Theater in Branson, Missouri, U.S.A. The current group lineup, appearing mostly at Welk resorts, consists of Mimi, Janet and Kathy. They have sung for seven U.S. Presidents (Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan). In 1987, they were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, U.S.A. In 2001, they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
Julián Casablancas (1978- ), born Julián Fernando Casablancas Christiansen al estilo latino, is the lead vocalist and chief songwriter of American rock band The Strokes. The son of John Casablancas (founder of Elite Model Management) and Jeanette Christiansen, he is half-Spaniard and half-Dutch. He met the members of The Strokes while in school and they formed in 1998. Their albums include Is This It (2001), Room on Fire (2003), First Impressions of Earth (2006) and their most recent work, Angles (2011). He released the solo album Phrazes for the Young (inspired by the Oscar Wilde book Phrases and Philosophies for the Use of the Young), was released in 2009.
Maxwell (1973– ), born Maxwell Rivera, is a soul/rhythm and blues singer and musician. Born in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A. to a Haitian mother and a Puerto Rican father, he released his first album Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite in 1996. A huge hit, it featured the songs "...Til the Cops Come Knockin'," "Ascension (Don't Even Wonder)," "Sumthin' Sumthin'" and "Whenever Wherever Whatever." Followup albums include Maxwell's MTV Unplugged (1997), Embrya (1998), Now (2001) and in 2009, the first part of a trilogy entitled BlackSummers'Night (to be called BLACKsummers'night, blackSUMMERS'night and blacksummers'NIGHT, respecively). Other hits include "Luxury: Cococure," "This Woman's Work" (cover of the Kate Bush song), "Fortunate" and "Pretty Wings." He is a two-time Grammy Award winner. In addition to singing, he plays the piano, guitar and Moog synthesizer.
?, also known as Question Mark, is the lead singer of ? and the Mysterians (known as Question Mark and the Mysterians on the record label) are an American rock and roll band formed in Bay City, Michigan, U.S.A., in 1962. The group is best known for its song "96 Tears", a garage rock classic recorded in 1966 that reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and would go on to sell over one million copies and receive a BMI award for over three million airplays. They were perhaps the first band to be described as punk rock, and also may be the first Latino rock group to have a mainstream hit record in the United States. The group named itself after the 1957 Japanese science fiction film The Mysterians, in which aliens from the destroyed planet Mysteroid arrive to conquer Earth. Question Mark was the band's frontman and primary songwriter. Though the singer has never confirmed it, Library of Congress copyright registrations indicate that his birth name is Rudy Martínez. His eccentric behavior helped to briefly establish the group in the national consciousness. He claimed (and still claims) to be a Martian who lived with dinosaurs in a past life, and he never appears in public without sunglasses. He asserts that he has traveled into the future and visited other planets. The original members of the band were ? (vocals), Larry Borjas (guitar, keyboards), Robert Balderrama (guitar) and Robert Martínez (guitar, bongos and drums). The current lineup is ?, Frank Rodríguez (keyboards), Balderrama, Martínez and Frank Lugo (bass). Former members include Eddie Serrato, Mel Schacher and Richard Schulz. The band re-recorded and re-released "96 Tears" in 1997. The band continues to tour.
• Wanna see other editions of "Betcha Didn't Know...?" Click here.
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