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John Leguizamo is a pioneering artist in more ways then one. The talented actor of Latin American descent has not only carved a niche for himself in Hollywood, but has also been a very vocal advocate for Latin American representation in films. Over the past 30 years, Leguizamo has done the gamut of genres from action to drama to comedy while also playing strong-willed assertive personalities through all his roles. Starting with acerbic one man shows likeMambo Mama,Freak,andLatin History for Morons,Leguizamo took his Latino roots to mainstream Hollywood.
TheIce Ageactor has now taken his crusade a step further by becoming a TV show host withLeguizamo Does America.In the show, the star travels through the length and breadth of America talking to Latin American descendants with a view to bring their history and culture to the fore. In an interview, Leguizamo also stated in no uncertain terms about the stereotypes that existed in the on-screen representation of Latin Americans and how he as an actor had to fight to rise above it.
Also Read:“It was so visceral”: John Wick Star John Leguizamo Wasn’t Impressed With Keanu Reeves’ Starrer First Outing Before Being Floored at Premiere
John Leguizamo Calls OutThe Super Mario Bros. Moviefor Lack of Hispanic Representation
The much awaitedThe Super Mario Bros. Moviehas released worldwide andJohn Leguizamois having problems with it . The actor who became synonymous for voicing the character of Luigi in a live-action format opposite Bob Hoskins’ Mario in 1993’sSuper Mario Bros,is now calling out the creators for their controversial casting choices for the 2023 film. With Chris Pratt and Charlie Day playing the main protagonists, Leguizamo questioned the lack of Hispanic representation in the film especially since both characters were of Latin American descent.
“No I will not [be watching]. They could’ve included a Latin character. Like I was groundbreaking and then they stopped the groundbreaking. They messed up the inclusion. They dis-included. Just cast some Latin folk! We’re 20% of the population. The largest people of color group and we are underrepresented.”
With talks of sequels and spin offs in the works, Leguizamo added that he would be willing to be a part of the projects provided there was more non-stereotypical Latin American representation.
Also Read: “They could’ve included a Latin character”: John Leguizamo Won’t Watch Chris Pratt’s ‘The Super Mario Bros.’ For Not Casting Latin Actors
John Leguizamo Ensured Employment for Latin Americans In His Show
With his new television show, Hollywood star John Leguizamo aims to bring Hispanic culture to the fore by travelling across the country to showcase his heritage and lineage.The Menuactor is also very aware that by being a role model and talisman for the community for many years in America, the onus is on him to ensure that he works towards creating a better creative space for his Hispanic counterparts. The first step for Leguizamo was to ensure that his show had sufficient representation of Hispanic technicians, directors and members of the crew.
Seventy-five percent of our crew was Latino, our showrunners, our writer and director. I found beautiful activists with no money doing the most incredible thing. I found great actors, choreographers, politicians. There are so many people doing amazing things across America not getting the flowers they deserve.
Leguizamo also added that he would want to expand his show to many more cities in the US for Season Two ofLeguizamo Does Americawhere there were more population of Latin Americans, thereby ensuring that his vibrant community and culture was appreciated by the world.
Also Read:“Imma be Gwyneth Paltrow”: John Leguizamo Blasts Iron Man Star After Exposing Hollywood’s Racism for Casting White Actors in Latino Roles
Source:Indiewire
Sharanya Sankar
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1230
Sharanya Sankar, Writer for FandomwireHaving completed her Masters degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Sharanya has a solid foundation in writing which is also one of her passions. She has worked previously with Book My show for a couple of years where she gained experience reviewing films and writing feature articles. Sharanya’s articles on film and pop culture have also been published on Film Companion, a popular film-based website. Apart from movies and pop culture, her interests include music and sports. She has contributed over 650 articles to Fandomwire so far.
