John Leguizamo Speaks on Latin Representation in Entertainment, Announces New One-Man Show

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Actor, playwright and comedian John Leguizamo thinks America has a representation problem. Leguizamo appeared last night at the first ever Immigration Arts Summit in New York City, alongside representatives from numerous other cultural organizations, to discuss the contributions that immigrants have made to American entertainment. During his keynote address, Leguizamo ruminated on the rich history and culture of Latin immigrants, and how he feels that culture is not adequately represented in today’s media. “One out of every six Americans is Latin — why aren’t we represented on TV accordingly?” Leguizamo asked the audience. “Why is Hollywood ignoring us? Where is our Driving Miss Daisy?”

“That’s the reason I started writing one-man shows,” he continued, “so I wouldn’t have to play hoodlums all the time.” He then went on to announce a new entry in that category, a roundup of Latin history called Latin History for Morons. With that show, Leguizamo is hoping to portray Hispanic characters as he knows them: as smart, funny people. “The Latin people I grew up with are funny, complicated, intellectual,” he said. “But I never see the Hispanic characters in movies, television and textbooks portrayed that way. I want to see those qualities reflected.”

When the two-day summit ended, the representatives in attendance agreed to form the Immigrant Arts Coalition, an amalgamation of various local artists and artist groups from a wide range of backgrounds. The coalition hopes to spread awareness of art from various cultures and advocate for immigrants, announcing that it plans to work in conjunction with the NYC Mayor’s Office on Immigrant Affairs, the New York Foundation for the Arts, and the Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians.

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Bill Tressler

Bill is a writer and comedy enthusiast from New York. An avid gamer and podcast fan, he strives to always toe the line between charming irreverence and grating honesty.
Bill Tressler
Bill Tressler
Bill is a writer and comedy enthusiast from New York. An avid gamer and podcast fan, he strives to always toe the line between charming irreverence and grating honesty.