| Top 10 Hispanic TV Dads |
|
Written by MiApogeo Staff
|
|
Papi Knows Best: We countdown the top Hispanic TV Fathers from 'I Love Lucy' to 'Lost.' 10. Cheech MarinDavid Reyes (Hurley's Dad) Lost TV veteran Cheech Marin only appears in 4 episodes of the ABC hit series, but he leaves a lasting impression as Hugo "Hurley" Reyes' dad. Hurley recalls being close with his father and going fishing together often, but when David disappeared, Hurley turned to food for solace. So although David Reyes sort of a deadbeat dad for abandoning his son, he's on the list because we couldn't find anyone else. But seriously, in his defense after returning from his 17-year absence, Hurly's father took his son to see an Australian voodoo curandera to heal Hurley from seeing all those numbers. So, he's redeemed. 9. Paul Rodriguez Paul Rivera a.k.a. Pablo Though short-lived, Paul Rodriguez's pioneering TV show aka Pablo was the first primetime show to feature a Hispanic family. Produced by Norman Lear the show focused on struggling Hispanic stand-up comic Pablo (aka Paul) Rivera and his large Mexican American family. The cast also included Joe Santos, Katy Jurado, Hector Elizondo and a very young, and very adorable, Mario Lopez. The first episode of the ABC series aired in March 1984, but was yanked a month later. In that short time, however, Paul proved to be an excellent and empathetic father who learned to balance career and heritage. 8. David DeLuise Jerry Russo Wizards of Waverly Place As the wizard-daddy of Selena Gomez, Jerry Russo (played by David DeLuise) isn't exactly Latino, but as the husband to Mexican American mom Theresa (played by Maria Canals-Barrera) on the show he's a hero of bi-culturality. In the show Jerry gives-up his wizard powers to marry his mortal wife-to-be (wizards aren't allowed to marry mortals) -- now that's love. 7. John Astin Gomez Alonzo Addams The Addams Family Few viewers realized that the character Gomez Addams was created as an athletic, acrobatic, and eccentric multi-billionaire of Castilian extraction. That explains the mustache, no? (Does anybody else see the Salvador Dalí similarities?) Gomez's biggest quirk is his passionate reaction to hearing French or Spanish spoken. Latinos are nothing if not passionate, right? Whenever his wife Morticia -- who he affectionally calls Querida ("darling") and Cara Mia ("my beloved") -- utters one word of Spanish or French, Gomez immediately kisses her arms. 6. Tony Plana Ignacio Suarez Ugly Betty Move over Tony Danza, Ignacio is practically the perfect single father. Played by veteran actor Tony Plana, Mr. Suarez finds time to comfort his busy daughter Betty (America Ferrera), make fresh tortillas for dinner, and squeeze in a novela or two before the day is over. Now that's multitasking at its best. 5. George Lopez George Lopez George Lopez Probably the most successful of all the Latino TV Dads (second only to Ricky Ricardo, of course) George Lopez plays a guy named George Lopez who manages a factory in California. And though he may be dyslexic, he doesn't let that get in the way of his various hijinks and trouble seeking. Like Ricky Ricardo's imfamous wife Lucy, Lopez is constantly up to something funny. But when things get serious with his daughter Carmen, wife Angie, or son Max he can always rely on the high-pitched catch phrase: "I Got This!" to save the day. Why was this show canncelled again? Oh right. 4. Desi Arnaz Ricky Ricardo I Love Lucy As one of America's pioneer TV dads, fiery tempered Cubanito Ricky Ricardo was not only a father, he was a famous Latin-loving conga player, rising Hollywood star, and New York nightlife guru -- and that's way cooler than that Cleaver guy. 3. Carlos Lacamara Ray Garcia The Brothers Garcia The Brothers Garcia made television history in 2000 as the first English language sitcom with an all Latino cast (including Demi Lovato) and creative team of writers, directors and producers. But Daddy Garcia, Ray is nothing if not a typical sitcom dad who is hardworking, proud, and compassionate. Sigh. If only our real-life papi was as cuddly as Ray. 2. Edward James Olmos Jess Gonzalez American Family: Journey of Dreams Jess Gonzalez (Edward James Olmos), is your average widower single dad trying to raise his daughter Nina as best as he can -- even if he disagrees with her politically. The 13-episode PBS mini-series went on to nab both Emmy and Golden-Globe nominations in 2002. And this was way before Olmos became the bonafide "father of Sci-Fi" as Admiral Adama on TV's Battlestar Galactica. 1. Jimmy Smits Alex Vega Cane Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor Jimmy Smits took the lead role of Alex Vega in CBS's Cane -- a drama about a Latino family working together to run a successful rum business. As the new family patriarch Vega is as distant a father as Michael Corleone -- and he'll do anything to protect his family, anything. But as a business owner, Vega reigns supreme. If families were run like businesses, Vega would be Father of the Year. The cast also included Oscar-winner Rita Moreno, Lost's Nestor Carbonell, and veteran actor Hector Elizondo. Sadly the show ended after the 2008 writer's strike negotiations failed. |
Follow MLV on these social sites: