Paul Rodriguez is one of the most loved Latino comedians of his time. A sort of Renaissance man of the entertainment industry, Rodriguez has worked as an actor, writer, director, producer, and stand up comedian. After years of doing stand-up in local clubs and college campuses, as well as touring on the Improv-Comedy Store-Catch a Rising Star circuit, Rodriguez got his big break doing a short-lived sitcom in 1984 called 'a.k.a. Pablo' where he played Paul 'Pablo' Rivera. In the show, Rodriguez was able to draw inspiration from his own life. He portrayed a struggling Mexican-American comedian whose father disapproved of his career choices. After the fall of the sitcom, Rodriguez moved on to other television ventures.
From 1986 to 1988 he hosted 'The Late Show' on Fox. Shortly after, he syndicated 'The All New Newlywed Game'. Throughout this time he worked on comedy specials including 'Paul Rodriguez: I Need the Couch' and 'Paul Rodriguez: Crossing Gang Lines'. In 1991 his producing debut came with another comedy special starring himself, 'Paul Rodriguez: Behind Bars' in which he performed for the prisoners at San Quentin state prison.
In 1994 Rodriguez made his directorial debut with the feature film 'A Million to Juan' starring himself, Edward James Olmos, and Ruben Blades. The film was based on Mark Twain's The Million Pound Bank Note. Rodriguez continued in the film industry for the next few years, appearing in many feature films and television specials, including 2 Days in the Valley, Price of Glory, Rat Race, Ali, Tortilla Soup, and Blood Work. He also appeared as voice talent on the successful animated television show 'King of the Hill'.
In addition to his work in films and stand-up, he continues to expand his role as a television producer. He signed a deal with the Spanish language network, Telemundo, to write, produce, and develop new programming. Through his own production company, Payaso Entertainment, he created the sitcom 'Los Beltron' which quickly became a favorite of Spanish-speakers in the US. He has also brought the world of stand-up comedy to his fellow Latinos, doing Spanish comedy specials and performances. Through his production company, as well as Virgin records, he has produced three comedy CDs. The first of these CDs is in English and is titled 'Cheese and Macaroni'. It was well received by critics as well as his ever present troupe of laughing fans.
Rodriguez has always been an advocate of Latino rights and through his fame and popularity he helps out causes dear to his heart, including the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and The National Council of La Raza for which he hosts the Alma awards on ABC. Rodriguez always includes an element of social awareness in his comedy acts. He believes social action and family are important parts of everyone's lives and that he would not do himself justice if he excluded his ideals from his performances. Rodriguez keeps himself busy with TV and film, but he does not want to give up his love of live performance. Along with national touring, he has set up a regular show called 'The Paul Rodriguez Comedy Showcase' at the hip LA salsa club, the Conga Room, co-owned by Rodriguez, Jennifer Lopez, and Jimmy Smits.
