A Mexican-American comedian known for his accessible observations about Latino living in the USA, Rodriguez went on to work as an actor, writer, director and producer in TV and features. He first registered nationally as Paul 'Pablo' Rivera on "a.k.a. Pablo" (ABC. 1984), a short-lived sitcom from Norman Lear. Rodriguez convincingly portrayed a struggling Mexican-American comedian often in conflict with his disapproving father. He later hosted the "The Late Show" (Fox, 1986-88) post-Joan Rivers and syndicated "The All New Newlywed Game" (1988-89). The busy comic also headlined several cable and network specials, including "Paul Rodriguez: I Need the Couch" (1987) and "Paul Rodriguez: Crossing Gang Lines" (1991). His producing debut, "Paul Rodriguez: Behind Bars" (1991) had the comedian performing for the prisoners at San Quentin. Such socially conscious specials revealed that he took his position as a role model seriously, as do the amiable "family values" expressed in his comedy.His first substantial film role was in Cheech Marin's "Born in East L.A." (1987). In 1994, Rodriguez crossed over, directing the feature "A Million to Juan", a good-natured comedy about an immigrant in East L.A. who receives a million dollars out of the blue. The film featured Rodriguez, Edward James Olmos and Ruben Blades.
Profession(s):
Actor, comedian, producer, director, TV host, fruit picker, club doorman
Sometimes Credited As:
Education
Barton Hills Elementary School San Pedro, California
Dominguez High School Compton, California
Roosevelt High School Los Angeles, California
Long Beach City College Long Beach, California AA
California State University California
2004 Featured in "A Cinderella Story" a modern day fairytale starring Hilary Duff
2003 Cast in "Baadasssss!" Mario Van Peebles's homage to his father Melvin's 1971 film, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song
2002 Appeared in "Blood Work", directed by and starring Clint Eastwood
2001 Had featured roles in "Rat Race" and "Tortilla Soup"
2000 Co-starred in "Price of Glory"
2000 Played recurring role on the Showtime series "Resurrection Blvd."
1998 Made pilot for The WB sitcom "The Paul Rodriguez Show"
1994 Feature directorial debut, "A Million to Juan"
1994 Executive produced the HBO series "Loco Slam"
1991 Debut as TV producer, "Paul Rodriguez: Behind Bars"
1990 Had recurring role on the CBS action adventure series "Grand Slam"
1988 - 1989 Hosted the syndicated "The All New Newlywed Game"
1986 Debut as TV host, "The Late Show" (Fox)
1984 TV acting debut, starred as Paul 'Pablo' Rivera on the ABC sitcom "a.k.a Pablo"
1983 Feature acting debut, "D.C. Cab"
1979 Began performing at Comedy Store in L.A.
1957 Came to USA from Mexico with family (date approximate)
Moved from state to state as a child, working with his family as a fruit picker
Settled in California when father broke his back
Discovered by Norman Lear doing warm-ups for "Gloria"