John Leguizamo with the President of Colombia
Its official Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos designated fast-talking actor John Leguizamo on Wednesday as Colombia’s ambassador to the world of cinema. This elevates Leguizamo’s “Honorary Ambassador”, which he received in 2009, to the official title.
The Bogota born actor was raised in Queens, New York and is the star of such blockbusters as Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge as well as some formidable indie films like Empire
“He was named ambassador of Colombia for all the directors and great actors in the world!” affirmed Santos in a press address with Leguizamo, whom he had met with previously at the presidential palace.
“I want to thank you very much, with all of my heart, in the name of all Colombians, for your presence and this offer to become our ambassador to Hollywood, to all of the great international studios, because this not only helps our image, it shows who we really are, it breaks a series of negative perceptions that over many years have accumulated in the mind of many people,” announced the Colombian head of state to Leguizamo, with great pride.
The actor has said that “to be an ambassador is a big responsibility but Colombia is stunning country … and we want to offer it to the world to enjoy”. Leguizamo added that he considered it “ludicrous” that Colombia is still branded with so many out-dated, negative labels.
Santos expressed that Leguizamo is the most successful Colombian actor in Hollywood and that he would be returning to Colombia for future collaboration because he had seen the potential it holds for film and theater productions.
Comments