By Roberto Leal
Two Latinos stars will be the subject of PBS’s highly rated series Finding Your Roots, hosted by university professor Henry Louis Gates, this week. Mario Lopez and Melissa Villaseñor represent a first and a breakthrough presentation for Finding Your Roots as two Mexican American celebrities appear in the same show.
Mario Lopez (Photo: NBC) / Melissa Villaseñor (Photo: Courtesy, self)
Lopez, who is probably best known for his role in the NBC teen comedy Saved by the Bell, has since distinguished himself as an accomplished director, writer and actor. He hosted Warner Bros.'s entertainment news show Extra for over a decade, winning two Daytime Emmys. Lopez currently hosts NBC’s Access Hollywood.
Villaseñor, a marvelous stand-up comedian and comic actress, is a current cast member on NBC’s long-running hit show Saturday Night Live.
Both Lopez and Villaseñor are proud Latinos who make no bones about acknowledging and honoring their Mexican American heritage. So, what historical facts and unknown buried family secrets will Gates’ investigation into their cultural backgrounds reveal to the two bright lights of Latino Hollywood?
In past programs, Gates has produced documents, records, photos and letters that often evoke powerful emotional responses from his guests. Some guests have had to come to grips with disturbing family histories. Others have found joy and new pride in their family background when an ancestor proves to be someone of importance or a significant accomplishment.
Culturally and ethnically, Mexico is a rich country. Of Indigenous and Spanish roots, the country has also embraced and absorbed cultures from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa, making Mexico a most delectable international menudo.
It will be interesting and enlightening to find out what ingredients went into the making of the menudos of Lopez and Villaseñor.
Finding Your Roots airs Tuesday, Feb. 1 on PBS. Check local listings for times.
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