Written by Bel Hernandez Castillo

A Hollywood celebration happens in Tucson, Arizona, on October 19, when actors, producers, and fans gather to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking Showtime family drama Resurrection Blvd. The hit series, which ran for three seasons, broke new ground as the first dramatic television show created, written, and performed by an all-Latino cast.

For creator Dennis Leoni, who was born and raised in Tucson, this milestone marks a true homecoming — where his real-life family and his beloved on-screen family reunite in a heartfelt celebration of legacy, culture, and storytelling.

The event, titled “A Day with Resurrection Blvd. – The 25th Anniversary Celebration,” will take place at the historic Fox Tucson Theatre, the crown jewel of downtown Tucson. This landmark Art Deco venue is the ideal setting for a series that continues to resonate with audiences and inspire new generations of Latino creatives.

“Resurrection Blvd. is the defining moment of my lifelong career in television,” says Dennis Leoni, creator and executive producer. “It’s incredibly meaningful to bring this 25th Anniversary Celebration to my hometown, and to host it at The Fox Theatre — the very place where I saw my first movie over sixty years ago. I can’t wait to share the pilot, behind-the-scenes clips, and stories from the making of this groundbreaking series.”

The celebration will feature a screening of the pilot episode, rare behind-the-scenes footage, and an engaging live panel discussion moderated by Tucson born talent Dan Guerrero with cast and crew members reflecting on the show’s lasting influence.

Confirmed guests include Dennis Leoni, Tony Plana, Michael DeLorenzo, Ruth Livier, Nicholas Gonzalez, Mauricio Mendoza, Daniel Zacapa, and possibly Esai Morales,  The panel will be moderated by acclaimed producer and performer Dan Guerrero.

To honor the show’s enduring impact on Latino representation, the event will also introduce The Leoni Filmmaking Scholarship, a new initiative to support emerging storytellers. A $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to a local high school film student, nominated by their teacher and selected for excellence in storytelling. The winner will be announced at their school and formally recognized on stage during the celebration.

For fans seeking an elevated experience, VIP tickets offer access to an exclusive after-party, where guests can mingle with the cast and creative team, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and raise a glass to the show’s remarkable legacy.

“Resurrection Blvd. broke barriers and gave a voice to stories that continue to inspire,” says Chris Scott of Elephant Scout, co-organizer of the event. “This anniversary celebration at Fox Tucson Theatre is not just about looking back—it’s about celebrating how far Latino storytelling has come and where it’s headed next.”

Whether you grew up watching Resurrection Blvd. or are discovering it for the first time, this 25th Anniversary Celebration is a powerful reminder of the show’s enduring message — that family, identity, and resilience transcend generations. 

This exclusive celebration, presented by Elephant Scout Films, will take place at the historic Fox Tucson Theatre, located at 17 W Congress St, Tucson, AZ, on October 19, 2025.  Special thank to The Leo Kent, the Resurrection Blvd. 25th Anniversary official hotel partner.

To join in on the celebration in Tucson on October 19 Event Details:
What: A Day with Resurrection Blvd · The 25th Anniversary Celebration
Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701
When: October 19, 2025. Doors Open at 2:00 pm MST
Tickets: Available at www.foxtucson.com/resurrection. General admission and limited VIP tickets for the exclusive after-party are on sale now.

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Five years in the making this inspiring story of cultural pride and resilience was brought to life by co-directors David E. Valdez and Enrique Castillo, with renowned actor/activist and Edward James Olmos as one of the executive producer.

The evening’s star-studded guest list included Rudy Ramos (Yellowstone), Benito Martinez (With Love), Nicholas Gonzalez (La Brea), Jesse Garcia (Flamin’ Hot), Laura Patalano (This Fool), Victor Rivers (Blood In, Blood Out), writer/producer/director Rick Najera; and notable actors Alejandro Patiño (Papi Chulo), Karina Noelle Castillo (NCIS, The Good Doctor), Sol Castillo (Confessions of a Gangster), Raul Cardona (Babylon), and Kikey Castillo (Mayans MC. Multi-GRAMMY Award-Winning Mariachi Divas members Cindy Shea, Daniela Gutierrez, and Julissa Dominguez; singer-songwriter Dan Navarro (We Belong).

The night celebrated the film’s LA premiere and the impact of mariachi on Mexican-American identity, with a Q&A following the screening that deepened the audience’s appreciation for this legacy. In attendance were five original members of Los Changuitos Feos, Wilfred Arvizu, David Ruiz, Gilbert Velez, Francisco Escobar, and Cosme Barcelo, who received a standing ovation from the crowd. Their presence brought an added layer of significance, allowing attendees to connect personally with the legacy captured in the film.

With Ugly Little Monkeys, the filmmakers have succeeded in not only preserving but celebrating an essential piece of American Latino history. The documentary is an unforgettable tribute to the unifying power of music and cultural heritage, sparking pride and inspiration for generations to come.

The Ugly Little Monkeys filmmakers have also been partnering with organizations nationwide to bring this powerful documentary to communities across the country. Community groups, cultural institutions, and educational organizations interested in hosting a screening in their city are encouraged to reach out to coordinate a local event. To bring Ugly Little Monkeys to your area, please contact: info@uglylittlemonkeys.com.

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JANUARY 3

Born in San Antonio, TX, Nicholas Gonzalez graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in literature from Stanford University and spent two terms at Oxford University, England. Encouraged by a professor to try acting, he moved to Hollywood in 1989 and landed his first acting gig on ABC’s Dharma & Greg that first year.

Two years later Gonzalez landed a series regular in Dennis Leoni’s Resurrection Blvd., and literally has not stopped working since.  Whether as a guest star or series regular on shows like Mental, Pretty Little Liars, Being Mary Jane, Jane the Virgin, How To Get Away with Murder, or voicing characters on animated shows like Family Guy, or Bordertown, Gonzalez has always impressed.  

“I’ve been fortunate,” said Gonzalez, “that a lot of roles I’ve played have been professionals and not your TV stereotype of Latinos.”

In 2017 Gonzalez landed a major role in ABC’s The Good Doctor, which instantly became a hit. Gonzalez, who played Dr. Neil Melendez has said he patterned his character on his father and brother, both who are doctors in Texas.  

However to everyone’s surprise, Dr. Melendez was killed off in the final episode of season three of The Good Doctor. Millions of fans took to social media to voice their dismay and lobby for his return.

But life goes on and soon Gonzalez was on to his next project, one of which is playing Sheriff Jose Gomez in the upcoming film Borrego by director Jesse Harris.

 
Gonzalez is married to actress Kelsey Crane (The Good Doctor, Casa Vita, Chasing Life).  They have one daughter.

The post Happy Birthday Nicholas Gonzalez! first appeared on .

Latin Heat Media, a multi-media company focused on creating content for and about U.S. Latinos, announced their pick up for a fourth season of TheTRENDTalk talk show on the MeTV local Channel 54.  The premiere will be on October 4^st, 2020 coinciding with a special Hispanic Heritage Month special. Season four also welcomes Emmy award-winning actress/producer Marabina Jaimes as producer and co-host alongside executive producer/co-host, Bel Hernandez. 

“We are so proud to be able to continue bringing our Latina voice to the talk show table for a 4th season of TheTRENDTalk on METV Channel 54 LA,” said Hernandez. “Nationally TheTRENDTalk can be seen on Instagram, our YoutTube channel and latinheatcinema.com.  We are excited to begin production on 13 new new episodes for METV! 

TheTRENDTalk is known for highlighting an array of remarkable individuals who are making a positive impact in today’s society through their extraordinary efforts, amazing accomplishments and contributions. Guests have included successful entrepreneurs, influencers, comedians, celebrities, TV producers, medical professionals, activists and philanthropists all trending in their fields. 

“We are the Latina Voice when it comes to broadcast TV.  We can’t think of any other talk show that shares the American Latina perspective stemming from the entertainment capital of the world, Hollywood California; reaching TV, social media platforms, and YouTube!,” said Jaimes.  “Latinas stand to make the deciding factor in politics and policy….there are so many entrepreneurs, educators, and creatives working diligently to not only change the same old narrative, but who are invested in the importance and pride of Latina Legacy. I’m so excited to be a part of this extraordinary show!”

Hernandez and Jaimes first met as actors several years ago.  Since then, Hernandez’s life took a turn into journalism, establishing the first entertainment trade publication in Hollywood, while Jaimes went on to win an Emmy for her hosting of the PBS show Storytime. Still an actress, Jaimes is a powerhouse in the voice over arena, having worked in countless TV and films, including voicing Mary Alice on “Desperate Housewives” en Español, for the run of the show.  The chemistry of this dynamic duo is undeniable and keeps audiences engaged and wanting more. 

Guests on TheTRENDTalk have included:

Nicholas Gonzalez (The Good Doctor); Edward James Olmos; Joe Minoso (Chicago Fire);  Chiquis; Andrea Navedo (Jane The Virgin); Justina Machado (One Day at a Time); Comedian Momo Rodriguez; Writer/Producer Luisa Leschin; Lisa Vidal (Becoming Mary Jane); Fabrizio Guido (Mr. Iglesias on Netflix); Dr. Mario Martinez, Neuropsychologist; Singer/Songwriter Dan Navarro; Cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz…and so many more!

TheTRENDTalk premieres on October 4, 2020 on MeTV’s KAZA-TV Channel 54, Dish 54 and is widely available on Spectrum and other cable providers throughout Southern California. You can also find the 2nd run of the show on Youtube,  IGTV and Facebook. Please check www.metv.com or your local listings for additional channels.

For more information about TheTRENDTalk, please visit: http://www.theTRENDtalktv.com

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @theTRENDtalkShow

Instagram: @theTRENDTalkShow

Twitter: @TRENDTalkShow  

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Last night’s season three finale of ABCs The Good Doctor shocked fans worldwide when their beloved character of Dr. Neil Melendez, played with profound conviction by Nicholas Gonzalez was killed off.

It was a surprise to fans around the world but for Gonzalez he had been been told by show runner David Shore, two thirds of the way into season, three that Dr. Melendez would be killed off.

In an interview with TV line, Gonzalez talks about the awkwardness of the situation; Continuing to film each episode knowing, what some of his cast members did not, that the season finale would be his last.

In an interview with TV Line, Gonzalez talked about that.

“TVLINE | So you really only had a few weeks to process everything…
[Gonzalez]: Which is really interesting, you know? Filming all that with the knowledge [that Melendez was going to die].”

In yet another interview with Entertainment Weekly Gonzalez talked about his feelings about leaving the show:

“Part of me is sad to see a character I respected a lot go, someone I felt that still had a lot more to say but there wasn’t always that opportunity, and I feel like we really built a beautiful world around that character, as much as can be in a show like ours where we’re still a procedural as well. The ever gracious Gonzalez added, “So to me, it’s been nothing but a blessing.”

The storyline certainly did not prepare viewers for the sudden death of Melendez, in fact there is not a specific reason in the story line that this was coming. Shore was vague about the reason of the demise of Dr. Melendez when Deadline writer Matt Grobar point blank asked him that specific question:

“DEADLINE: So, there was no specific reason Dr. Melendez ended up on the chopping block?
SHORE: I’d rather not go into it, particularly. None of it is personal. You know, Nick was fantastic, and there’s nothing I can say to you that will make you go, “Oh, yeah. Okay. It had to be that way.” We wanted to lose a character that we would feel something about, and feel pain about, and certainly, he’s a character that so many of them have been in touch with. Lim had a relationship with him; Claire was starting a relationship with him; Shaun obviously had his thing with him, although their paths don’t really cross in the finale. I think that would have been largely true for any of our characters, but it’s particularly true for him. Look, this is the nature of these sorts of shows, I believe, is you go forward, and people come and go…”

Fans across the world who took to social media had plenty to say about their favorite doctor’s death. Hundred of thousand fans took to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to express their opinion — almost every single one wants Dr. Neil Melendez back at the operating table.

Resurrect Dr. Neil Melendez on The Good Doctor. #ResurrectDrMelendez

The post Fans Decry Death of Dr. Neil Melendez on “The Good Doctor” first appeared on .

Written By Luis Reyes

The Mandalorean, the Star Wars spin off hit series starring Pedro Pascual as the titular bounty hunter has been renewed for a second season on the new Disney + streaming service. The series, which ended its first season run last Friday, has been a most watched hit since its streaming service debut with record 10 million subscribers on its first day.  Along with Pascual, the series also stars Carl Weathers, Gina Carano and Nick Nolte and has caused a sensation with the introduction of the character of BabyYoda. Disney+ The Mandalorean Season 2 will begin airing in the fall of 2020.  

 Then more Star Wars content is coming in the months ahead as this streaming service is in production on a Rogue One prequel series starring Diego Luna reprising his role of Cassian Andor from the 2016 film.

Narcos: Mexico Cast and Ready To Go

Over at Netflix, Luna returns as Guadalajara’s head Narco Felix Gallardo in season 2 of Narcos: Mexico on February 13, 2020. 

Widely sought after Casting Director Carla Hool has cast the new season to include actors Scoot McNairy as DEA agent Walt Breslin, Mayra Hermosillo (Falco) as Enedina Arelano Felix, Sosie Bacon (Here and Now) as Mimi Webb Miller, Andres Londono (Fear The Walking Dead) as Enrique Clavel Alex Knight (legion) as Kenny Moss, Miguel Rodarte (Time Share) as Danilo Garza, Jesse Garcia (From Dusk Till Dawn) as Sal Orozco, Matt Biedel  (Altered Carbon) as Daryl Petski, Jesus Ochoa (Overboard) as Juan Guerra, Flavio Medina  (The House of Flowers) as Juan Garcia Abrego, Alberto Zeni (The Noble Family) as Amat Palacios, Jero Medina (Belle De Jour) as Ossie Mejia, Jose Julian (The Society) as Javier Arellano Felix, Noe Hernandez (We are The Flesh) as Rafael Aguilar and Nat Faxon (Family Guy) as Ted Kaye. Gaumont Television produces Narcos: Mexico for Netflix and is executive produced by Eric Newman and Jose Padilha.

Hawaii Five-O Crosses Over To Hawaii Five-O

Last week CBS Television, for the first time did some cross-over with their Friday night hit shows Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I. On January 3rd their aired a two episode, two hour (8-10 p.m.) event in which Jay Hernandez’s Magnum P.I. is enlisted by Hawaii Five-0 to help in an investigation.  In the subsequent episode Magnum must use all of his resources when the CIA prevents Five-0 from aiding him in rescuing a close friend held hostage.  

The 41 year old Hernandez, was born and raised in Montebello, California is completing his second season playing the iconic character of Magnum P.I. portrayed by Tom Selleck in the 80’s. 

Hernandez is CBS’s “diversity in a major dose” in a time where broadcast television representation of leading Latinx roles are still infrequent. Last year 2019 CBS brought us Jimmy Smits in the short lived series Bluff City Law and over at ABC Nicholas Gonzalez is in his third season on the hit show The Good Doctor. 

“ There needs to be representation and there needs to be diversity on television,” said Hernandez in a recent interview. “if you’re telling an honest story about America, you need to have shows that represent what the country looks like today. We’re a very diverse place and media should represent that.”

Latinos In Hollywood Trivia

I Love Lucy Still Brings In 4.9 Million Viewers With 0.5 Nielsen Ratings.

The classic I Love Lucy comedy series of the 1950s’ starring Lucille Ball and Cuban American Desi Arnaz  (1917-1986) is still drawing audiences after all these years and creating new generations of fans as the annual colorized Christmas episode dominated the ratings with 4.9 million total viewers on CBS television last Friday Dec 19. 

It’s an amazing accomplishment for a 70-year-old television series that was groundbreaking for its time, about a struggling Cuban–American bandleader Ricky Ricardo and his wacky American housewife Lucy. It shot up to number one in its heyday and became a national obsession on the CBS run (1951-1957) and continues to entertain to this day.

Up to that time, Arnaz was known primarily as a musician and performer who pioneered and popularized Afro-Cuban music to mainstream American audiences.  He proved himself an innovative producer and savvy businessman being instrumental in the development and use of the three-camera system for filming television comedy programs in front of a live audience. He retained the right of filmed TV series ownership through his Desilu productions and created the television syndication business model

He became the first Latino studio head when he used the profits from I Love Lucy to purchase the former RKO studios facilities, which he ran. Arnaz and Ball through their production company Desilu developed such television series as Star Trek and Mission Impossible.

The post Latino TV Leads In New and Returning Shows; Magnum/Hawaii 5-O" Crossover Episode first appeared on .

This year’s The 22nd Annual Impact Awards Gala will be held on February 22, 2019 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. The NHMC Impact Awards Gala recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions to the positive portrayals of Latinos in media.

Although this year’s honorees have not been announced, they are always the top trending talent both in front of and behind the camera.

The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) is the media watchdog for the Latino community, ensuring that we are fairly and consistently represented in news and entertainment and that our voices are heard over the airwaves and on the internet.  

Past honorees include Nicholas Gonzalez, Gina Rodriguez, Robert Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, America Ferrera, James Cameron, Lana Parrilla, George Lopez, Cesar Millan, Zoe Saldana, Mario Lopez, Gina Torres, Rosario Dawson, and the late Lupe Ontiveros.

To view last years acceptance speeches here.

For more information on purchasing tickets, please click here.

For sponsorship opportunities please click here.

For media inquiries, please contact Alison Sotomayor at communications@nhmc.org

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