Latest news with #Portuguese-speaking
Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Pablo Cruz Guerrero didn't grow up with ‘El Chavo,' but Chespirito became his purpose
Unlike generations of Mexican children before and after him, actor Pablo Cruz Guerrero didn't grow up watching the hugely popular sitcoms created by Roberto Gómez Bolaños, the late writer, producer and performer better known as 'Chespirito' or 'Little Shakespeare.' It's a wonder, considering that at peak, Gómez Bolaños' family-friendly programs were watched by over 300 million people worldwide, and they remain pop culture pillars across Latin America — even in Portuguese-speaking Brazil — 50 years after they first aired. The programs' influence also extends to the U.S. among diasporic communities, enduring through reruns that periodically introduce his characters to new viewers. The catchphrases Gómez Bolaños penned have also become ingrained in the vernacular of many countries. His most popular creation, 'El Chavo del Ocho,' centers on an orphan boy (which he played) living in a courtyard apartment complex filled with peculiar neighbors. Then there's 'El Chapulín Colorado,' a satirical take on tights-wearing superheroes, where Gómez Bolaños plays an inept though goodhearted paladin (chapulín means grasshopper in Mexico). That Cruz Guerrero, 41, wasn't familiar with these landmark shows or characters is all the more shocking because he's now embodied Gómez Bolaños in the new bioseries 'Chespirito: Not Really on Purpose' ('Chespirito: Sin querer queriendo'), streaming on Max starting Thursday with new episodes weekly. The actor's lack of nostalgic attachment for the universe of physical comedy, wordplay and social commentary that Chespirito created gave him a leg up when auditioning, he believes. 'I want to convince myself that this was the one thing that allowed me to gain objectivity about the story,' he says in Spanish during a recent video call from Mexico City. 'Had I been a fan, I would have been ridden with nerves when approaching the character.' It was casting director Isabel Cortázar who first saw Cruz Guerrero's potential, and in mid-2023, asked him to audition for the part. 'Before receiving her call, I would have never seen myself as Chespirito,' he says. 'No one had ever told me before that I looked like him.' Cruz Guerrero has been consistently acting for over 20 years in films ('El Estudiante,' 'From Prada to Nada') and TV. More recently, he played a memorable antagonist in the second and third seasons of Netflix's 'Luis Miguel: The Series,' another bioseries about the famed Mexican singer played by Diego Boneta. As to why he didn't watch Chespirito's work during his childhood, Cruz Guerrero hypothesizes that because his parents lived in Los Angeles for three years before he and his siblings were born, they were more interested in culture produced outside of Mexico. Instead, they took them to the cinema, to outdoor concerts and museum exhibits. Ironically, Cruz Guerrero has appeared on several Televisa productions over the years, the same storied network that produced Chespirito's work. 'In middle school, I had a social and comedic disadvantage because many of my friends knew all of Chespirito's jokes and imitated the characters' voices, and I couldn't follow along,' Cruz Guerrero says. When offered a chance to vie for the role, he consumed as much Chespirito content as he could find online, whether it was of Gómez Bolaños playing his characters or interviews he gave. The arduous audition process required Cruz Guerrero to appear every Tuesday for about seven weeks for a variety of tests. Beyond doing scenes from the episodes of 'Chespirito,' each meeting would add more elements that got him closer to Gómez Bolaños: He tried on the costumes, interacted with the actors who would play his children, he shaved his beard and tried on the prosthetic nose, contact lenses and receding hairline required for the role. And even then, as the weeks dragged on, Cruz Guerrero wasn't certain he'd be picked, especially after sharing with the family of Gómez Bolaños, who are involved in the production, his neophyte status on everything Chespirito. 'I could read on their faces they were thinking, 'Are we making the right decision with someone who doesn't genuinely love our father's legacy already?'' the actor recalls. Ultimately, Cruz Guerrero won them over because he was able to closely replicate the mannerisms and voice of the real Chespirito. Gómez Bolaños' physicality called to mind silent film era icons such as Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. 'I felt like if I tried to play around with my feet and knees when I walked, not only did I lose a little bit of height to get closer to Roberto's height, but it also put me in a position to feel a little more playful with my body,' says Cruz Guerrero while wiggling his arms. Roberto Gómez Fernandez, Chespirito's son, admits he initially had doubts about Cruz Guerrero. The show had been in the works for about four years at that point, two of which had been spent searching for the right actors to recreate Gómez Bolaños' world. Slowly, as Cruz Guerrero refined his performance and the makeup got him closer to Chespirito's image, Gómez Fernandez became convinced they had found their man. 'I saw my father in him,' says Gómez Fernandez on a recent Zoom chat, 'during complex situations in a scene and in a little wink or a glance that Pablo did.' The family's approval fueled him. 'They would say to me, 'I just heard my dad through you. I just had a conversation with my dad. I just shook his hand and gave him a hug,' says Cruz Guerrero, who recalls being deeply moved. 'That empowered me to feel more in his skin and not feel self-doubt because of my previous distance.' Once he officially landed the role, Cruz Guerrero immersed himself in Gómez Bolaños' personal and professional life via his autobiography, 'Sin querer queriendo,' which lends the series its title. It functioned as a link between the actor and the creator, who died in 2014. 'I was trying to establish a metaphysical dialogue through the words he had written and edited himself in the book,' Cruz Guerrero says. 'I asked him questions, and I feel like we had very beautiful conversations thanks to the book.' Many of the pointed questions that Cruz Guerrero sought answers to in the text revolved around fatherhood, namely the elusive notion of work-life balance. 'In our careers, there are moments of beautiful enlightenment where you're creating and having a great time,' he says. 'However, you're also aware that you're fulfilling a contract, and chasing financial compensation. This means that you're investing time and energy and you often prioritize the professional instead of being at home and you miss your family.' That struggle became rather personal for the actor during this process. 'I found out I was going to be a father for the first time the same week I found out I was going to play Roberto,' recalls Cruz Guerrero. 'I wanted to absorb knowledge from him about his experience as a father and the experiences I was about to embark on playing him.' While the series features moments where Cruz Guerrero dons the emblematic attire of Chavo del Ocho and Chapulín Colorado, the focus is on the real man behind them. The book also served as the foundation for Gómez Fernandez and his sister Paulina to write the episodes' screenplays. The two are also producers and were involved in every decision about the project. For Roberto Gómez Fernandez, the challenge was for the series not to become a solemn, saintly tribute to the larger-than-life figure their father was. 'I had to remember that I wasn't thinking about my dad, but about the character of Roberto Gómez Bolaños,' he says. 'They weren't real-life people because you have to transform them into characters, and sometimes you have to pull some strings to make the dramatic dynamics more effective.' And yet, despite having fictionalized aspects, Gómez Fernandez believes that the series offers truthfulness about his father's essence as a person. 'I think we achieved it, but along the way, we had to undress the character's successes and failures, many of which had consequences in his life,' Gómez Fernandez says. 'Some things turned out alright for him, but others went wrong, and he also hurt people.' It's not lost on Cruz Guerrero that someone like him, who didn't previously revere Chespirito's genius, wound up taking on the task of bringing his story to the screen. 'In moments of fear, insecurity and doubt, I would ask myself, 'Oh, man, how did I end up here?' And then it was all resolved with laughter because in front of me I would read the title of the show, 'Not Really on Purpose,'' he says with a knowing smile. After more than two decades mostly appearing in supporting roles, Cruz Guerrero is basking in what's undoubtedly the most important credit of his career so far. 'I'm especially grateful to the family, who chose me to play this beloved character, who is obviously part of their personal story,' Cruz Guerrero says. 'I live this moment with great gratitude, so thank you to Roberto Gómez Bolaños.'
Business Wire
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
The African Engineering and Technology Network signs ninth university partner
KIGALI, Rwanda--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Carnegie Mellon University Africa announced today that the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) has signed its ninth university partner, Universidade Agostinho Neto. The network, launched in 2022, provides a vehicle for technology-focused universities in Africa to engage in deep collaboration to drive digital growth, create technology development and job growth, and shape policy change. Carnegie Mellon University Africa announces that the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) has signed its ninth university partner, Universidade Agostinho Neto. Share Afretec Network members span the entire continent and include Carnegie Mellon University Africa (Rwanda), Al Akhawayn University (Morocco), the American University in Cairo (Egypt), Université Cheikh Anta Diop (Senegal), University of Lagos (Nigeria), University of Nairobi (Kenya), University of Rwanda, University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), and now Universidade Agostinho Neto (Angola). 'We are proud to welcome Agostinho Neto University into the Afretec Network,' said Conrad Tucker, director of CMU-Africa and associate dean for international affairs-Africa. 'As a network, we are focused on pan-African digital growth, which means that it is crucial that we collaborate across different languages and cultures on the continent.' The Afretec Network is focused on goals in three areas: Producing critical, locally relevant innovations and globally competitive technology talent Developing a digital knowledge creation ecosystem Fostering a startup technology culture and ecosystem across Africa Located in the capital city of Luanda, Agostinho Neto University is Angola's oldest and largest public higher education institution. The university has a commitment to modernization, academic excellence, and the sustainable development of Angola and Africa. The Portuguese-speaking country of Angola has a young population and a strong demand for engineering, IT, and technology-driven programs. The university has already begun to collaborate with the network and will join partner universities in engaging with stakeholders across the continent to work toward the shared mission of the digital transformation of Africa. About the African Engineering and Technology Network: The African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) is a pan-African network made up of technology-focused universities across the continent, who are working together to drive the digital transformation of Africa. The network is led by Carnegie Mellon University Africa. Learn more by visiting About the College of Engineering and CMU-Africa: The College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University is a top-ranked engineering college that is known for our Advanced Collaboration culture in research and education. The College is well-known for working on problems of both scientific and practical importance. Our 'maker' culture is ingrained in all that we do, leading to novel approaches and transformative results. Our acclaimed faculty have a focus on innovation management and engineering to yield transformative results that will drive the intellectual and economic vitality of our community, nation, and world. Carnegie Mellon University Africa was established in 2011 through a partnership between Carnegie Mellon and the Government of Rwanda. CMU-Africa is the only U.S. research university offering its master's degrees with a full-time faculty, staff, and operations in Africa. The institution is addressing the critical shortage of high-quality engineering talent required to accelerate the economic transformation of the African continent. For more information on the College of Engineering location in Africa, visit
Perth Now
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
WATCH: Nuns shock TV viewers with beatbox and dance skills
A pair of Brazilian nuns have gone viral after showcasing their unique beatboxing and dance skills on a catholic TV channel. Appearing on TV Pai Eterno on May 20, a Portuguese-speaking channel, the unassuming catholic servants enjoyed an interview with their two hosts before Sister Marizele began singing. Moments later, she proceeded to flex her vocal range and switched to beatboxing, with the nun's catchy tune prompting Sister Marisa to flaunt her fancy footwork as the pair found their groove. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. Dressed modestly in white tops and jackets to match their blue skirts, the performance took viewers off guard and has subsequently made the pair internet sensations. 'That moment was very spontaneous, because with sister Marisa, if you start a beat, she will dance,' Sister Marizele Cassiano told Associate Press in an interview translated to English. 'And I'm used to singing, to beatboxing, so for us it was very simple, spontaneous and at the same time very surprising to see that it went viral even outside Brazil.' Online, fans have been quick to offer their nun puns in support of the performance. One person referred to the pair as a 'Sister Act', while American TV presenter Carson Daly labelled them 'Nun DMC'. 'Not even religious but this is a bop,' another user said. Others found the nuns' unorthodox antics reminiscent of The Sound of Music, with one asking, 'How do you solve a problem like Maria?'
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who Is Tota MC? Meet Streamer University's Viral Brazilian Star
Image via: tota_ofc/Instagram In this ever changing streaming world, with new voices emerging almost daily, this person has risen with great speed and attraction. Relatively new to the scene, the Brazilian streamer is one of the best participants of the high-profile incubator for fledgling creators, the so-called "Streamer University" by Kai Cenat. From São Paulo Beats to Streaming Rockstar Before entering the realm of Twitch, Tota used to be recognized widely in the underground music scene of Brazil as a music producer. This creative energy combined with a fast wit went down smoothly through his entry into streaming in April 2024. Early on, his "Just Chatting" streams, which were part social commentary and part entertainment, gained modest attention amongst Portuguese-speaking-ranked people, eventually transcending borders. What makes Tota special is his emphasis on interactivity. He does not merely react to trending clips or memes; it's a connection that builds, thus sparking the engagement that dissolves the division typically perceived between shows and the show audience. This genuineness has skyrocketed him from 31,000 followers in early 2025 to over 174,000 in a matter of months. Instagram sings a very similar tune, with a devoted 143,000 fans looking to catch his daily antics. A Seat at the Big Table: Streamer University An influencer of the magnitude of Cenat himself had heard about Tota's rise and so invited him into Streamer University — the very first content training camp going on from May 22 to May 25, 2025. It is shaped by Cenat alongside AMP's Duke Dennis, rapper DDG, streaming star India Love, and cooking personality Kya 'Cookingwitkya' to fast-track newly discovered talents. For Tota, this is way beyond being the spotlight; it is a master class in global streaming culture. Apart from learning from internet veterans, he is showing that language and geography are no longer obstacles in achieving digital fame. TOTA Is the New DUKE DENNIS at Streamer University! 😂🔥 Representing a Brazilian Voice on the World Scene The story of Tota MC is a story of representation as well, about numbers and viral moments. As a Portuguese-speaking creator gaining traction in an English-dominated space, his stake in Streamer University signals a growing shift in what global influence looks like online. With grit, hustle, and so much cultural pride, Tota MC is not just learning — he is leading. Clearly, this is but the beginning of this chapter. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
AsiaOne
09-05-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
Portugal police arrest crime ring over fraudulent permits for 10,000 foreigners, World News
LISBON - Portuguese police have arrested 13 people they believe provided an estimated more than 10,000 foreigners with residence permits and documents allowing them to stay in Portugal and the European Union in exchange for bribes, police said on Thursday (May 8). A spokesperson for the Judicial Police force said the bribes paid to the group, which included a foreign ministry employee, a lawyer and several entrepreneurs, averaged 15,000 euros (S$21,880) per person. The foreigners paid to obtain bogus labour contracts that allowed them to stay in the country and then get residence permits, open bank accounts and access the social security system. Many of them have since left for other EU member states, police said. Portugal's centre-right government has toughened some immigration rules in the past year, reflecting attempts elsewhere in Europe to fend off the rise of the far-right, and on Saturday vowed to deport 18,000 illegal migrants in the coming months. It was not immediately clear if those who benefited from the illegal scheme counted among those. Still, the country remains relatively open to migrants, particularly from Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa and from Brazil. Many experts argue that growing immigration has stoked economic growth. While anti-immigration sentiment is expected to play a role in an early election on May 18, far-right party Chega has been steady or declining in opinion polls after a surge in the previous election last year. The centre-right Democratic Alliance of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro looks set to win the most votes. [[nid:715559]]
