81R4428 JGH-D
By: Pena H.R. No. 854
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The fine Texas actor Valente Rodriguez has achieved
great distinction on film, television, and the stage, and he has
generously shared his success with the community of the Rio Grande
Valley by returning recently to work with theater, film, and TV
students at his alma mater; and
WHEREAS, Born in Edcouch, Mr. Rodriguez was the first member
of his family to graduate from high school and attend college; at
The University of Texas--Pan American, he performed in more than 30
theatrical productions and earned the national Irene Ryan Award
three times, and in 1985, he appeared in UTPA's first student film,
The Scourging Word; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Rodriguez moved to Los Angeles in 1988 to pursue
an acting career; as a member of the Latino Theater Lab at the Los
Angeles Theater Center, he appeared in productions of classic works
by Gogol and Arthur Miller, as well as a number of contemporary
plays; and
WHEREAS, In the world of film, Mr. Rodriguez has performed in
such productions as Salsa, Erin Brokovich, Volcano, and Bound by
Honor; on television, he has had roles in ER, The X-Files, The
Golden Girls, and Beverly Hills 90210, and he has achieved lasting
fame by playing the role of "Ernie" for five years on the popular
sitcom, George Lopez; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Rodriguez has also cowritten, coproduced, and
performed in Riffs of Shakespeare, a bilingual theater piece, and
he is the cowriter of several Latino Theater Lab productions; and
WHEREAS, In the summer of 2008, Mr. Rodriguez returned to the
Rio Grande Valley to play a leading role in The Red Queen, a film
produced by UTPA students, generously passing along his experience
and expertise to a new generation of Texas performers and
filmmakers; and
WHEREAS, Young artists benefit greatly from the
encouragement and mentoring of more experienced performers, and
Valente Rodriguez has played a vital role in the professional
achievements and personal triumphs of many talented Texans; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commend Valente Rodriguez for his contributions
to the community of the Rio Grande Valley and extend to him sincere
best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Rodriguez as an expression of high esteem from the
Texas House of Representatives.