In a recent speech at the Emmy Awards, John Leguizamo highlighted the lack of diversity in Hollywood, referring to himself as one of the industry’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hires. He criticized the practice of “brownface” casting, mentioning examples such as Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Natalie Wood. Leguizamo’s remarks resonated with the audience, who showed their support and appreciation for his message.
In partnership with Comcast, Leguizamo is making his new series, “The Green Veil,” available for viewing on his streaming platform, The Network, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month 2024. The show explores a government agent’s mission in the 1950s and delves into issues of identity, assimilation, and Latino and Native American history. Leguizamo was drawn to the project as a rare opportunity for Latino representation in a period piece, as Latinos are often marginalized in such productions.
Despite facing challenges getting “The Green Veil” picked up by major networks, Leguizamo took matters into his own hands by launching The Network with the help of writer and director Aram Rappaport. The platform aims to provide diverse and important storytelling, addressing the lack of representation for people of color in the entertainment industry. Latinos continue to be underrepresented both on and off-screen, highlighting the need for platforms like The Network to promote diversity.
In addition to “The Green Veil,” The Network will feature other original programming, including a comedy series called “Chivalry” and a docuseries set in the fashion world called “Kingdom of Dreams.” Leguizamo is a multifaceted entrepreneur in the entertainment industry, with upcoming projects such as the miniseries “American Historia” on PBS, his new play “The Other Americans,” and the return of his docuseries “Leguizamo Does America.” He is also involved in producing the Broadway musical “Buena Vista Social Club.”
Leguizamo’s work is driven by his passion for authentic Latino storytelling and the positive reactions he receives from audiences of all backgrounds. He values the support and love he receives from fans, which fuels his creative endeavors. Through his various projects and platforms like The Network, Leguizamo continues to advocate for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry, showcasing the importance of sharing underrepresented stories and voices.
