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Award Winning Actor, Comedian George Lopez
Named the 2004 Artist of the Year at Harvard
Cambridge, Mass. - February 24, 2004 - George Lopez, star of the hit ABC comedy that bears his name, has been named the 2004 Artist of the Year by the Harvard Foundation of Harvard University. Lopez will be awarded the Foundation's medal at Harvard's Annual Cultural Rhythms ceremony on Sat., Feb. 28, 2004.
"We are delighted that George Lopez will be our guest at Harvard to receive this very special recognition," said Harvard Dean Benedict Gross. "Because of his outstanding artistic work in television and film, and his humanitarian efforts to prevent youth violence and support community arts resources and education, Harvard is proud to honor his achievements and acknowledge his fine example."
Lopez is one of the premier comedic talents in the entertainment industry today. He is the co-creator, writer, producer and star of the ABC network and Warner Bros. Television produced sitcom, George Lopez. The critically acclaimed comedy series is the anchor to ABC's Friday night line-up and airs at 8:00-8:30 p.m. (ET/PT) on the network.
Lopez, a multi-faceted talent who performs on stage, film and television, has earned kudos for his performance in the HBO Films drama, Real Women Have Curves, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to tremendous reviews-receiving the 2002 Audience Award. Previously, Lopez was featured in the acclaimed drama Bread and Roses. The film, directed by British filmmaker Ken Loach and released by Lion's Gate, received critical acclaim after its premier at the Cannes Film Festival. Lopez also appeared in the Showtime film, Fidel, and the comedy Frank McKluskey, C.I. for Disney. His numerous television credits include appearances on The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, The View, Live with Regis and Kelly, Craig Kilborn, and Resurrection Boulevard. Lopez frequently hosts Univision's Loco Comedy Jam.
A native of Los Angeles who grew up in San Fernando Valley's Mission Hills, Lopez devotes a great deal of time to the community. He is a spokesperson for high-profile charities and foundations like the Los Angeles Police Department's Stop the Violence program. He has received the National Hispanic Media Coalition Impact Award, the Manny Mota Foundation Community Spirit Award, and was named Honorary Mayor of Los Angeles for his extensive fundraising efforts benefiting earthquake victims in El Salvador and Guatemala. Lopez's own charity, The George & Ann Lopez-Richie Alarcon Care Foundation, provides significant community and arts resources for education.
"George Lopez is one of the most exciting talents in American performing arts today," said Dr. Allen Counter, director of the Harvard Foundation. "In addition to his tremendous comedic work in television and on stage, he is an outstanding social advocate for education and arts in communities of need. He is one of the most widely admired artists in America and a model source of inspiration for young people of all backgrounds."
The Harvard Foundation, Harvard's pre-eminent center for intercultural arts and sciences initiatives, honors the nation's most acclaimed artists and scientists each year. The prestigious award bears the signatures of Harvard's President Lawrence H. Summers, Dean of Harvard College Benedict H. Gross, and Harvard Foundation Director Dr. S. Allen Counter. Previous Artists of the Year have included Denzel Washington, Andy Garcia, Will Smith, Matt Damon, Halle Berry, Jackie Chan, Queen Latifah, and Jimmy Smits, to name a few.
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