George Lopez

This beloved, Mexican-American comic played the stand-up circuit for well over a decade before landing his ABC sitcom George Lopez in 2002. (It helped that he had movie star Sandra Bullock as his champion and executive producer.) As the show's co-creator, writer, producer and star, Lopez was able to showcase his idiosyncratic point of view, impeccable comedic timing and Latino pride. The series became a surprise hit, and he became very popular. While his sitcom continued filming, he pursued other outlets for his stand-up comedy. He performed highly-rated stand-up TV specials, and earned Grammy nominations for Best Comedy Album for El Mas Chingon (2004) and Team Leader (2006). He continued touring, penned an autobiography, and pursued his avid interest in golf. In 2005, the tireless comedian took a break in order to undergo a kidney transplant. After his wife served as his organ donor, the couple became spokespersons for the National Kidney Foundation. He returned to work, but suffered a blow when George Lopez went off the air in 2007. He bounced back from the obstacle, and a full slate of projects kept him in the spotlight. His first solo HBO special, George Lopez: America's Mexican, won wide acclaim and the live recording of his second solo HBO special, Tall, Dark & Chicano (which aired in 2009) garnered him another Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album. Film roles also kept him occupied and he appeared in such movies as Balls of Fury (2007) and Swing Vote (2008). In 2009, he returned to television to host a late-night TBS talk show, Lopez Tonight. The career move proved once again how influential and groundbreaking an entertainer he continues to be. ~ Rovi