Watch John Leguizamo: Tales From a Ghetto Klown

John Leguizamo: Tales From a Ghetto Klown is a theatrical documentary style film that delves into the life and career of actor and comedian – John Leguizamo. The movie premiered on PBS on July 13, 2014 and was directed by Ben DeJesus. The movie is centered around Leguizamo’s life and takes us through different stages of his career. The film begins by exploring his early beginnings as a performer in New York’s East Village in the 1980s. Leguizamo shares stories about his upbringing, his childhood in Queens, and how he got his start in the entertainment industry. The film includes a mix of performance footage, archival footage and interviews with Leguizamo and those who have known him throughout his career.

As the movie progresses, it covers the period in the 1990s when Leguizamo rose to prominence with his one-man show “Mambo Mouth”. Leguizamo’s story narrates how he went from performing in small spaces to sold-out theaters, where he tackled controversial topics like stereotypes and racism with humor and sincerity. The film includes performance footage from the show as well as backstage insights into the preparation process.

The movie also covers some of the challenges that Leguizamo faced during his career, such as his struggles to make it as an actor in Hollywood. Leguizamo shares his experiences of dealing with Hollywood’s biases towards Latino actors and how he addressed them through his work. The film also explores some of his notable roles in movies like “Carlito’s Way” and “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar”.

Throughout the movie, Leguizamo’s family and friends are featured as well, including his wife Justine, his children, and his parents. They share stories about Leguizamo’s close-knit family and his desire to break the cycle of poverty.

The film ends with Leguizamo reflecting on his career and his impact on the entertainment industry. He talks about the importance of representation in media and how he has worked to make a difference. The film celebrates Leguizamo’s work and highlights his contributions to the arts.

In summary, John Leguizamo: Tales From a Ghetto Klown is a unique look into the life and career of one of the most versatile and compelling actors of our time. The movie provides an intimate portrait of Leguizamo and his journey to achieve success in the entertainment industry. Fans of Leguizamo’s work will enjoy seeing him in a new light, while those unfamiliar with his work will be introduced to his incredible talents. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the arts and the power of storytelling.