John Leguizamo and Liza Colón-Zayas have a heartfelt Emmys moment
John Leguizamo chats with USA TODAY’s Ralphie Aversa at the Emmys, before saying hello to Liza Colón-Zayas on the red carpet.
- John Leguizamo’s docuseries “Leguizamo Does America” season two features Phoenix’s Latino community in its second episode.
- Leguizamo chose Phoenix for its significant Latino population and rich cultural history.
- The episode highlights local figures like chef Silvana Salcido Esparza and features elements of Latino culture such as lowriders.
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“Leguizamo Does America” season two premiered on Sunday, July 6, and its second episode, available on July 13, will star Phoenix’s Latino community and culture.
The docuseries, produced by MSNBC Films and NBC News Studio and hosted by Colombian American actor John Leguizamo, takes a tour across multiple cities in the United States, delving into the significant role that Latino culture and its people play within these places.
“The series delivers its powerful storytelling through the lens of one of the most iconic voices in the Latino community, while spotlighting the rich culture and contributions of Latinos across the country,” MSNBC said in a statement.
Its first season, which premiered in 2023, highlighted the Latino communities of New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Miami, and Puerto Rico. In its second edition, it will take viewers to Philadelphia, Denver, New Orleans, Raleigh, San Antonio, and, of course, Phoenix.
How ‘Leguizamo Does America’ landed in Phoenix
In an interview with The Arizona Republic during filming of the episode in April 2024, Leguizamo talked about why he chose Phoenix as a star city for the show’s second season. He said Arizona was important when it comes to Latin culture.
“We’re going to cities that have the largest Latin populations, usually, not always. But usually, the big centers of Latinness, and obviously in Arizona, is huge,” Leguizamo said. “There’s ancient roots (in Phoenix) in Latin culture.”
The actor said that he had previously visited the state for work and described witnessing a very vibrant Latino culture among its population. He also highlighted the historical aspect of how the territory was once part of Mexico and later transferred to become part of the United States.
‘So much Latin culture that I love, that I praise’
“Strong people, resilient, tenacious. They’re making the best of everything and have such Latin joy. There’s so much Latin culture that I love, that I praise,” Leguizamo said of Phoenicians.
Leguizamo said that during his time in Arizona, he encountered “incredible spirits” who bring color and beauty to this desert community — the same spirits who bring to life episode two of the second season of “Leguizamo Does America.”
During shooting days, the actor crossed paths with iconic Latino figures in Phoenix, including Silvana Salcido Esparza. The actor visited the chef at her restaurant, Barrio Café, before it closed. During the visit, the two chatted, and Leguizamo tried some of Salcido Esparza’s signature dishes.
“Her history, her knowledge, her food is so incredible and so empowering,” Leguizamo said.
Other elements and locations featured in the Phoenix episode include the iconic lowrider culture — an emblematic piece of Chicano identity, which will be introduced in the series through a car show at El Reposo Park showcasing the Sophisticated Few Car Club.
Viewers might also spot the downtown Phoenix bar Barcoa in the episode.
‘Latino culture is Arizona culture’
On the same day Leguizamo visited Salcido Esparza, the actor met with other community figures at Barrio Café for a “Legends Dinner.” Attendees included Sen. Rubén Gallego, D-Arizona, President of Chicanos por la Causa Alicia Nuñez and Phoenix native philosopher and artist Tlisza Jaurique.
In an interview with The Republic, the guests talked about how they felt being part of the project and the message they sought to convey on screen.
Jaurique said participating in the segment meant the world to her because of its “unifying elements.” She said it symbolized an opportunity to unify the Latino community through dialogue, sharing experiences and information that Latinos can relate to.
“A lot of the Latinx people have the same priorities, have the same problems, have the same things that they find within society that we have to overcome. So, we have to unify in order to make a powerful stance,” she said.
“It feels like we’re being heard and seen,” Nuñez said. “Latinos contribute a lot to the United States. We’re united, we have a rich history, and not enough of our contributions have been recognized. So, this is a message about making sure that we’re heard and continue to rise and grow in everything we do.”
Gallego said he’d been a fan of Leguizamo since watching the movie “Romeo + Juliet” because seeing a Latino actor in such a distinctive film was quite remarkable.
“Watching his show last year and seeing him introduce Latino culture to the country, I thought was such a cool concept,” Gallego said. “The fact that he is now introducing Phoenix Latino culture to the country is something that is necessary. Latino culture is Arizona culture. Arizona is stronger because of its Latino culture.”
Where to watch ‘Leguizamo does America’
“Leguizamo Does America” airs Sundays at 6 p.m. (Arizona and Pacific time) on MSNBC.
Episodes are available the following day on streaming platforms (with subscription): Peacock, Hulu, Amazon Prime and YouTube TV.