George Lopez, Rita Moreno join CBS’ star-studded special celebrating Latinx culture
Just in time for National Hispanic Heritage Month, CBS has unveiled a star-studded lineup for its forthcoming special “Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event.”
On Wednesday, the network announced that George Lopez, Rita Moreno, John Leguizamo and more celebrities have joined the telecast celebrating Latinx culture and recognizing the contributions of the Latinx community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hosted by Eva Longoria, Gloria Estefan and Ricky Martin, “Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event” airs Oct. 26 at 9 p.m. Pacific on CBS and will also be available to stream on demand at CBS All Access. The hourlong program promises to amplify Latinx voices through musical performances, comedy sets, documentary shorts and more.
“When COVID-19 hit the United States, people were quick to applaud our essential workers, many of whom are Latinos, for helping to keep food on our tables, delivering our packages and working in our healthcare system,” Longoria said in a statement.
“The Latinx community has been the backbone of this country for hundreds of years, not just the last seven months, and it’s time that we not only know our own worth, but are also recognized, appreciated and celebrated accordingly for our contributions, pandemic or not.”
Created by Henry R. Muñoz III and directed by Ron de Moraes, “Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event” will also feature appearances from José Andrés, Arturo Castro, Isabela Merced, Ana Navarro, Freddy Rodriguez and Wilmer Valderrama.
The broadcast is produced by Momento Latino, Funny or Die, UnbeliEVAble Entertainment and Global Philanthropy. Longoria is also an executive producer, and more performers are expected to be announced at a later date.
“We created Momento Latino because we understand the challenges that Latinos in America face every day, and we knew we had to bring together a national infrastructure of opportunity to move the community forward into the future,” said Muñoz, founder of Momento Latino, in a statement.
“Through this special we can share with the nation the inspiring stories of how Latinos served as the backbone of this country’s essential workforce throughout the pandemic despite being among the hardest hit by the disease and the economic fallout.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted not only how essential some jobs are to our daily living, but how much we took them for granted.
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