John Leguizamo's performance as sensitive drag queen Chi Chi Rodriguez in "To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar" earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Leguizamo has since starred in several films, all marked departures from his turn in "To Wong Foo ...," including the hit action film "Executive Decision" and the recent thriller "The Fan." Immediately after completing WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S ROMEO & JULIET, Leguizamo began production on "The Pest," a comedy about a mischievous con artist who tries to outwit his pursuers by taking on a range of personas. Leguizamo co-created the story with David Bar Katz and co-produces and stars in the film, which is directed by Paul Miller.
Leguizamo set a precedent by starring in the first Latin comedy/variety show, "House of Buggin," for the Fox network. The series, for which Leguizamo received an Emmy nomination and three Monitor Awards, capitalized on the actor's comedic abilities, which he demonstrated in his earlier works on the stage and, later, on television.
Born in Bogota, Colombia and raised in New York City, Leguizamo became an off-Broadway sensation in 1991 as the writer and performer of the one-man-show "Mambo Mouth." He received an Obie, Outer Critics Circle and Banguardia Award for the play, in which he portrayed seven different Latino characters. "Mambo Mouth" aired on HBO, winning him an ACE Award.
His second one-man show, "Spic-O-Rama," played in Chicago for an extended, sold-out run at the Goodman and Briar Street Theatres before opening to stellar reviews and sold-out houses in New York. The show received numerous awards including the Dramatists' Guild Hull-Warriner Award for Best American Play and a Drama Desk Award for Best Solo Performance. "Spic-O-Rama" also aired on HBO and garnered four ACE Awards.
Leguizamo studied acting at New York University. He first appeared on television as Calderone Jr. on the popular series "Miami Vice." Other film credits include "Carlito's Way," "Casualties of War," "Revenge," "Hangin' With The Homeboys," "Regarding Henry," "Whispers In The Dark," "Super Mario Bros." and "A Pyromaniac's Love Story." His work on the New York stage includes "A Midsummer's Night Dream" and "La Puta Vida," both at the New York Shakespeare Festival, as well as "Parting Gestures," at INTAR.