Beatriz Cast in “The Smart One” Comedy Pilot

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Stephanie Beatriz could be getting her big break in television—with a little help from Ellen DeGeneres…

The Latina actress, who has spent several seasons with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, has been added as a cast regular on ABC‘s comedy pilot The Smart One, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

From Warner Bros. Television, the comedy pilot—starring Portia de Rossi and Malin Akerman— revolves around Jude, a brilliant and successful woman (de Rossi) who begrudgingly goes to work for Candy, her less-brainy but more popular sister — a former beauty queen, weather girl and now big-city mayor (Akerman).

Beatriz, who guest starred on TNT’s The Closer, will play Natalee, Candy’s whip smart yet ditsy hairdresser who helped get the dim bulb elected mayor. She’s described as a cross between Octavia Spencer from The Help and Jennifer Coolidge from Legally Blonde.

Beatriz joins a cast that also includes David Arquette and Jean Smart.

Donald Todd will pen the project and executive produce alongside Lauren Corrao and de Rossi’s wife, DeGeneres.

Varela Cast in CW’s Drama Futuristic Pilot “The Selection”

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Leonor Varela could soon be getting the royal treatment on television…

The 39-year-old Chilean actress has been cast in the CW’s drama pilot The Selection, which has been compared to The Hunger Games.

Based on the upcoming series of books by Kiera Cass, The Selection is described as an epic romance set 300 years in the future. It centers on America Singer (Aimee Teegarden), a poor young woman who is chosen by lottery to participate in a competition to marry Prince Maxon (Ethan Peck) and become the next queen of a war-torn nation at a crossroads.

Varela, who has appeared on Arrested Development and Human Target, will play Maxon’s mother, Queen Amberly.

The bilingual actress and telenovela star just wrapped a six-episode arc on TNT’s upcoming Dallas reboot, which will premiere this summer.

Pineda Cast in NBC’s Julia Stiles Pilot

Posted on March 3, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Daniella Pineda may soon have a permanent gig on The Peacock Network.

The Latina comedian/actress has landed a role on NBC’s drama pilot Midnight Sun, starring Bourne franchise actress Julia Stiles in her first series regular stint.

Based on an Israeli thriller, the project follows the mysterious disappearance of Midnight Sun, a group living on a cult-like commune in Alaska. It centers on Leah Kafka (Stiles), a female FBI cult specialist leading the investigation that uncovers a larger conspiracy.

Pineda, who has appeared on TNT’s Men of a Certain Age and Edward Burns’ film Newlyweds, will play a receptionist at the police station.

Alejandro Cast in CBS Police Drama Pilot…

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

He may not be returning to HBO’s True Blood… But Kevin Alejandro could be back on television in the near future.

The 35-year-old Mexican American actor, best known for his role as Jesus Velasquez on True Blood, has been cast in an untitled CBS drama pilot, which chronicles one man’s meteoric rise from police officer to detective and eventually police commissioner.

Alejandro will play the top detective in the squad who—disturbed by the new man’s arrival—plots to derail his career.

The San Antonio, Texas-native most recently appeared as Nate Moretta on TNT’s Southland, as well as guest-starred on Fox’s Bones.

Del Negro Heading to the CW’s “Ringer”…

Posted on December 17, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

Matthew Del Negro is preparing to showcase his investigation skills in one of this season’s hottest shows…

The 39-year-old Latino actor has signed on to appear in the CW’s new drama Ringer, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Del Negro will play Agent Grady Torrance, a cocky, slick and smooth agent with his own agenda who just happens to be the archenemy of Agent Machado—played by 44-year-old Cuban American actor Nestor Carbonell—at the bureau. So expect the two to cross paths and up the drama quotient!

Del Negro, who most recently appeared on TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles, will make his first appearance on Ringer in the March
6 episode.

He’s best known for starring as Brian Cammarata on The Sopranos and Bram Howard on The West Wing.

Alejandro: “Da Man” in Indonesia?

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

He may have met his untimely demise on True Blood, but Kevin Alejandro is still bewitching the world with his good looks and sharp style…

The 35-year-old Mexican American actor—who appeared as Jesus Velasquez in the third and fourth seasons of HBO’s hit vampire drama—appears in a special feature in Da Man magazine’s December 2011/January 2012 issue.

“I do like fashion, but I don’t know much about labels or designers,” admits Alejandro, who appears dressed to the nines in the spread for the Indonesian magazine. “All I know is, if it looks good, sleek and like you put some effort into it, I’m probably going to like it.”

But Alejandro’s feature wasn’t all centered on fashion…

The Texas-born-and-raised actor discussed his latest project Hide, a movie of the week that premiered this month on TNT.

“I’m starring opposite the beautiful and talented Carla Gugino,” says Alejandro, who has also appeared on Ugly Betty, Southland and 24. “We are both detectives tracking a serial killer. It is very well done. I hope everyone enjoys it.”

For more on Alejandro, visit DaMan.co.id!

New “Dallas” Trailer Released with Clips & Cast Interviews…

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

Even though it isn’t set to premiere until next summer, the anticipation for TNT’s upcoming reboot of the TV series Dallas is reaching a fever pitch!

The cable network has released a brand new trailer featuring interviews with the cast—including its two Latina stars Jordana Brewster and Julie Gonzalo—sharing their views about bringing back the classic show.

Based on the popular nighttime soap opera that aired from 1978 to 1991, Dallas focuses on bitter rivalries and family power struggles within a Texas oil and cattle-ranching dynasty. 31-year-old part-Brazilian actress Brewster (Fast & Furious) will star as Elena, a woman involved in a love triangle between Bobby Ewing’s adopted son Christopher and J.R. Ewing’s son John Ross. Meanwhile, 31-year-old Argentinean actress Gonzalo (Veronica Mars) will appear as Christopher’s fiancée Rebecca.

Along with Brewster and Gonzalo, the reboot stars Josh Henderson, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster and Brenda Strong, as well as original Dallas cast members Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing, Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray.

The trailer features plenty of drama, as well as interviews with the cast talking about the impact that the original show had on television.

The 10-episode season of Dallas is set to premiere in the summer of 2012.

Bernard’s Heading to Southfork Ranch…

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Bernard will be leaving Miami soon en route to Dallas…

The 49-year-old part-Spanish-American actor—currently appearing on CBS’ CSI: Miami—has signed on to appear in a recurring role on TNT’s highly anticipated reboot of the famed 1980s primetime soap opera Dallas, which will focus on the Ewing offspring as they clash over the family dynasty.

Best known for his role as Tony Almeida on FOX’s hit series 24, Bernard will make his grand entrance at Southfork Ranch early in the season. He’ll play a charming businessman from Venezuela who comes to Dallas to work out a deal with the notorious J.R. Ewing, played by Larry Hagman.

But Bernard isn’t the only Hispanic actor appearing on the Dallas reboot…

31-year-old part-Brazilian actress Jordana Brewster (Fast & Furious) will star as Elena, a woman involved in a love triangle between Bobby Ewing’s adopted son Christopher and J.R. Ewing’s son John Ross.

Meanwhile, 31-year-old Argentinean actress Julie Gonzalo (Veronica Mars) will appear as Christopher’s fiancée Rebecca.

TNT has ordered 10 episodes of Dallas, which will premiere on the cable network next summer.

de la Reguera’s “Gateway” to Hollywood Leading Lady Status…

Posted on October 22, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

Ana de la Reguera is heading to the Wild West as she continues to forge a successful acting career in the United States.

The 34-year-old Mexican starlet has signed on to appear in the pilot for “Gateway,” TNT’s new post-Civil War era Western set in Colorado.

The project, being written by “Band of Brothers” scribe Bruce McKenne, centers around three brothers who take over justice in their town after their sheriff father is murdered.

The Veracruz, Mexico-born de la Reguera will play Lola Johnson, the co-owner of the town’s saloon. Her character is described as a beautiful, practical, energetic and vivacious woman who’s life gets turned upside down when she gets caught up in a love triangle between two of the brothers, played by actors Cam Gigandet y Keir O’Donnell.

Recently, the former telenovela star has appeared in the second season of HBO’s “Eastbound & Down,” as well as the summer blockbuster “Cowboys & Aliens.” She’s also served as a spokesperson for Cover Girl cosmetics.

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