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Legendary Comedian Paul Rodriguez Sr. Talks Holy Cash and Life After Surgery
Paul Rodriguez Sr., the legendary comedian and actor, visited The Big Deal this week and shared some fascinating stories about family, resilience, and the next chapter in his long and accomplished career.
Paul Rodriguez Sr. is a Mexican-American actor and comedian whose career has spanned nearly three decades. Known for his unique brand of humor, he blends his Latino heritage with the American dream, delivering laughs in both Spanish and English.
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With over 45 films, numerous TV series, and comedy specials under his belt, Paul has been recognized as one of the most influential Latinos in America, even receiving the Ruben Salazar Award from the National Council of La Raza. Beyond comedy, he’s also made an impact through his charity work and advocacy, remaining a constant presence both on and off the stage.
Known for his decades-long influence in comedy and film, Paul opened up about his personal journey, sharing how his son, pro skateboarder Paul Rodriguez Jr. – better known as P-Rod -, helped him in a moment of crisis and made his latest film, Holy Cash, a reality.
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After undergoing a serious quadruple bypass surgery, Paul found himself at a crossroads, unsure of what the future held. He explained that it was his son who stepped in at just the right moment, offering both encouragement and a script that Paul had written years ago—a project he had nearly abandoned due to legal issues with Universal.
Paul Rodriguez Sr. on how his son, P-Rod, helped him create “Holy Cash”
With humor and humility, Paul described how his son’s determination and belief in him reignited his passion and inspired him to move forward. His son’s support was not just about a film; it was about strengthening the bond between them, proving how much their connection has meant throughout his life.
In his own words during our interview, Paul shared: “When I came out of surgery, by the grace of God, my son comes in and goes, ‘I know you’re kind of depressed. What are you going to do now?!’ and gives me the script that I had written a long time ago, kind of the sequel to Born in East LA, but Universal wanted too much money for the rights.”
“So I said, ‘I don’t know, Paul, I don’t know what I am going to do.’ And he goes, ‘C’mon, Dad, a long time ago you told us that when God put you there, we keep you there.’ A lot of pressure. Roles reversed; my son has always been older than me, more mature. The best thing I’ve ever done—he is a good kid”
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Holy Cash, which comes out in AMC theaters on October 11th, feels like a full-circle moment for Paul. He describes it as a spiritual successor to his earlier classic, Born in East LA. Paul credits his son for pushing him forward when things looked bleak, proving that family support can transform the toughest challenges into fresh opportunities.
Catch this special episode of The Big Deal on LatiNation to hear more about Paul Rodriguez Sr.’s inspiring story, his deep connection with his son, and his reflections on their journey together. Don’t miss out, and mark your calendars—Holy Cash hits AMC theaters on October 11th!
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