Career Timeline of John Leguizamo: Major Achievements and Milestones

How John Leguizamo built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

John Leguizamo is a versatile American entertainer known for his work as a stand-up comedian, actor, and film producer. With over 100 film appearances and production credits for more than 20 films and documentaries, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Leguizamo has also made significant contributions to television and the Broadway stage. He's a Tony Award winner and has received four Tony nominations for his self-written and performed shows like 'Freak,' 'Sexaholix,' and 'Latin History for Morons', which highlight his talents as a writer and performer.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1993: John Leguizamo starred in the Super Mario Bros film

In 1993, John Leguizamo starred in the Super Mario Bros. film.

1998: Critical Thinking film is based on events from this year

John Leguizamo's film Critical Thinking, released in 2020, is a biographical drama set in 1998.

2004: Support of Voto Latino

In 2004, John Leguizamo was one of the celebrity supporters of Voto Latino, co-founded by Rosario Dawson.

2012: Co-founding NGL Collective

In 2012, John Leguizamo co-founded NGL (Next-Generation Latinx) Collective to create content for Latinx audiences.

2015: Graphic Novel Adaptation of Ghetto Klown Published

In 2015, Abrams ComicArts published the graphic novel adaptation of John Leguizamo's one-man Broadway show, Ghetto Klown. The graphic novel, like the show, explores Leguizamo's life and career, from his adolescence in Queens to his involvement in avant-garde theater and his film career.

John Leguizamo: Tales From a Ghetto Klown

Check it on Amazon

2016: Op-Ed in The New York Times

In 2016, John Leguizamo authored a searing op-ed in The New York Times, calling out Donald Trump's "racist rhetoric" and urging Latinos to vote.

2016: Role in Bloodline and Production of Othello: The Remix

In 2016, John Leguizamo played Ozzy Delvecchio in the second season of the Netflix original series Bloodline. Also in 2016, he produced the Q Brothers' Othello: The Remix at off-Broadway's Westside Theatre.

2017: Opening of Latin History for Morons

In 2017, John Leguizamo opened Latin History for Morons at The Public, which later went to Broadway.

2017: Singing on "Almost Like Praying" and Debut of Latin History for Morons

In 2017, John Leguizamo sang on "Almost Like Praying", a charitable song written and composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, with proceeds going to assist relief efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Also in 2017, he debuted Latin History for Morons, a show about the participation of Latin Americans throughout US history.

January 2018: Hosting the Obie Awards Announced

In January 2018, it was announced that John Leguizamo would host the 63rd Obie Awards, which would be held in May 2018 at Terminal 5.

May 2018: Hosting the Obie Awards

In May 2018, John Leguizamo hosted the 63rd Obie Awards at Terminal 5.

2018: Role in Waco, Development of Kiss My Aztec, and Smithsonian Award

In 2018, John Leguizamo played undercover ATF agent Jacob Vazquez in the Paramount Network miniseries Waco. In 2018, Leguizamo wrote the original musical Kiss My Aztec, which was developed at the Public Theater. Leguizamo also received Smithsonian Magazine's 2018 American Ingenuity Award in the History category.

2018: Netflix Filming of Latin History for Morons

In 2018, Netflix filmed Latin History for Morons, advocating that "teaching Latin history is the first step toward conquering prejudice."

2019: Role in When They See Us and Premiere of Kiss My Aztec

In 2019, John Leguizamo played Raymond Santana's father in the Netflix miniseries When They See Us. Kiss My Aztec premiered at Berkeley Repertory Theater and La Jolla Playhouse in 2019.

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2020: Role in The Mandalorian

In 2020, John Leguizamo played Gor Koresh in season 2, episode 1 of the Disney+ series The Mandalorian.

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2020: Release of Critical Thinking

In 2020, John Leguizamo's directorial debut, Critical Thinking, was released. The biographical drama is set in 1998.

2021: Role in Waiting for Godot, Voice in Encanto

In 2021, John Leguizamo played Estragon in Waiting for Godot as a video performance. Also in 2021, Leguizamo provided the voice of Bruno Madrigal in the Disney animated film Encanto.

2022: Board of Directors for the National Museum of the American Latino

As of 2022, John Leguizamo is on the board of directors for the National Museum of the American Latino.

2022: Acting roles in The Menu and Violent Night

In 2022, John Leguizamo acted in the film The Menu, where he played a washed-up movie star. In 2022, he played Scrooge in the Christmas action comedy Violent Night.

2022: Commencement Speech at Vassar College

In 2022, John Leguizamo gave the commencement speech to the Class of 2022 at Vassar College.

2022: Performance of Ghetto Klown at Rikers Island

In 2022, John Leguizamo performed Ghetto Klown at Rikers Island Correctional Facility for an audience of justice-involved young men.

2022: Merger of NGL with mitú

In 2022, NGL merged with mitú "to create the largest digital-first "Latinx powerhouse" in the US."

2023: Support for Transgender Youth

In 2023, John Leguizamo appeared in a video produced by Teen Vogue and Them affirming his support for transgender youth.

2023: Hosting The Daily Show and MSNBC Series Announcement

In 2023, John Leguizamo briefly hosted The Daily Show as part of a series of rotating guest hosts. Also in 2023, it was announced that he would host the MSNBC series Leguizamo Does America.