Episode 108 - Sharing Laughs with Emmy-Nominated TV Star Liz Torres - Part 2

In the second half of Tony's engaging conversation with the vibrant Latina actress Liz Torres, she candidly shares her journey through the entertainment industry, reflecting on her challenging path to landing the role of Mahalia Sanchez on “The John Larroquette Show.”She opens up about the thrill of receiving nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards, while also reminiscing about her friendship with Freddie Prinze, playfully recalling how he used to pilfer her jokes in his early days.Throughout her illustrious career, Liz has broken through barriers, creating opportunities for countless Latinos in the industry. She describes how she came to embody the beloved character of Miss Patty on "Gilmore Girls" and expresses her deep admiration for Amy Sherman-Palladino, lauding the brilliance of her scripts. She also reveals that the role of Miss Patty was initially intended for another actress! With warmth and nostalgia, Liz recounts her friendship with the legendary Ricardo Montalbán, including the unforgettable evening they first met during a performance at a banquet for his Latino artist organization, “Nosotros.” She also shares her experience working on the "Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life” reunion, highlighting the camaraderie she built with Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham.Even now, Liz’s vibrant career flourishes; she continues to sing and perform at benefit events, including a memorable performance at Barbra Streisand’s birthday celebration. Her passion for the arts extends to the gay men’s choir and her advocacy for AIDS organizations, making her a pioneer as the first celebrity to ally herself with the gay community. Liz notes with pride the significant rise in representation of Hispanic actors in television and film today. She imparts invaluable wisdom for aspiring actors eager to make their mark, closing with powerful insights about embracing every opportunity and the importance of never saying no. Liz Torres is not just a seasoned performer; she is an inspiring force in the entertainment world whose legacy continues to empower future generations.LIZ TORRESA native of the Bronx, Torres began her career in the late 1960s as a singer, performing in nightclubs and showcasing her soulful, resonant voice. Her undeniable talent led her to Broadway, where she appeared in notable productions such as "The Magic Show" and "The Ritz." Her breakthrough came when she was invited to appear on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," marking her transition into TV & film.In addition to her regular appearances on 1970s TV variety shows Liz joined the cast of "Phyllis" (1975), starring Cloris Leachman, Torres made memorable guest appearances in popular TV shows such as "All in the Family," "The Love Boat," & "Hill Street Blues." She gained widespread recognition and earned multiple Emmy & Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of Mahalia Sanchez in the hit series "The John Larroquette Show." She has continued to make guest appearances on popular series like "Ally McBeal" (1997), "The Nanny" (1993), "Quantum Leap" (1989), & "L.A. Law" (1986).  She is best remembered for her role as "Miss Patty" in the long-running series "Gilmore Girls" (2000). She has made numerous amusing appearances in comedies such as "Ugly Betty," "Desperate Housewives," "Devious Maids," & the Cuban-American sitcom "One Day at a Time."The Official Hollywood Obsessed Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com/ ⁠⁠⁠ Follow the Official Hollywood Obsessed Facebook Page – ⁠⁠⁠HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED PODCAST⁠⁠⁠ Follow our Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodobsessedpodcast/⁠ Titles VO Talent – Cam Frierson - ⁠⁠http://camfrierson.com/voice  Music by⁠⁠ ⁠QubeSounds⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠