"Just a Thought" Column continues in La Prensa of SA, 7-13

Just a Thought: Hispanic Performers
By Steve Walker

Last week” Just a Thought” addressed the problem of little known US Hispanic Inventors who were not given their just due in the History books over the years. I pointed out that the information was omitted inadvertently or blatantly as we were never taught about them in the public school, growing up.

Many of La Prensa readers I have talked to this week said they weren’t aware of them either. How sad is that? So what better place to read about multi-talented Hispanics than the Sunday edition of La Prensa of San Antonio?

What is interesting is that some well-known Hispanic performers who you would instantly recognize are from San Antonio. Other well-known Hispanic performers have lived here over a long period of time or performed in San Antonio numerous times.

Take for example the homegrown actor Jesse Borrego. You might remember him as Jesse Velesquez from the TV series “Fame,” based on the movie of the same name. I did and actually watched the series in the 80s. It was one of my favorite shows back then.

Born and raised in San Antonio, he attended Harlandale High School and studied theatre and dance at The University of Incarnate Word. He went on to study acting at the California Institute of the Arts. From there he turned to the stage appearing in productions in New York & California.

In addition to stage he appeared in films such as "Blood In, Blood Out" and "Follow Me Home.” Then in 1990 he began Lupita Productions. With Lupita he has produced theatrical productions and concerts. A few years ago he produced a film for the Cannes Film Festival and I was invited to the King William area location to shoot photos while he was making his film short.

I was allowed to talk to some of his actors between breaks and get their take on the movie. I was also privileged to meet his then recent wife at the time. Since then I have crossed paths many times at various functions to include his riding in the King William Parade during Fiesta.

Then there is international singing legend Vikki Carr an El Paso native but who also has a home and resides in San Antonio. Considered a legendary star of the stage and screen, Carr has been a major influence for over 50 years with her sheer presence.

She is one of the best loved and certainly most accomplished entertainers in the US, Latin America and Europe. In her lengthy career she has garnered four Grammys to include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy and has released over 60 best-selling recordings. She has literally paved the way for other artists.

In her professional career she has performed for the Queen of England, five Presidents, and sold out concerts around the world. She has worked in radio, television and the theatre.   

She received the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower award in 2007, based on her support of furthering the mission of the Catholic faith through her generous and continued support of Holy Cross High School for 22 years to include scholarships. I was blessed to be there taking photos.

 

Lastly we now have San Antonio resident Brandon Olmos. The son of actor Edward James Olmos, moved here a few years ago to hone his craft as a producer/director and actor. Many may remember his father as the star of the movie “Stand and Deliver” which he was nominated for an Academy Award in 1988 and part of the cast for the TV series “Miami Vice.”

Brandon is following in his footsteps in the movie industry. He directed “La Gloria: Contemporary Art in the Cultural Zone” (2011 documentary) “Dani the Ranch Hand,” (Producer) and “American Me” (Assistant to the recording director) a movie his father starred in. His credits are long. Again I have taken his photo at many functions and events. The last time was at the premiere of the Cesar Chavez Movie opening a few months ago at the Rim.

As Always, I write “Just a Thought.”

Steve Walker is a Vietnam Veteran, former Journalist and Justice of the Peace.