Eugenio Derbez

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, The Cardinal will feature prominent and historical Hispanic Americans, living or dead, who have worked toward change, advancement, and/or world peace. Some of them are heroes, and some are unsung heroes who deserve recognition, and have made a contribution to society.

Jennifer Hernandez Covarrubias, Staff Writer

October 8, 2024

Acclaimed Mexican actor, comedian, and director, Eugenio Derbez, has achieved great success in the entertainment industry and has left a lasting impact on society.

Derbez was born and raised in Mexico City. In 2014, He immigrated to the US, because he wanted to benefit from the greater market for English-language media as well as to maximize his career chances. His motivation for moving was to reach a wider audience and take on new challenges outside of the Latin American entertainment industry.

Derbez developed an early interest in acting at the age of 12, and landed his first role as an extra in a telenovela. His work in television and film is highly esteemed from popular projects such as La familia Peluche and Instructions Not Included, which resonated strongly with many Hispanics. In addition to having a profound impact on many Latinos, Derbez has helped people worldwide gain a more complex understanding of Mexican culture.

Derbez has addressed various social issues through his work, including immigration, family dynamics, and personal growth. His movies frequently promote empathy and societal change by highlighting themes of resilience and solidarity. He is also involved in humanitarian efforts, supporting programs for disaster relief, education, and health. His contributions help raise awareness and address important challenges in Latin America.

His numerous accomplishments in the US film industry have led to his becoming recognized in Hollywood and landing significant film projects. In 2016, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, joining a select group of about a hundred Latinos who have received this award as well.

“When I started coming to the U.S., they were offering me only the typical stereotypical roles: the druggard, the criminal, the gang member, or in the best-case scenario, the gardener or the cook,” expressed Derbez. “I was fed up with all these roles that were always the same. And I promised I would try to change the image of Latinos in Hollywood.”

And he succeeded in doing so and opened many doors, where we saw more Mexicans portraying the good guy rather than as criminals or secondary roles. Derbez’s impact reaches beyond entertainment, promoting cultural exchange and supporting social change through his work and charitable activities.

About the Contributor

Jennifer Hernandez Covarrubias, Staff Writer

Jennifer Hernandez Covarrubias is a senior at Hoover High School for the 2024/2025 academic school year. She was born and raised in San Diego, California, on December 27. Jennifer's parents immigrated from Mexico to the U.S. years ago in search of better opportunities. Jennifer has three siblings, each three years apart in age: one older sister and two younger siblings, a sister and a brother, with whom she has great relationships with. She will be the first in her family to graduate from Hoover High School. After high school, she plans to attend community college for the first two years before transferring to a university for her final two years. Jennifer loves watching movies and has many favorites, including Uptown Girls, Gone Girl, Scarface, The Hunger Games, among many others. She also loves going to the movie theaters, which she considers her ideal way to spend a day. While she is generally reserved and likes to keep to herself, she can become more animated and expressive once people get to know her. She loves music a lot; if she forgets her AirPods at home, she anticipates a less enjoyable day. Jennifer aims to maintain strong connections with loved ones, and avoid feeling trapped in a monotonous or dreary routine.