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User:MichaelQSchmidt/workspace/Del Zamora

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{{Infobox person

| name = Del Zamora

| image = DelZ.jpg

| caption = Del Zamora

| birth_name =

| birth_date =

| birth_place = Roswell, New Mexico

| death_date =

| death_place =

| othername =

| occupation = Actor

| years_active = 1984-present

| spouse =

| website =

| awards =

}}

Del Zamora is an American actor.

Family background

Del Zamora was born in Roswell, New Mexico, the oldest of three children, and is of Latino/Native American descent Apache Mescalero/Mexican heritage. His family hails from what is now called Lincoln County in New Mexico. Both sides of his family date back in that area to the 16th century. His great, great grandmother, Nestorita Lara was painted by Henrietta Wyeth when Nestorita was 114 years old. The painting still hangs in the city museum in Roswell. Del's grandfather, Tircio Romero, helped build the roads and infrastructure of Lincoln County and served as a member of the county's first school board. Del's grandmother, Mercedes Lara, was the first girl to graduate from high school in Lincoln County and she was first in her class. His mother, Maria, the youngest daughter of Tircio and Mercedes, moved Del and his two sisters to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in order to pursue her college education. She raised her three children alone, after Del's father abandoned the family.

Education

Del Zamora attended Flora Vista Elementary school in Roswell, New Mexico. Flora Vista Elementary eventually changed its name to Nancy Lopez Elementary school. Nancy Lopez's father, Domingo "Sunday" Lopez, is Del Zamora's godfather. Del's Mother, Maria, moved the family to Albuquerque, to attend the University of New Mexico, where she received her BA degree in Sociology, summa cum laude. Del attended Whittier Elementary school, Wilson Jr. High and Highland High.

Del's Mother, then moved the family from New Mexico to Northern California, in order to pursue her Master's degree in Sociology, which she also received, summa cum laude. He attended Woodland High School, before moving to the Bay Area, to live with his father. Del attended Alameda High School in the Bay Area. In his junior year at Alameda High, Zamora's father, moved him to Los Angeles, California. He settled with his father in Hawthorne, California, where Del graduated from Leuzinger High school, on the honor roll.

While in his senior year at Leuzinger High, Del attended night school at Control Data Institute, studying Computer Technology. Zamora received his Associate in Science degree, graduating first in this class from Control Data Institute before he graduated from Leuzinger High school. For five years, Zamora worked in the computer industry, rising from computer technician, to computer support manager, to computer salesman, to computer sales manager, to Western Regional Marketing Director. All of this occurred over a five year period, during which Zamora longed to break into show business. He would play music with different bands on the weekends and plotted on how to become an actor, writer, director, producer, singer, musician and composer. He also earned a black belt in martial arts, and has completed two Los Angeles Marathons, one in 1992 and the second in 2002.

Career

After five years in the computer industry, Del Zamora eventually left that industry to pursue show business. He liquidated his stocks, sold his condo and luxury car and bought a Chevrolet Van. He drove cross country, with his dog, Chivo, to New York to study acting with Stella Adler. He studied Method Acting, and also took classes in fencing, dance, speech and singing. After 14 months of intensive study, Zamora drove back to Los Angeles and proceeded to live in his van with Chivo, while he pursued an acting career. He pursued theater, student films and non-union films. During this time, Zamora did almost half of his 78 student films. Most of these were at USC, AFI, LACC or UCLA.

It was during this time that Del Zamora first met director Alex Cox at a student film audition for Repo Man at UCLA in 1982. Del had been attending UCLA and had just been accepted to the 1983-1984 motion picture/television program as a writer/director. A year after the initial audition, Alex Cox told Del that he was being cast as Lagarto Rodriguez in Repo Man. Zamora withdrew from classes, to concentrate full time, on filming Repo Man.

After shooting his first professional picture with Alex Cox, Del Zamora continued to live in his van, for another two years. He was then cast in RoboCop (film)|Robocop]] as a working class cop for director Paul Verhoeven and producer Jon Davison while at the same time acting in Straight to Hell for director Alex Cox, in which he played a federale. Zamora flew back and forth from Almeria, Spain and Dallas, Texas several times during the shoots of these two films. He then shot Walker in Nicaragua for director Alex Cox and Born in East L.A. (film)}Born in East L.A. for director Cheech Marin in Tijuana, Mexico and East Los Angeles, California; also at the same time, flying back and forth, numerous times between Managua, Nicaragua and Tijuana, Mexico; as well as East Los Angeles, California. With the income from these films, Zamora finally moved out of his van, and into an apartment with his dog, Chivo.

Perhaps the most memorable role of Del Zamora's career (especially to Latino audiences), is his portrayal of one of the "What's Happening Boys" or "Waas Sappening Boys", in Cheech Marin's "Born in East LA", which was released in 1987, by Universal Pictures. His cultural ad libs, which were not in the script; are what hold up in the long run, which can be confirmed, by viewing the number of hits, that the Waas Sappening Boys get on youtube. The Waas Sappening Boys, get 4-5 times the hits of anyone else in the movie, including Cheech Marin. There are many inside jokes for Latino people in these scenes, that are loved by Latino audiences, no matter what age they are.

A versatile actor/director/playwright, Del Zamora, has appeared in an enormous number of films, television episodes and theatrical productions. He has won numerous awards for his accomplished writing, directing and producing. In September 2007, he starred as Mel Torres in the Alex Cox/John Davison/Roger Corman film [http://www.searchers2.com Searchers 2.0], which premiered at the 2007 Venice Film Festival - La Biennale di Venezia.

The most recent credits for Del Zamora, include a badass Mexican brujo, known as Don Bartolo, in 3 Guest Star episodes, of SEASON 4 of "TRUE BLOOD" for HBO, airing on July 24, 31 & August 7, 2011; and starring roles in "THURSDAY'S SPEAKER" for writer/director Gary Hebert, "REPO CHICK" for executive producer David Lynch and Writer/Director Alex Cox ("REPO MAN", as well as "SEARCHERS 2.0"), also for director Alex Cox, producer Jon Davison ("ROBOCOP (film)}ROBOCOP"), and legendary executive producer Roger Corman. It is the 9th time that Del Zamora will have worked with Alex Cox, and the 2nd time that Del Zamora, will have worked with Jon Davison ROBOCOP, being the other). REPO CHICK had its World Premiere at the 2009 Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, in September, 2009. There is an on the set interview of Del Zamora on you tube. Search Repo Chick Del Zamora. "SEARCHERS 2.0" (film)|SEARCHERS 2.0]], also had its WORLD PREMIERE at the 2007 Venice Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, in 2007. There are photos of Del Zamora, as he attended the Red Carpet Premiere of "SEARCHERS 2.0" (film)|SEARCHERS 2.0]], in Venice, Italy. To see these photos, search Del Zamora Venice Film Festival on Getty Images and/or Wired Images.

There is also a channel on youtube, that has over 51 of Del Zamora's acting clips. That channel is delzamoraactor channel on youtube. This channel also displays Del Zamora's expertise as a film maker. delzamoraactor channel on youtube, has several examples of Del's behind the camera work. There is a short film, on Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, on the delzamoraactor channel on youtube. Its title is, "FRIDA KAHLO IN THE CASA AZUL". Del Zamora is the writer/director/producer/editor of this award winning short, on the famous Mexicana painter. There is also an award winning 35mm short film, that Del Zamora produced, for the Universal Television's Hispanic Film Project, titled "I'll be Home for Christmas". There is also an award winning cable pilot, that Del Zamora Co-produced, Co-wrote and Co-directed, titled, "Channel Zero Chicano Comedy at its Finest". Del Zamora, also appears in several of the sketches, on "Channel Zero Chicano Comedy at its Finest". The link to this channel's clips, can be accessed through Del Zamora's Facebook Page - Screen Grabs Album, in the photos file. Here is the link:

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Filmography

===Film===

Thursday's Speaker - Starring Role - Dir. Gary Hebert

Repo Chick - Starring Role - Dir. Alex Cox

Searchers 2.0 - Starring Role - Dir. Alex Cox

The Winner - Featured Role - Dir. Alex Cox

Back to Hell - Starring Role - Dir. Alex Cox

El Patrullero - Composed additional score - Dir. Alex Cox

Walker - Featured Role - Dir. Alex Cox

Straight to Hell - Co-star Role - Dir. Alex Cox

Sid & Nancy - Featured Role - Dir. Alex Cox

Repo Man - Co-star Role - Dir. Alex Cox

Tortilla Heaven - Co-star Role - Dir. Judy Hecht Dumontet

Expired - Featured Role - Dir. Cecilia Minuuichi

Normality - Co-star Role - Dir. Cecilia Minnuichi

The Outfitters - Starring Role - Dir. Reverge Anselmo

Never Trust A Serial Killer - Starring Role - Juan Garza

El Luchador Chicano - Starring Role - Juan Garza

Town & Country - Featured Role - Dir. Peter Chelsom

Man's Best Friend - Featured Role - Dir. John Lafia

The Blue Iguana - Featured Role - Dir. John Lafia

The Substance of Things Hoped For - Co-star Role - Dir. Greg Morgan

The Perfect Bride - Featured Role - Dir. Terence O'Hara

Undercover - Co-star Role - Dir. Terence O'Hara

Blackwater Valley Exorcism - Co-star Role - Dir. Ethan Wiley

Floundering - Co-star Role - Dir. Peter McCarthy

Space Rage - Featured Role - Dir. Peter McCarthy

Dishdogz - Co-star Role - Dir. Mikey Hilb

Face Off - Featured Role - Dir. John Woo

Heat Street - Starring Role - Dir. Joseph Merhi

Fresh Kill - Featured Role - Dir. Joseph Merhi

Virginia - Co-star Role - Dir. Gilbert Le

The Search for A Homeless Man - Co-star Role - Dir. Steve Thraxler

The King of the Korner - Co-star Role - Dir. James Mathers

Born in East LA - Co-star Role - Dir. Richard Cheech Marin

Robocop - Co-star Role - Dir. Paul Verhoeven

Stephen King's Night of the Crow - Starring Role - Dir. Damian Harris

Wacky Adventures - Co-star Role - Dir. Paul Leder

Ladykillers - Co-star Role - Dir. Robert Lewis

The Fabulous Baker Boys - Featured Role - Dir. Steve Kloves

Ghettoblaster - Starring Role - Dir. Alan Stewart

The Pow Wow Highway - Featured Role - Dir. Jonathan Wacks

And The Earth Did Not Swallow Him - Featured Role - Dir. Severo Perez

The Riverbottom - Starring Role - Dir. Robert Diaz Leroy

White Men Can't Jump - Featured Role - Dir. Ron Shelton

Durango Kids - Featured Role - Dir. Ashton Root

Roadside Prophets - Featured Role - Dir. Abbe Wool

Tequila Sunrise - Featured Role - Dir. Robert Towne

Worth Winning - Featured Role - Dir. Will Mackenzie

Kicks - Featured Role - Dir. William Wiard

Rapid Fire - Co-star Role - Dir. David Prior

My Sweet Killer - Co-star Role - Dir. Justin Dossetti

P.I. Private Investigations - Co-star Role - Dir. Nigel Dick

American Justice - Co-star Role - Dir. Garry Grillo

Pennant Sword - Starring Role - Dir. Duane Clark

North by El Norte - Featured Role - Dir. Mark Christensen

Link for video clips of some of the above credits:

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=Television=

{{cite web|url=http://www.filmreference.com/film/8/Del-Zamora.html|title=Del Zamora Biography ((?)-)|work=filmreference.com/|accessdate=20 August 2011}}

Theater

Irrational Exhibits - Track 16 Gallery - El Luchador Chicano

Lupe Now - Falcon Theatre Los Angeles - Lead role

To Hell With You - Falcon Theatre Los Angeles - Lead role

Duke's Development - USC National Playwright's Festival - Ensemble

Emmitt Till - Bayfront Theater San Francisco/Theatre Theater Los Angeles - Ensemble

The Last Angry Brown Hat - Smithsonian Institute Washington D.C./Yale University Connecticut/Notre Dame University Indiana/Northwestern University/USC/UCLA/Paramount Theatre Denver, Colorado/Orpheum Theatre Phoenix Arizona/National Tour 1993-1999 282 shows 42 cities - Lead role Rudeboy

El Luchador Chicano - LA Festival 1993 @ Leimert Park (Curated by Peter Sellars)

El Luchador Chicano - Mark Taper Forum Los Angeles/San Antonio Cinefestival Theater/Cafe Cinema San Diego/The Improv Los Angeles - Lead role of El Luchador Chicano

Out in Front Otra Vez - Mark Taper Forum Los Angeles - Lead role

Baby Jesus - Audrey Skirball Theatre Los Angeles - Ensemble

Culture Clash - LATC Los Angeles Theater Center - Ensemble

Shakespeare til' You Drop - LATC Los Angeles Theater Center - Ensemble

Navidad en las Americas - Disneyland - Choir

Misa Azteca - Long Beach Civic Light Opera Choir

Navidad en Hollywood - Hollywood Bowl - Choir

LatinoLogues - Glaxa Stage Los Angeles - Ensemble

Romeo & Juliet - CBS Backlot Production Los Angeles - Benvolio

Heaven on Earth - Tiffany Theater/Met Theatre Los Angeles - Ensemble

Power of the Powerless - Coast Playhouse Los Angeles - Lead role

Shattered Secrets - Powerhouse Theater Los Angeles - Lead role

The Promise - South Coast Repertory - Lead role

Man of the Flesh - South Coast Repertory - Lead role

Los Matadores (Bilingual Cast) Bilingual Foundation of the Arts - Lead role

Pedro Paramo (Bilingual Cast) Bilingual Foundation of the Arts - Ensemble

Jackie Charge - Gene Dynarski Theatre - Ensemble

Dracula Tyrannus - Globe Theater Los Angeles - Ensemble

Twelfth Night - Globe Theater Los Angeles - Antonio

The Barry Ivy Show - Friends & Artists Theater Los Angeles - Guest

Cafe Caliente - Roxy Theater Los Angeles - Host

Crying - New York One Act Theatre - Ensemble

A Kingdom by the Sea - Alice's 4th Floor Theater New York - Lead role

The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit - Plaza de la Raza Los Angeles - Lead role of Vamenos

Leonce & Lena (Commedia del' Arte) - Stages Theatre Los Angeles - Commedia del' Arte Ensemble

Banana - LAAT Los Angeles Actors Theater - Lead Musical Performer/Vocalist

Latino Lunacy (Improv) - Nosotros Theatre - Improvisation Comedy Ensemble

Who is She Frank? (Improv) - Groundlings Theatre - Improvisation Comedy Ensemble

Hijos - Teatro Estudio Jorge Negrete East Los Angeles - Lead

What to do til' the Saviour Comes - Actor's Forum Theatre Los Angeles - Ensemble

Indians - Theatre Exchange Los Angeles - Ensemble

Shakespeare Repertory (Shakespearean Repertory Player) New England - Ensemble (3 plays)

99 Cent Massacre (Director) - Ricardo Montalban Theatre

La Chunga (Director) - Court Theater Los Angeles

A Ras de Suelo (Director Bilingual Production) - KPFK Radio Theatre

Latino Lunacy (Director) - Nosotros Theatre

A Peasant of El Salvador (Director) - Gene Dynarski Theatre

Del Zamora has also written for many daily and weekly newspapers, to include the Los Angeles Times, the LA Weekly, and was also a writer, as well as Co-publisher for Pocho Magazine. His most high profile articles, were in the Los Angeles Times. The first article, was related to the controversial casting of Italian American actress Laura San Giacomo, as Mexican Painter, Frida Kahlo. The name of that article is, "Frida's Story: Artistic Choice or Cultural Catastrophy?" August 10, 1992 - Los Angeles Times Calendar Section - Counter Punch. Zamora wrote that the casting of a non-Latina as Mexican icon Frida Kahlo, was fundamentally wrong and culturally unfair. The second article dealt with an Oscar boycott brought by Reverend Jesse Jackson. The name of that article is, "Where are the Latinos in Film, TV?" - May 20, 1996 - Los Angeles Times Calendar Section - Counter Punch. Zamora listed how many Latino historical icons, have been, and continue to be played, by non-Latino actors. Yet, Latino actors hardly ever play non-Latino roles. On both of these occasions, Zamora was ostracized by the industry, and did not work for a year or two, due to the backlash, from these well written, provocative articles. Del Zamora continues to post his forthright point of view, on his facebook page, and continues to work, in spite of doing so.

Music

Del Zamora recorded with Clash front man, Joe Strummer on 3 of his post Clash albums. On the "Permanent Record" soundtrack, Del Zamora played percussion on the album. On the "Walker" soundtrack, Zamora sang background vocals on one of the songs, on the soundtrack album. On Joe Strummer's solo debut album, "Earthquake Weather", Zamora sang backup vocals on a few tracks, as well as some percussion on the album.

Del Zamora recorded with The Pogues, on the "Straight to Hell" soundtrack album, singing on the song titled, "Rabinga". Del Zamora also sang along with the cast of "Straight to Hell", as well as sweetening the tracks in the studio, on "Danny Boy" & "Karl's Disco Wiener Tina Haven". All 3 of these songs are on the soundtrack album, for "Straight to Hell", which has been re-released, by director Alex Cox, as "Straight to Hell Returns!"

Del Zamora Wrote the lyrics and Co-produced a song for the cable pilot, "Channel Zero", titled "A Word to the Madre", which was also shot as a music video, with Del Zamora portraying one of his alter egos, "Rappin Cristo". Del Zamora sings, raps, and appears as Rappin Cristo. Musician/Composer Billy Ferrick wrote the music and Co-produced this funk song. A few short clips of this music video, appear in the cable pilot, "Channel Zero Chicano Comedy at its Finest", which is on the delzamoraactor channel. The complete music video, with female backup vocalists, portraying Mary Magdalene and Virgin Mary, can also be seen on delzamoraactor channel on youtube. The satirical concept of the video, is that Rappin Cristo, came back as a Rapper for La Gente, who was born in La Puente.

Del Zamora composed a 5 minute cue for the Alex Cox Mexican feature film, "El Patrullero". The cue was produced by Musician Zander Schloss, for the El Patrullero soundtrack]]. This cue, can be seen and heard on the delzamoraactor channel on youtube.

Del Zamora appeared as a singer, with Shane MacGowan and Los Lobos, at a BBC televised gig, at the famous Viper Room. This song aired, as part of a BBC talk show; with Johnny Depp, Chris Penn, Sy Richardson, Del Zamora and Shane MacGowan on the panel. This television show's title is, "A Drink With Shane MacGowan"

Del Zamora recorded track vocals for the Circle Jerks album "Wonderful" album. Del Zamora, also recorded many demos with Composer/Musician Zander Schloss.

Del Zamora was one of 28 members of El Coro de Los Angeles, an East Los Angeles choir, that performed with Jose Feliciano, Cheyenne, Ricky Martin, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente and many others, at venues such as the Long Beach Civic Light Opera, Hollywood Bowl, and a special Christmas appearance, in the television program, "Navidad en Las Americas". Del Zamora is a lyric baritone, with a great voice.

Del Zamora was the subject of the song "Planxty Del Zamora" by The Low and Sweet Orchestra on their album Goodbye to All That. Members of the Low and Sweet Orchestra, including Zander Schloss and James Fearnley, had worked with Del Zamora on the Alex Cox film Straight to Hell.

References

{{reflist}}

External links

  • {{IMDB name|id=0952685|name=Del Zamora}}