Words of Wisdom From Latino Legends

Mario Lopez, 50, actor who starred on the popular 80s TV series Saved By the Bell and is currently a cohost on Access Hollywood

“I feel very blessed for the long career. It’s going on almost 40 years now. I owe a lot of that to my family and to my faith. I think it’s helped keep me grounded and focused and remain disciplined.”

Living and Learning

Gina Torres, 55, actor known for her roles in the TV series Suits and in the Matrix film series

“I want [my daughter] to know that it gets better. It doesn’t always make sense, but it gets better. Our ability to really release the small stuff is such a blessing, and that comes with time.… I know who I am. There are things that I know I want to do. There are things I know I have to work hard for, that I’m prepared to work hard for. And then there are other things where I’m like, Yeah, no, not so much.”

Cheech Marin, 78, comedian, actor, art collector and founder of California’s Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture of the Riverside Art Museum (aka The Cheech)

“I was self-educated from a very early age because this group of cousins that I had, we assigned each other subjects to learn about to bring back to the group. I got assigned art, so I started learning about it. From maybe age 11, going to the library and taking out all the art books, I acquainted myself with that.”

Roselyn Sánchez, 51, actor-singer-dancer with TV roles on series such as Devious Maids, Without a Trace and the reboot of Fantasy Island

“It’s very important to me that [my children] learn Spanish. Luckily, I have a husband — and even though he’s American and doesn’t speak Spanish — he’s obsessed with the language. And he’s even more adamant than me that the kids be bilingual.”

Ada Limón, 48, first female U.S. poet laureate of Latino and Mexican American heritage, and first to serve a two-year second term in the position

“I’m always telling young artists: ‘Your poems don’t want you to be hungry. They don’t want you to be full of anxiety because you can’t make your rent. So if it means you have to write some sneaky poems in the office, then write some sneaky poems in the office. Just remember that most artists have to do that. Live your life and try to find other ways to make a living that don’t harm your soul and that support you and your lifestyle. Very few people can make a living making art regardless of what the art is, and you’re not a failed artist because you have to make a living. You’re just a human being in a world of capitalism.’ I never want anyone to give up because they have to keep their day jobs.”

Eva Longoria's LA-based charity seeks to help Latinas build better futures for themselves and their families through education and entrepreneurship.

AARP (Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

Paying it Forward

Eva Longoria, 49, actor, director and philanthropist currently starring in the Apple TV+ series Land of Women

“The work I’m doing now [through the L.A.-based Eva Longoria Foundation, with Jeff Bezos’ recent $50 million gift], I’m going to be able to scale it — helping Latinas reach their full potential through educational programs, entrepreneurial programs, cultural programs. Now we’re going to be able to help so many more Latinas and do so many more things.”

George Lopez, 63, comedian and actor currently starring in the NBC comedy series Lopez vs Lopez

“My kidney surgery [Lopez had a kidney transplant after being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at age 43] led to starting the [George Lopez] Foundation. We’ve raised millions of dollars for people. There’s purpose in that. The purpose is to have information available to people that will keep them well that didn’t exist before. Especially being a Latino, something would not be a red flag when it should be a red flag. Everybody can make an excuse for being fatigued or for low back pain. Maybe you reached for something [and felt pain], but your back’s been hurting for years. Those are the things that we want people to be aware of. If you feel something, your body is trying to tell you something.”