Today's Familiar Face-Unknown Name:
Rick GonzalezWhere You've Seen Him (high profile): Most likely you know Rick from Old School, where he played "Spanish," one of the lead "students" being shepherded by Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell. More recently, he's been seen in a small-yet-pivotal role in In the Valley of Elah and as a co-star on Reaper.
Where You've Seen Him (not-so-high profile): I'm one of the three people (along with Mrs. Fletch and some drunken hobo) that went to the theater to see Gonzalez co-star in Pulse, a horrible horror vehicle for Kristen Bell in 2006 (hey, we were desperate at the time). He's also been featured in For Your Consideration, The Promotion, Biker Boyz, Roll Bounce, and Coach Carter.
Character Specialties: At 29 years old, he has yet to really carve out a niche for himself in Hollywood beyond a number of "ethnic" roles, but he's shown wiseass comedic chops in a number of roles to date.
My favorite role: Though it's gotten rave reviews, I've yet to see Reaper, as that is probably his beefiest role thus far. I'd have to go with Old School, and I can't really explain his appeal, but I've been seeing him more and more lately, and I'm always glad when he appears onscreen. Perhaps he'll have a meatier role in the upcoming cop drama Pride and Glory, starring Ed Norton and Colin Farrell.
Little Known Facts: He might appear tall with his fro-ed out hair, but he stands just 5'8". Is a friend of Lost's Jorge Reyes. Despite the "Spanish" moniker, Gonzalez was born in New York of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent.
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Gonzalez
On IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0327779/
18 people have chosen wisely: on "Familiar Face - Unknown Name #7 - Rick Gonzalez"
I believe Luke Wilson, not Owen, did the shepherding with Vince & Will in Old School.
I have no opinion on this kid. Aside from Old School, all I've seen is Coach Carter. He cries like a little baby in Sam Jackson's arms for an uncomfortable amount of time. Call me when he does a decent movie.
I am a pretty big fan of the series Reaper, and am glad that it got renewed (albeit at mid-season) for a second season.
Gonzalez is pretty good in the role of Ben, although Tyler Labine gets all of the credit for his role as Sock. Gonzalez does a lot more of the physical comedy on the show.
SPANISH! My wife and I love Rick. I enjoy Reaper, even if he (and everyone else) takes a back seat to Sock.
Yes, I too saw Pulse (ugh) for he and Kristen Bell. I still have Illegal Tender in my Q from last year. We use Chillaxin' regularly in our household thanks to For Your Consideration.
Deserving entry into the FF-UN group!
I love this feature.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
Watch Reaper.
@ Buffett - horrible typo on my part. I absolutely know that it's Luke.
Damn, I haven't seen that part of Coach Carter - I only saw early on where he got all pissed and then booted out of the gym. Good to know that Coach can still warm even the coldest hearts...just like every other hood/school/sports movie.
Still, give the kid a chance. He's gettin' there.
@ Wayne - it's weird, I'm sure I should remember Chillaxin' more as I saw FYC in the theater, but that movie just didn't impress me all that much and most of it is long forgotten, including Gonzalez's role.
@ Nayana - thank ya, darlin'.
@ Farmacy - is it that good? I know that sleazy guy from Rising Sun plays the devil, but not much else about it. I generally (read: always) avoid the CW...
I've never seen Reaper, either (as I don't even get the CW), but from what I've heard, it's much like Greek on ABC Family in one major aspect: For a channel that produces typically stupid shows, it's the one that's actually REALLY good.
Nice choice here, but dang, does this dude look like somebody else or am I confused? He seems way too familiar for me having only seen him in Old School, Elah, and Coach Carter.
daniel: He looked very familiar to me, too (but not how I thought of him), but it wasn't the guy I was thinking of, either...
This is a great feature. Keep 'em coming.
Naw...
The "Spanish" thing is just slang. All the kids back in my school days who were of Latin heritage were called "Spanish"...
Since that's what they speak.
It makes perfect sense.
dc: Down here in Texas... if anybody is of latin heritage, most people call them 'Mexican'... which really gets on their nerves, especially if they're not Mexican. :P
@ Diesel - gracias, mi amigo.
@ DC Girl - I know he's not Spanish - he doesn't look it at all. I was just using it as a segue to mention his heritage, as most people might think him Mexican (like the people Nick mentions...).
Yes, Reaper is that good.
It certainly has some flaws, and it's by no means a perfect show (the chicks on it are all annoying and not hot) but it will keep you amused for the duration.
Ray Wise is the devil, and he plays it perfectly. I suggest getting caught up on season 1, and watching season 2 when it comes out.
It won't change your life or anything, but its certainly better than 99% of the crap that is on.
I have to thumbs up Reaper too. Not groundbreaking, but Ray Wise is phenomenal as Satan. They seem to flounder with trying to creating large story arcs, but for quick laughs it delivers.
Still need to see Reaper, I guess.
This kid has a really memorable face. I remember him mostly from Coach Carter and Old School. It seems like I've seen him in a lot more. Guess not.
Good lookin' out with Gonzalez.
At the risk of piling on, I agree that Reaper is good viewing. Sock is so over the top, and Gonzalez does a great job being essentially a straight guy who can still bring the funny in an understated way.
-Frank the Tank
yw, babe.
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