Buzz Belmondo
Lorenzo Matawaran, better known by his stage name Buzz Belmondo, is an actor, comedian, filmmaker, film producer and writer.
Contents |
[edit] Early life
Born in San Francisco, California, on 20 February 1947, to Luis and Effie Matawaran, a Filipino immigrant couple, he grew up in a housing project not far from Fisherman's Wharf. As a child, he had the reputation of being the "cut-up" of the guys from his neighborhood.
During the late 1960s, Lorenzo Matawaran served in the United States Army, including a tour of duty in Germany, with the 97th Signal Battalion. He held the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged from the Army.[citation needed]
[edit] Career
A popular standup comic during the heyday of the Holy City Zoo along with Robin Williams, Dana Carvey, Jose Simon, Gil Christner, Joe Sharkey, and John Elk. Lorenzo began performing at comedy clubs throughout San Francisco, eventually heading for Los Angeles and a club called Igby's. Matawaran developed his Buzz Belmondo persona during these days in improvisational and stand-up comedy.
Matawaran's big break came when the Buzz Belmondo character was used on the Fox-TV Joan Rivers Show, telling fake gossip about Hollywood stars.
After several television appearances, Buzz soon caught the interest of television producers, landing a recurring role on the syndicated sitcom, Out of This World, with co-stars Donna Pescow and Maureen Flannigan. Buzz and co-star Joe Alaskey had previously worked the comedy club circuit together and remain good friends to this day, contrary to false rumors claiming that they feuded on the set of this show.
He went on to land the recurring role of "Guido" in the worldwide hit television series Baywatch. He has also appeared in several films including The Big Fall, Underground, The Dakota Kid, and others.
Buzz's first screenplay, Family Values, was produced and directed by Second City member John Elk. Currently Buzz's projects include collaboration with Danny Stump and his long-time friend Christner on the parody/spoof of the 1950s paranoia film, They Might Be Us.
He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Kathy, and their son Matt (a member of the LA Rock band We Are Lions).
Buzz is currently one half of the comedy team of Carl and Buzz. The duo headlines across the United States.
[edit] Trivia
- Cousin of former Major League Baseball Pitcher Joe Arancibia
- Comedy Team of Carl and Buzz voted Top Act in Atlantic City
- Founding member of San Francisco Improv group Papaya Juice (along with Jose Simon, Gil Christner, Joe Sharkey, Rodney Sheriff, Bill Lucas, and John Elk)
- Avid fresh-water fisherman (Lake Mils Lac)
- Has a cameo in Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach" video.
- Was a four-year letterman in track and field in high school.
- Best friends with Carl Bradley.
- Named cats after his favorite football team the San Francisco 49er's.
- Long time fan of television show Sábado Gigante with Don Francisco.
[edit] Sources
 |
This article about a comedian or humorist is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
