California-born Rick Najera embarked on an artistic journey as an actor, gradually evolving into a multi-talented award-winning actor-writer-director-producer, boasting an impressive and diverse range of credits across various mediums, including film, television, theatre, and the esteemed Broadway stage.
Najera's professional journey was significantly influenced and guided by a trio of esteemed individuals, including the illustrious Oscar-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg, the renowned filmmaker and actor Keenen Ivory Wayans, and the celebrated comedian Cheech Marin, each of whom played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic vision and providing valuable mentorship as he embarked on his career.
Najera, a highly ambitious and self-driven individual, was keenly aware of the limited opportunities available to him as an actor, prompting him to explore alternative avenues to make a mark in the competitive Hollywood industry.
Undeterred by the scarcity of roles, Najera demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial spirit by leveraging his creative talents to craft his own path to success. He embarked on a journey of self-discovery, honing his writing skills and developing a unique voice that would eventually set him apart from the rest.
As a testament to his perseverance and dedication, Najera's hard work paid off when he landed a significant writing gig on the acclaimed television show, In Living Color. This milestone achievement not only marked a major breakthrough in his career but also served as a beacon of inspiration for others seeking to make a name for themselves in the entertainment industry.
Through his unwavering commitment to his craft and his refusal to accept limitations, Najera has emerged as a shining example of what can be accomplished when passion, creativity, and determination come together in perfect harmony.
Rick Najera, a trailblazing figure in the world of American theatre, has achieved a remarkable distinction by becoming one of only three Latinos in the storied history of Broadway to author and star in his own original production.
Najera first set foot on the esteemed Broadway stage in the year 2005, marking a pivotal moment in his illustrious career, as he brought his highly acclaimed and award-winning sketch comedy show, Latinologues (TM),to the forefront, thereby establishing a milestone by virtue of its unprecedented and unparalleled longevity as the sole and longest-running showcase of its kind specifically dedicated to the rich cultural heritage and experiences of the Latino community in America.
The talented individual in question is a skilled writer, whose creative endeavors have led to the development of a heartwarming holiday film, aptly titled "Nothing Like the Holidays". This cinematic masterpiece boasts an impressive cast, featuring the versatile talents of Debra Messing, the acclaimed Alfred Molina, and the renowned John Leguizamo.
The film's success was marked by a prestigious award, presented by the esteemed Alma Awards, in recognition of the writer's outstanding contribution to the world of cinema.
Noted television writer and producer, Najera, received two prestigious nominations from the esteemed Writers Guild of America (WGA) in recognition of his outstanding writing contributions to the popular sketch comedy show, MADtv.
Noteworthy throughout his storied profession, Najera has been bestowed with the esteemed distinction of being named one of the 100 Most Influential Latinos in America on two separate occasions, in addition to receiving a plethora of other prestigious awards and accolades.
Rick Najera, a prolific author, published his fourth book, titled "Almost White: Forced Confessions of a Latino in Hollywood", in the year 2013. This notable literary work received widespread attention, prompting a significant press tour, and was met with overwhelmingly positive reviews, boasting a perfect five-star rating on the renowned online platform Amazon.com.
Najera has had the distinguished honor of occupying the esteemed position of director for the highly acclaimed and prestigious annual CBS Diversity Sketch Comedy Showcase for a remarkable span of over a decade, consistently demonstrating their exceptional leadership skills and unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
Najera is a prolific contributor to NPR radio, consistently providing insightful commentary and expert analysis to a wide-ranging audience. This accomplished individual is also a seasoned professional speaker, with a impressive track record of delivering keynote addresses and presentations to numerous prominent organizations and esteemed institutions.
He is a renowned writer, having penned the script for the multi-Emmy-nominated Hulu original series, East Los High, a groundbreaking television production that has garnered widespread critical acclaim and recognition.
In addition to his writing credits, he is also a skilled producer, having brought to life the talk show, Latino Thought Makers, a platform that provides a powerful voice to the Latino community and showcases the perspectives and experiences of influential Latino leaders and thinkers.
As a creative force behind these projects, he has demonstrated his ability to craft compelling narratives and bring important stories to life, earning him a reputation as a talented and innovative writer and producer.
Najera's extraordinary accomplishments and unwavering commitment to his artistic endeavors have indelibly etched his reputation as a luminary within the realm of entertainment, his influence and stature commanding widespread recognition and respect throughout the industry.
