Derbez named 08 Mr. Amigo
Eugenio Derbez, an actor, comedian and Formula 1 auto driver, has been named 2008's Mr. Amigo.
In Mexico, Derbez hosted a variety show called "Al Derecho y Al Derbez" and starred in the soap opera "No Tengo Madre." In the United States, he played roles in "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and "La Misma Luna." He was also the voice of Burro in the Spanish version of the animated film "Shrek."
Mr. Amigo organizers made the announcement Monday morning at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College's International Technology, Education and Commerce Center.
Mexican consul Victor Trevino praised Derbez, calling him the perfect representative of the binational award.
"This is the only place on the border where we have this kind of relationship," Trevino said.
Since 1964, Brownsville has honored a Mr. Amigo honoree - always a Mexican citizen who has contributed to the friendship of the United States and Mexico. The first Mr. Amigo was former President of Mexico, Miguel Aleman.
Since then, the honor has often gone to Mexican entertainers, including last year's selection, actress Angelica Vale.
Derbez, one of Mexico's most famous actors, has become a familiar face in American cinema. He co-starred as Enrique in 2007's "La Misma Luna," a film about a young Mexican immigrant, which received positive reviews in both the U.S. and Mexico.
As Mr. Amigo, Derbez will be recognized during Charro Days festivities.
Past Mr. Amigo recipients:
2008: Eugenio Derbez
2007: Angelica Vale
2006: Lucero
2005: Sergio Bustamante
2004: Lolita Ayala
2003: Dulce
2002: Aida Cuevas
2001: Cesar Costa
2000: Jorge Muñiz
1999: Silvia Pinal Hidalgo
1998: Jorge Ortiz de Pinedo
1997: Alberto Vasquez
1996: Angelica Maria
1995: Jose Manuel Mijares
1994: Maria Victoria
1993: Lucha Villa
1992: Daniela Romo
1991: Gustavo Petricioli
1990: Veronica Castro
1989: Ernesto Alonso
1988: Jorge Rivero
1987: Lucia Mendez
1986: Marco Antonio Muñiz
1985: Emmanuel
1984: Jose Jose
1983: Juan Gabriel
1982: Jorge Cardenas Gonzalez
1981: Roberto Cantoral
1980: Carlos Gomez Barrera
1979: Lola Beltran
1978: David Reynoso
1977: Vicente Fernandez
1976: Armando Manzanero
1975: Tito Guizar
1974: Pedro Vargas
1973: Raul Velasco
1972: Felipe Zambrano
1971: Lic. Alejandro Garza Laguera
1970: Manuel A. Ravize
1969: Lic. Jorge Perez Bouras
1968: Lic. Praxedis Balboa
1967: Jose F. Muguerza
1966: Jose Vivanco
1965: Mario Moreno "Cantinflas"
1964: Lic. Miguel Aleman
(Source: Mr. Amigo Association)
