Legendary actress Rita Moreno is opening up about the surprising transformation she’s witnessed in her longtime collaborator, comedian George Lopez. Moreno, 92, and Lopez, 63, have worked together in the past, with Moreno guest-starring on Lopez’s hit sitcom “The George Lopez Show” back in 2007. But now, as the two prepare to reunite on the set of Lopez’s latest project, “Lopez vs. Lopez,” Moreno says she’s noticed a significant change in her co-star’s demeanor.
“He’s really eased up,” Moreno told People magazine. He has become more gentle and affectionate. I understand that George may not seem like a cuddly person, but I found myself constantly leaning on him, and he put his arm around me.
The “West Side Story” icon continued by describing Lopez as “a pretty nice guy” these days, a stark contrast to the persona she recalls from their previous collaboration. “He was never a sweet person, but he is now, and I am very fond of him,” Moreno revealed.
The two actors’ reunion on “Lopez vs. Lopez” has given Moreno the chance to not only work with Lopez again but also get to know his daughter, Mayan Lopez, who co-stars on the show.
Moreno recalls that when she first met Mayan on the set of “The George Lopez Show” back in 2007, the young actress was more “insecure” about her acting abilities. But now, she says, Mayan is “more secure” and “also funny.”
“She’s a really neat girl. Moreno gushed, “Those big, beautiful eyes of hers are so pretty.” “I think it’s in the genes.” Moreno will portray the spirit of George’s fictionalized late grandmother, Dolores, in “Lopez vs. Lopez,” describing her as a “wicked, horrible, bitchy grandmother” who was “nasty” to her grandson when she was alive.
Moreno previously played a similar role on “The George Lopez Show,” guest-starring as George’s grandmother Luisa in the series’ final season. But unlike her previous character, the new Dolores is set to return from the grave to scold George for badmouthing her.
“She came back roaring, nasty as always, in that family and demanding respect,” Moreno said of her character. Despite Dolores’ vicious nature, Moreno found the show’s underlying themes compelling, particularly the “serious undertone” of the relationship between her character and George’s.
“I loved the reason she comes back from the dead,” Moreno explained. In addition to the humor, the project allowed me to comprehend the profound depth of her and George’s relationship. And while Moreno didn’t want to give away too much about the show’s ending, she did tease that she “loved” how it all played out.
Moreno attributes George Lopez’s transformation to his newfound sense of “sweetness” and “cuddliness,” which is a stark contrast to the gruff persona she recalls from their previous collaboration.
“He’s funnier than ever,” Moreno said, noting that after their recent taping, Lopez even surprised the entire cast by taking them out to dinner at a “wonderful” Mexican restaurant. It’s a heartwarming evolution for the beloved comedian, and one that Moreno seems to be thoroughly enjoying as she steps back into the world of “Lopez vs. Lopez.”
With the show’s third season now underway, fans will no doubt be eager to see the dynamic between Moreno’s Dolores and Lopez’s fictionalized version of himself play out on the small screen.