this is freddie's entry in "hispanics in hollywood," by luis reyes and peter rubie:

freddie prinze
b: 6/22/1954
d: 1/29/1977

prinze was born in new york city of puerto rican-hungarian heritage. the comedian's brilliant career was cut short by his growing dependence on drugs and alcohol and his inability to cope with the pressures of hollywood success. prinze, a stand-up comedian who starred in major nightclubs as well as in the hit television series _chico and the man (1974- 1978)_ died by his own hand, when, under the influence of drugs, he put a gun to his head and accidentally fired it.

prinze's only dramatic role was in the telefilm _the million dollar rip-off (1976)_, in which he starred as an ex-con electronics whiz who, with the aid of four females, attempts a robbery. he also made guest appearances on _tony orlando and dawn (1974- 76)._ prinze was the first puerto rican or hispanic american comedian and television performer whose personality and special brand of street humor were able to cross over into mainstream america. had he lived, it is possible that he would have had a career similar to that of the black superstar eddie murphy, who also came out of stand-up comedy and television.




it's a great book! there were also entires for jr, and _chico and the man_. the book has biographies, and comments on hispanic films, telefilms, and television series.
jamison

That sounds like a neat book! Are there any pics of him in it? :)

It's nice to read more positive about Freddie's career and not JUST the way he died

I think it is great that they make the point that his death may have been accidental, and that they compare what he might have become to Eddie Murphy! I think they are right, Freddie could have made similar movies--including a vampire-type one, with his dark, sexy looks! (See my story "Eternal" on the "Good Night Sweet Prinze" website.) But I bet Freddie would have been much more successful! And he could have made records too--his voice was far better than Eddie's!

no pictures that i can see yet, only one of pie. i am savoring this book! it reminds me of "toms, coons, mulattos and mammies" a book on how films are in to only showing the stereotype of a ethnic group, and not a well rounded character. (well, at least in the old days. there are a lot better movies now, even though you can still see things creep in.)

i think that, since freddie started about the same time as leno, and that he was opening doors much earlier in his career than murphy, that he could would have been great as the host of the "tonight show." or even doing the serious stuff that edward james olmos has done. certainly, he would have gone with the flow, and come up with some films that truely told what he had lived in in the barrio. that would have been great to see!


jamison

Originally posted by jamison__99
this is freddie's entry in "hispanics in hollywood," by luis reyes and peter rubie:

freddie prinze
b: 6/22/1954
d: 1/29/1977

prinze was born in new york city of puerto rican-hungarian heritage. the comedian's brilliant career was cut short by his growing dependence on drugs and alcohol and his inability to cope with the pressures of hollywood success. prinze, a stand-up comedian who starred in major nightclubs as well as in the hit television series _chico and the man (1974- 1978)_ died by his own hand, when, under the influence of drugs, he put a gun to his head and accidentally fired it.

prinze's only dramatic role was in the telefilm _the million dollar rip-off (1976)_, in which he starred as an ex-con electronics whiz who, with the aid of four females, attempts a robbery. he also made guest appearances on _tony orlando and dawn (1974- 76)._ prinze was the first puerto rican or hispanic american comedian and television performer whose personality and special brand of street humor were able to cross over into mainstream america. had he lived, it is possible that he would have had a career similar to that of the black superstar eddie murphy, who also came out of stand-up comedy and television.




it's a great book! there were also entires for jr, and _chico and the man_. the book has biographies, and comments on hispanic films, telefilms, and television series.
jamison


I'm glad to see that Freddie is being remembered for his talents rather than only being spoken of and remembered in a very negative light. :)

How can we obtain the book?

Originally posted by MariposaLKB
I think it is great that they make the point that his death may have been accidental, and that they compare what he might have become to Eddie Murphy! I think they are right, Freddie could have made similar movies--including a vampire-type one, with his dark, sexy looks! (See my story "Eternal" on the "Good Night Sweet Prinze" website.) But I bet Freddie would have been much more successful! And he could have made records too--his voice was far better than Eddie's!

You actually remember Eddie releasing those albums?

I've heard a sample of Freddie singing from a "Chico and the Man" clip on someone's site. If my memory serves me correctly, I think he was singing a song in which he was supposed to have written. "Chico's Hit Song" was the name of it, I think. Judging from that clip, he had a very nice singing voice. :)

Yeah, I am older than I let on, I am afraid ROTFLMAO!
And yes, Freddie had a wonderful singing voice......

Sitcomson the way Freddie sang back up on a Tony Orlando and Dawn song called "To be with you" . Freddie sounds so breath taking it is incredible!

I know from reading Maria's book that she said Freddie played on the piano for her a song he had written what was the name of the song clip you heard and where did you find it please?I would love to hear it.

I wonder if it was that doo-wopy thing he sang on a CATM episode that started out "When I walk down your alley"???? He had a nice voice from what little I have heard of it. He should've made a singing album. :) & His part on TO BE WITH YOU is so romantic... Sigh... :heart:

Originally posted by MariposaLKB
Yeah, I am older than I let on, I am afraid ROTFLMAO!
And yes, Freddie had a wonderful singing voice......

Well, the only song by him (Eddie) that I can remember is, "Party All The Time". :lol:

Freddie had great range. :)