H.R. No. 854
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The fine Texas actor Valente Rodriguez has achieved
  great distinction on film, television, and the stage, and he has
  generously shared his success with the community of the Rio Grande
  Valley by returning recently to work with theater, film, and TV
  students at his alma mater; and
         WHEREAS, Born in Edcouch, Mr. Rodriguez was the first member
  of his family to graduate from high school and attend college; at
  The University of Texas--Pan American, he performed in more than 30
  theatrical productions and earned the national Irene Ryan Award
  three times, and in 1985, he appeared in UTPA's first student film,
  The Scourging Word; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Rodriguez moved to Los Angeles in 1988 to pursue
  an acting career; as a member of the Latino Theater Lab at the Los
  Angeles Theater Center, he appeared in productions of classic works
  by Gogol and Arthur Miller, as well as a number of contemporary
  plays; and
         WHEREAS, In the world of film, Mr. Rodriguez has performed in
  such productions as Salsa, Erin Brokovich, Volcano, and Bound by
  Honor; on television, he has had roles in ER, The X-Files, The
  Golden Girls, and Beverly Hills 90210, and he has achieved lasting
  fame by playing the role of "Ernie" for five years on the popular
  sitcom, George Lopez; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Rodriguez has also cowritten, coproduced, and
  performed in Riffs of Shakespeare, a bilingual theater piece, and
  he is the cowriter of several Latino Theater Lab productions; and
         WHEREAS, In the summer of 2008, Mr. Rodriguez returned to the
  Rio Grande Valley to play a leading role in The Red Queen, a film
  produced by UTPA students, generously passing along his experience
  and expertise to a new generation of Texas performers and
  filmmakers; and
         WHEREAS, Young artists benefit greatly from the
  encouragement and mentoring of more experienced performers, and
  Valente Rodriguez has played a vital role in the professional
  achievements and personal triumphs of many talented Texans; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
  Legislature hereby commend Valente Rodriguez for his contributions
  to the community of the Rio Grande Valley and extend to him sincere
  best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for Mr. Rodriguez as an expression of high esteem from the
  Texas House of Representatives.
 
  Peña
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 854 was adopted by the House on March
  26, 2009, by a non-record vote.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House