Maronzio Vance is a writer, actor, and comedian currently starring alongside George Lopez on “Lopez,” TV Land’s fearlessly honest but hilarious new comedy premiering Wednesday, March 29th. We had the opportunity to speak with Maronzio on the premiere of “Lopez“, his experience working with George Lopez and what he has coming up in the future.
What is “Lopez” about? It’s a show that follows George Lopez around as he tackles issues in the entertainment industry; like social media, race, being relevant and all the discrimination that goes along with being in Hollywood. I play his comrade who is also his comedian opening act, who is also trying to find his own way.
Describe your character, Maronzio? I’m the tactless voice of reason.
This is the second year, what can we look forward to this season? You get to learn more about the other characters this season. The first season was really about establishing who Lopez was and what he was trying to do. But this season allows you to learn more about the people around George.
How is your experience working with George Lopez? It’s a great opportunity to work with a veteran. To work with someone who has a strong work ethic and [I’m] able to learn from someone who’s been doing it for a long time.
As a comedian, what are you more excited about Stand up or Scripted TV? That’s sort of a trick question. We do stand up so we can be on television. We do television so people will come out to see us do Stand Up. One doesn’t really work without the other. Even though you can have a career without having to do both. I love stand up. I could do Stand Up even if television goes away tomorrow. It will always be here. But I also enjoy acting out the stories I have written or somebody else has written for me
With Instagram creating overnight sensations, how has Social Media changed how comedians are viewed today? I have a hard time dealing with social media creating overnight sensation. I have a hard time with people being pushed to the proverbial front of the line in the industry simply because they have a video with over 2 million or 16 million views. It’s kind of a slap in the face to people who work for it, who really have a passion for it. Not just a phone. I’m never going to change my process. I write jokes. I go to a Comedy Club to see if the jokes work. I go out and I share those jokes with the world. Simple format. And it’s proven. The industry has gotten lazy so they don’t go and hunt for talent anymore. They wait for it to pop up on their timeline.
What type of piece of work are you the most interested in writing and why? I really want to do comedic dramas. I really want to do dark comedy. Dry comedy. Uncharacteristic characters they aren’t used to seeing people of color portray on the big screen.
What can we look forward to from Maronzio Vance? Lopez has allowed me to show the world a sample of what I can do. I have so much more I want to do that I will do. I’m really not going to wait on anyone to come to me and tell me “it’s OK” for me to do what I want to do now. I’m just going to do it. Either you will be on board with me or you won’t.
Make sure you check Maronzio on “Lopez,” this Wednesday, March 29th at 10PM ET/PT on TV Land.
