10 Things You Didn't Know About Eugenio Derbez (VIDEO)

WATCH: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Eugenio Derbez

Perhaps the name Eugenio Derbez is unfamiliar to you? It has been to many Americans. It also doesn’t help that it is a challenge to pronounce. This well-loved Mexican comedian has only recently broken into mainstream American film with the movie “Instructions Not Included,” a story about the love between a father and daughter. Now that this film has made history, setting a new standard for both foreign and independent films, we took a look back (and forward) to find out 10 things you may not know about Eugenio Derbez.

10 things about Eugenio Derbez

  1. Not to be thought of as just another actor, Eugenio Derbez also directed and was a contributing writer in the film “Instructions Not Included.” His writing credits also include Spanish television series “La Familia P. Luche,” “Vecinos,” and “Hospital el paisa.”
  2. Derbez produced and starred in a Mexican parody of Baywatch. A non-episodic series, it holds the record for the highest rating in Mexican TV history. The single episode reached a high of a 48.0 ranking, which is usually reserved for telenovela season finales and the World Cup matches.
  3. Derbez is also a producer with credits including “Vecinos,” “Ellas son… la alegría del hogar,” “Hospital el paisa,” “XHDRbZ” and “Derbez en cuando.”
  4. For the Spanish versions of “Shrek” and “Shrek 2” films, the voice of the character, Donkey, is none other than Eugenio Derbez. He also voiced the dragon, “Mushu,” in the Spanish version of Disney’s “Mulan.”
  5. While Eugenio Derbez seems to be happily married to Alessandra Rosaldo, his past is not so squeaky-clean. His first marriage to actress Victoria Ruffo gave him a son, Eduardo. They divorced prior to Derbez’s live broadcasted wedding to Rosaldo on July 7, 2012.
  6. Prior to “Instructions Not Included,” which is, by far, Derbez’s first mainstream, stand-out role, he had roles in numerous American films. Among his credits are “Girl in Progress” (2012), Adam Sandler’s “Jack and Jill” (2011) and “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” (2008).
  7. Derbez was born in Mexico City, Mexico on September 2, 1961. His mother was Silvia Derbez (1932-2002), a Mexican film and television actress. His father was publicist Eugenio Gonzalez Salas.
  8. Derbez made his television debut at the age of 12 as an extra on a telenovela. His formal acting training started when he was 19 years old.
  9. Eugenio Derbez knows his name is tough to pronounce for many Anglo-Americans, so he announced on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” this Fall that his new American name would be “yougenius thebest.” Fallon loved the bit and, while he is fully capable of correctly pronouncing Eugenio’s full name, Derbez’s wit kept up with Fallon’s banter and they both seemed to enjoy each other’s craft.
  10. “Instructions Not Included” has quickly become the all-time highest grossing Spanish-language film in the United States. In addition, it is the number one independent movie of the year, has broken box office records in Mexico and is one of the top five most successful foreign films in U.S. history.

We congratulate “yougenius thebest” for his incredible success with his new film. For all of his hard work over the years and dedication to his craft. We’re grateful and excited for what this funny yet insightful comedian, actor, director and producer will come up with next.

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