Episode 107 - Sharing Laughs with Emmy-Nominated TV Star Liz Torres - Part 1

In the latest episode of “Hollywood Obsessed,” host Tony Miros interviews the Emmy Award-nominated actress Liz Torres, who is best known for her role as Mahalia Sanchez in the comedy series “The John Larroquette Show” -- for which she received two Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations. She is also known for playing the role of "Miss Patty"in the comedy-drama seriesGilmore Girls.

During Tony's entertaining conversation with Liz, they discuss her experience growing up in New York City, including how she eventually received a star on the Walk of Fame in the Bronx. Liz reminisces about when her dad took her to see a Spanish-speaking movie as a child. She recalls attending school in Puerto Rico for a little while. She also shares how her aunt taught her to play the piano and reflects on the period after her father passed away when she was 17. During that year of mourning, her mother did not play any music in their home.

During this difficult time Liz fell in love with the drama club at school and decided she wanted a career in theater. She attended NYU and later moved to Las Vegas to pursue her passion for musical theater. In the 1970s, she recorded an album and made an appearance on American Bandstand, where Dick Clark insisted she come on the show.

She reveals that the Broadway show "The Ritz" was inspired by her life, although the playwright Terrence McNally initially wanted her to meet the investors. Ultimately, Rita Moreno took on the role of Googie Gomez, but Liz was able to perform it on Broadway when Rita was out sick. Liz also recounts meeting Bette Midler and how she landed a spot on "The Tonight Show," sharing memories of her first interaction with Johnny Carson.

She describes how her role on “Phyllis” came to be and what it was like working with Cloris Leachman. Additionally, she reflects on her experience working with Carroll O'Connor on the classic sitcom "All in the Family," noting how the writers struggled to create material for her character. Liz speaks about her lifelong friendship with Sally Struthers and expresses her fondness for working with Marla Gibbs on her spin-off series from "The Jeffersons." To top it off, Liz tells a very funny story about how she became friends with Sherman Helmsley that you won't want to miss.

LIZ TORRES

A native of the Bronx, Torres began her career in the late 1960s as a singer, performing in nightclubs and showcasing her soulful, resonant voice. Her undeniable talent led her to Broadway, where she appeared in notable productions such as "The Magic Show" and "The Ritz." Her breakthrough came when she was invited to appear on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," marking her transition into TV & film.

In addition to her regular appearances on 1970s TV variety shows Liz joined the cast of "Phyllis" (1975), starring Cloris Leachman, Torres made memorable guest appearances in popular TV shows such as "All in the Family," "The Love Boat," & "Hill Street Blues." She gained widespread recognition and earned multiple Emmy & Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of Mahalia Sanchez in the hit series "The John Larroquette Show." 

She has continued to make guest appearances on popular series like "Ally McBeal" (1997), "The Nanny" (1993), "Quantum Leap" (1989), & "L.A. Law" (1986).  She is best remembered for her role as "Miss Patty" in the long-running series "Gilmore Girls" (2000). She has made numerous amusing appearances in comedies such as "Ugly Betty," "Desperate Housewives," "Devious Maids," & the Cuban-American sitcom "One Day at a Time."

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