Esparza is a Basque^[1] surname. Notable people with the surname include:

• Fernando Esparza Aizkorbe (born 1979), Spanish football (soccer) player
• Gabriel Esparza (born 1973), Spanish taekwondo practitioner
• Itziar Esparza (born 1974), Spanish swimmer
• Jokin Esparza (born 1988), Spanish football (soccer) player
• José Guadalupe Esparza, Mexican musician
• Maximiliano Silerio Esparza, Mexican politician
• Moctesuma Esparza (born 1949), American filmmaker
• Omar Esparza (born 1988), Mexican football (soccer) player
• Raúl Esparza (born 1970), American stage actor
• Tonantzin Esparza, American actress

References[link]

This page or section lists people with the surname Esparza. If an internal link intending to refer to a specific person led you to this page, you may wish to change that link by adding the person's given name(s) to the link.

Raúl Eduardo Esparza (born October 24, 1970) is an American stage actor, singer, and voice artist noted for his award winning performances in Broadway shows. He has received Tony nominations for his role as a vibrant and flamboyant Philip Salon in the Boy George musical Taboo in 2004; Robert, an empty man devoid of connection in the musical comedy Company in 2006; a lazy and snarky man in Harold Pinter's The Homecoming; and an aggressive volatile movie producer in David Mamet's Speed the Plow. He played the role of Riff Raff on Broadway in the revival of "The Rocky Horror Show" and the role of Caractacus Potts in the Broadway musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

He has been nominated in all Tony categories for which an actor is eligible but has yet to win. He has performed musicals by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, Boy George and the Sherman Brothers and has performed in plays by David Mamet, Harold Pinter, William Shakespeare, Tom Stoppard, and more. He is widely regarded for his versatility on stage. His work on film includes Sidney Lumet's Find Me Guilty and Wes Craven's My Soul To Take. His television credits include roles on "Medium" and Pushing Daisies. He has recorded the audiobook for Stephen King's Under the Dome and sings in concerts all over the country.

Early life[link]

Born in Wilmington, Delaware to Cuban American parents and raised in Miami, Florida, Esparza graduated from Belen Jesuit in 1988^[1] and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

Theatre[link]

Broadway theatre[link]

Esparza first drew attention with his performance in the 2000 Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show, which won him the Theatre World Award. Additional Broadway credits include Cabaret (2001), Taboo (2003), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2005) and Sondheim's Company (2006). He received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and a Drama Desk Award for his performance in the musical Taboo. Esparza's performance in Company earned him a second Tony nomination, this time for Best Actor in a Musical, as well as his second Drama Desk award. Beginning in November 2007, he appeared in Harold Pinter's play The Homecoming and was Tony-nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Play. In 2008, he played Charlie Fox in the revival of David Mamet's Speed-the-Plow co-starring Jeremy Piven and Elisabeth Moss on Broadway.^[2] His performance in Speed-the-Plow earned him a Tony nomination for Best Actor in a Play, making him the second performer after Boyd Gaines to be nominated in all four acting categories a performer is eligible for at the Tonys, although he has yet to win one.

He appeared on Broadway in a limited-engagement revival of Tom Stoppard's Arcadia, which began previews at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on February 25, 2011 and opened on March 17, 2011.^[3]

He is appearing in the new musical Leap of Faith in the role of the "Reverend" Jonas Nightingale. He was involved in the workshop in 2008, the out-of-town tryout at the Ahmanson Theatre (Los Angeles) in 2010, and has opened on Broadway in April 2012.^[4]

Other theatre[link]

In 1999, Esparza portrayed Che in the national tour of Evita, opposite Natalie Toro. The tour was intended to open on Broadway, but failed to do so. In 2001, he appeared Off-Broadway in tick, tick... BOOM! by Jonathan Larson, garnering a Drama Desk Award nomination as Outstanding Actor in a Musical. He appeared in two Stephen Sondheim musicals, Sunday in the Park with George and Merrily We Roll Along at the 2002 Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration.^[5] He also appeared as The Arbiter in the The Actors Fund of America concert of Sir Tim Rice's Chess in September 2003.^[6]

In 2009, he starred in a production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at the Delacorte Theater (New York) with Anne Hathaway, from June 25 through July 12.^[7]

He starred as Hapgood in the City Center Encores! staged concert production of Anyone Can Whistle from April 8 to 11, 2010. He played opposite Sutton Foster as Fay and Donna Murphy as the Mayoress.^[8]

Other work[link]

In 2007 he had a recurring role on the TV show Pushing Daisies as traveling salesman Alfredo Aldarisio, a role originally given to Paul Reubens.

In 2009, he recorded the audiobook Under the Dome by Stephen King. He has done previous narration for The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer,^[9] and The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark.^[10]

In January 2010, he performed alongside Lucie Arnaz, Desi Arnaz Jr. and Valarie Pettiford at the 92Y's Lyrics and Lyricist event honoring Desi Arnaz and His Orchestra, "Babalu: The American Songbook Goes Latin".^[11]

In 2010, Esparza appeared as Abel Plenkov in the Wes Craven film My Soul to Take, formerly titled 25/8.^[12]

Personal life[link]

Esparza was the subject of a New York Times profile in which he revealed that he was bisexual and that he had same-sex relationships. Married to Michele Esparza, his high school girlfriend, since 1993, they had been separated "off and on", the actor has said, since 2000 and quietly divorced in 2008. They still remain extremely close friends. In 2006 Esparza said that he was involved with an unnamed male actor.^[13]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Raúl Esparza official Website
• Raúl Esparza at the Internet Broadway Database
• Raúl Esparza at the Internet Movie Database
• Video interview in which Esparza discusses his relationship to Catholicism
• Interview in which Esparza discusses his stage and film work.

Kevin Nealon
Nealon in Las Vegas in 2006.
Born	(1953-11-18) November 18, 1953 (age 58) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Medium	Stand-up, television, film
Nationality	American
Years active	1984–present
Genres	Satire/political satire/news satire, observational comedy
Subject(s)	American politics, American culture, current events, pop culture, mass media/news media, everyday life, marriage
Spouse	Linda Dupree (1989–2002) Susan Yeagley (2005–present) 1 child
Notable works and roles	Weekend Update anchor on Saturday Night Live Gary Potter in Happy Gilmore Doug Wilson in Weeds Glenn Martin in Glenn Martin, DDS

Kevin Nealon (pronounced /ˈniːlən/; born November 18, 1953) is an American actor and comedian, best known as a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1986 to 1995, acting in several of the Happy Madison films, for playing Doug Wilson on the Showtime series Weeds, and providing the voice of the title character, Glenn Martin on Glenn Martin, DDS.

Early life[link]

Nealon was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Kathleen and Emmett Nealon, an aircraft company executive.^[1] A few months after he was born, the family moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut.^[2] He graduated from St. Joseph High School (Trumbull, Connecticut) in 1971 and then graduated with a bachelor's degree in marketing from Sacred Heart University (and worked in a variety of part-time jobs while doing stand-up comedy).^[3]

Career[link]

Nealon debuted on network television doing a stand-up routine for The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1984. In 1986, Saturday Night Live recruited his friend Dana Carvey, and Carvey in turn recommended Nealon. Both joined the cast that year, and Nealon became a full-time performer in the 1987-1988 season, and remained for nine seasons.

Nealon's SNL characters include Mr. Subliminal (or Subliminal Message Man), Franz (of Hans and Franz) along with Dana Carvey, Mr. No Depth Perception, the anchor of Weekend Update (where his catchphrase was "That's news to me"), and many others.

In 1991, he starred in the Christmas movie, All I Want for Christmas. More recently Nealon has appeared in the movies Happy Gilmore, Anger Management, Little Nicky, Daddy Day Care, Good Boy! and Grandma's Boy. In fall 2005, he appeared in an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, where he played himself (Season 5, Episode 4).

Nealon had a recurring television role on the 2002-06 CBS comedy Still Standing playing Ted Halverson, the Millers' competitive and religious neighbor. He has also appeared as a patient in a mental institution on the first season of Monk. "Deja Vu" is an episode of The Outer Limits television show. It first aired on 9 July 1999, during the fifth season. Nealon played Dr. Mark Crest. Nealon has an ongoing supporting role as Doug Wilson on the show Weeds on Showtime.

In 1994, Nealon hosted the 13 part series Amazing America on the Discovery Channel.^[4]

In 2002, Nealon hosted The Conspiracy Zone on The New TNN for 26 episodes plus an unaired pilot.

Nealon appeared as a couples counselor on the sitcom, 3rd Rock from the Sun. He had a small cameo appearance in the 2008 film Get Smart.

Nealon also hosted the World's Funniest Commercials on TBS. In a performance similar to Bob Saget, Nealon tells corny jokes in between each funny commercial. In 2008, a book authored by Nealon chronicling his experiences during his wife's pregnancy called Yes, You're Pregnant, But What About Me? was released.

Nealon played Stuart Pearson in the adventure comedy movie Aliens in the Attic. Shooting took place in Auckland, New Zealand.

Personal life[link]

Nealon with wife Susan Yeagley in April 2011

Nealon married actress Susan Yeagley on September 3, 2005 in Bellagio, Italy. Yeagley gave birth to their first child, son Gable Ness Nealon, on January 29, 2007 in Santa Monica, California.^[5]

Nealon is an old boy for Connecticut Yankees RFC.^[6]

On February 22, 2006, Nealon^[7] contributed a story to the New York Times about being wiretapped by Hollywood private investigator Anthony Pellicano, who has been indicted on racketeering and conspiracy charges. It was also revealed in a separate court case on February 27, 2006, that investigators working for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus may also have targeted Nealon for wiretapping.^[8]

He has been a vegetarian for 18 years due to animal cruelty and the health benefits.^[9] He lives in the Los Angeles area.

He is an avid golfer and poker player and also plays banjo and guitar. He also claims to be fluent in German, having lived there for four years.^{[citation needed]}

Activism[link]

Nealon and his ex-wife Linda Dupree (who played one of the mud wrestlers fighting John Candy in Stripes) had been active in the animal rights movement, supporting fundraising events for the Amanda Foundation, Farm Sanctuary, the Washington Wildlife Protection Association, The Ark Trust's Genesis Awards and also Meat Out.

In 2001, Nealon played on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire for his charity. The final question he faced, worth $125,000, was about Barbie dolls. He used his 50:50 and Phone-A-Friend, but he answered the question wrong, walking away with $32,000.

Filmography[link]

• Saturday Night Live (TV series) .... Various (174 episodes, 1986–1995)
• Roxanne (1987) .... Drunk guy
• All I Want for Christmas (1991) .... Tony Boer
• Coneheads (1993) .... Senator
• The Larry Sanders Show (TV series) .... Himself (1996)
• Champs (TV series) .... Marty Heslov (12 episodes, 1996)
• Happy Gilmore (1996) .... Potter
• Hiller and Diller (1997) TV series .... Ted Hiller (1997–1998)
• Principal Takes a Holiday (1998) ... Franklin Fitz
• The Wedding Singer (1998) .... Mr. Simms
• Dharma & Greg (TV series) .... Mr. Clayborn (2 episodes, 1998–1999)
• 3rd Rock from the Sun (TV series) .... Dennis Caslow (1 episode, 1999)
• Comedy Central Presents (TV series) .... Himself (1 episode, 1999)
• Little Nicky (2000) .... Gatekeeper
• Joe Dirt (2001) .... Greasy Mechanic
• Eight Crazy Nights (2002) .... Mayor (voice)
• The Master of Disguise (2002) ....Man in Black Mark Ebay interview
• The Conspiracy Zone (2002) TV series .... Host (2 seasons)
• Monk (TV series) ... John (2002,1 episode,Mr. Monk Goes to the Asylum)
• Good Boy! (2003) .... Mr. Baker
• Daddy Day Care (2003) .... Bruce
• Anger Management (2003) .... Sam, Dave's Lawyer
• Still Standing (TV series) .... Ted Halverson (5 episodes, 2003–2006)
• Weeds (TV series: 2005–present).... Doug Wilson
• Grandma's Boy (2006) .... Mr. Cheezle
• World's Funniest Commercials (2008) .... Host
• Get Smart (2008) .... CIA Agent #2
• You Don't Mess with the Zohan (2008) .... Kevin
• Remarkable Power (2008) .... Jack West
• Glenn Martin, DDS (2009) .... Glenn Martin
• Aliens in the Attic (2009) .... Stuart Pearson
• 'Til Death (2010) .... Stephen (6 episodes)
• Just Go with It (2011) .... Adon
• Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star (2011) .... Gary
• Hot in Cleveland (TV series) ... George (2 episodes, 2012)

References[link]

External links[link]

• 2012 interview with Kevin Nealon
• Kevin Nealon official site
• Kevin Nealon at the Internet Movie Database
• Kevin Nealon on Twitter
• Interview from October 2007 in San Francisco comedy website

Felice Herrig
Felice Herrig (right) fighting at Muay Thai Mayhem XIV in New York City.
Born	(1984-09-18) September 18, 1984 (age 27) Buffalo Grove, Illinois, United States
Other names	Lil Bulldog
Nationality	American
Height	5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
Weight	115 lb (52 kg; 8.2 st)
Style	Muay Thai, kickboxing, boxing
Fighting out of	Team Curran
Mixed martial arts record
Total	10
Wins	6
By knockout	1
By submission	2
By decision	3
Losses	4
By decision	4
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Felice Nicole Herrig (born September 18, 1984) is an American kickboxer, Muay Thai fighter, and mixed martial artist. Born in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, she began her career practicing kickboxing and Muay Thai before transitioning to MMA in 2009.^[1] In September 2011, she signed a multi-fight deal with XFC in Florida.^[2]

Herrig is currently the #10-ranked female strawweight fighter in the world according to the Unified Women's MMA Rankings.^[3]

Kickboxing career[link]

Prior to Felice "Lil' Bulldog" Herrig's move to Mixed Martial Arts, Herrig held a kickboxing record of 23-5/4. She is currently ranked number 2 in the World in the IKF International Kickboxing Federation Pro Women’s Muay Thai Bantamweight Division.

As a pro kickboxer Herrig won the Pro Muay Thai United States Bantamweight Title. She won the title on November 15, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, when she defeated Katie Meehan by unanimous decision, 49-46, 48-47 and 49-46.

As an Amateur she was a two time IKF Open Tournament Champion.

On August 21, 2005, in Orlando, Florida, USA Herrig became the 2005 IKF North American Classic Amateur Full Contact Rules Bantamweight Tournament Champion when she defeated Terri French of Little Rock, Arkansas, USA by unanimous decision 30-27 on all 3 judges cards.

On July 30, 2006 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA Herring defended her IKF Tournament Title at the 2006 IKF World Classic when she defeated Stacy Chung of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada by unanimous decision 29-28 on all 3 judges cards.

She has also competed in the World Combat League with the St. Louis Enforcers.^[4]

Mixed martial arts career[link]

Felice appeared on Fight Girls in 2007 on the Oxygen Channel and won her fight in Thailand against a champion Thai fighter.^[5] She was later scheduled to appear on another reality show about women's MMA called the Ultimate Women Challenge.^[5]

Herrig faced Iman Achhal at UWC - Man "O" War on February 21, 2009 in her MMA debut. She lost the fight by split decision.^[6]

She faced Michele Gutierrez at Unconquered 1: November Reign on November 20, 2009 and won the fight by armbar submission in the second round.^[7]

Herrig faced Jessica Rakoczy at Bellator 14 on April 15, 2010.^[8] She won the fight via split decision.^[9]

Herrig faced Amanda LaVoy at XFO 37 on December 4, 2010. She won the fight via armbar submission in the first round.^[10]

On January 14, 2011, Herrig faced Barb Honchak at Hoosier Fight Club 6: New Years Nemesis in Valparaiso, Indiana. She lost the fight via unanimous decision.^[11]

Herrig faced Andrea Miller at Chicago Cagefighting Championship 3 on March 5, 2011. She won the fight by TKO in the first round.^[12]

Herrig faced Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc at XFO 39 on May 13, 2011 at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. She won the fight via unanimous decision.^[13][14]

Her scheduled bout against undefeated Kelly Warren at Fight Tour on August 20, 2011 was cancelled due to Warren weighing in 7 pounds overweight.^[15]

Herrig faced Carla Esparza at XFC 15: Tribute on December 2, 2011 in Tampa, Florida.^[16] She was defeated by unanimous decision.^[17]

On April 13, 2012, Herrig faced Patricia Vidonic at XFC 17: Apocalypse in Jackson, Tennessee. She defeated Vidonic by unanimous decision.^[18]

Mixed martial arts record[link]

Result	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Win	6-4	Patricia Vidonic	Decision (unanimous)	XFC 17: Apocalypse	02012-04-13April 13, 2012	3	5:00	Jackson, Tennessee, United States
Loss	5-4	Carla Esparza	Decision (unanimous)	XFC 15: Tribute	02011-12-02December 2, 2011	3	5:00	Tampa, Florida, United States
Win	5-3	Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc	Decision (unanimous)	Xtreme Fighting Organization 39	02011-05-13May 13, 2011	3	5:00	Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States
Win	4-3	Andrea Miller	TKO (punches)	Chicago Cagefighting Championship 3	02011-03-05March 5, 2011	1	3:30	Villa Park, Illinois, United States
Loss	3-3	Barb Honchak	Decision (unanimous)	Hoosier Fight Club 6: New Years Nemesis	02011-01-14January 14, 2011	3	5:00	Valparaiso, Indiana, United States
Win	3-2	Amanda LaVoy	Submission (armbar)	Xtreme Fighting Organization 37	02010-12-04December 4, 2010	1	3:35	Chicago, Illinois, United States
Win	2-2	Jessica Rakoczy	Decision (split)	Bellator 14	02010-04-15April 15, 2010	3	5:00	Chicago, Illinois, United States
Win	1-2	Michele Gutierrez	Submission (armbar)	Unconquered 1 - November Reign	02009-11-20November 20, 2009	2	2:03	Coral Gables, Florida, United States
Loss	0-2	Valerie Coolbaugh	Decision (split)	Xtreme Fighting Organization 29	02009-04-17April 17, 2009	3	5:00	Lakemoor, Illinois, United States
Loss	0–1	Iman Achhal	Decision (split)	UWC - Man "O" War	02009-02-21February 21, 2009	3	5:00	Fairfax, Virginia, United States	MMA debut

Media Appearances[link]

Felice is a playable character in the video game Supremacy MMA for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3

References[link]

External links[link]

• Professional MMA record for Felice Herrig from Sherdog