John Leguizamo has the perfect annual “big Latin” holiday – and the star of the night is always a cinnamon delight.
While talking to PEOPLE this month about his new documentaryy John Leguizamo live at Rikers, Leguizamo, 63, explains that his family always gathers on Christmas Eve for a dinner of Puerto Rican and Colombian food. The party is held at midnight to mark the birth of the baby Jesus, Leguizamo says, explaining that “it’s a traditional thing and then gifts are given.”
But the real sign of the Leguizamo family’s holiday gathering is the coquito: “If you don’t have that, it’s not Christmas.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“Coquito is a beautiful thing — making it is chemistry. It has to be the perfect amount of coconut milk, coconut water, rum, sugar, cinnamon,” he explains. “It can’t be too sweet or too weak. It’s such a perfect formula.”
John Leguizamo reflects on performing for more than 400 inmates at Rikers Island: ‘Very moving for me’ (Exclusive)
Along with the alcoholic drink, Leguizamo’s mother makes tamales “because she’s Colombian — so she brings tamales, con chocolate.” We get double the cultural satisfaction.”
The A violent night actor, a father of two, also talks to PEOPLE about something one of his cult classics has in common with a major holiday movie. in 1993 Super Mario Bros.in which Leguizamo played Luigi, received negative reviews, but gained much love and admiration in the decades since.
John Leguizamo on What His 1993 Super Mario Bros. The film has in common with It’s a wonderful life (Exclusive)
“You know, It’s a wonderful life, it was the same. It was a critical bomb. It bombed at the box office, and yet it became an American Christmas staple,” says Leguizamo. “So, you never know. It’s fascinating. And I’m glad that I brought joy to the children and was a part of their childhood.”
John Leguizamo live at Rikers, from Azimuth Films, is now available to stream on Black Experience on Xfinity and Xumo.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education