 Rodriguez in 2017 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | Marcelo Antonio Rodríguez Laprea (1969-07-22)22 July 1969 (age 56) |
| Alma mater | Central University of Venezuela |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name | Marcelo Rodríguez |
| Debut | 1998 |
Marcelo Antonio Rodríguez Laprea (born July 22, 1969) is aVenezuelan actor and professional wrestling announcer working for the international Spanish versions ofWWE showsRaw,SmackDown,NXT, andpay-per-view (PPV) events alongside Jerry Soto ascolor commentator.[1]
Rodríguez started working for WWE by the end of 1998 as the host of Los Super Astros and appeared only occasionally at that time, filling in for Cabrera or former color commentatorHugo Savinovich. He commentated in every international version ofRAW andSmackDown, while both Cabrera and Savinovich alternately broadcast alongside him. In October 2011, Savinovich left WWE and Rodríguez became a full-time Spanish commentator for all programs and PPV events. In October 2011, Rodríguez and Cabrera were at ringside for the tapings ofRaw andSmackDown inMexico City, Mexico.
Rodríguez was also frequent substitute co-host ofWWE en Español until October 2011, when he became permanent co-host with Carlos Cabrera following the departure of Hugo Savinovich from the company. He had not made any appearance on PPV since working for WWE untilSummerSlam 2011. Rodríguez hostedWWE Experience for Latin America introducing clips and recaps from the previous week's episodes ofRaw,SmackDown andNXT, until its cancellation in 2021.
In his spare time, Rodriguez enjoys following theNHL'sNew Jersey Devils and theNFL'sDallas Cowboys.[2]
Rodríguez graduated from theCentral University of Venezuela with a degree in journalism and has worked as an actor, singer, dancer, playwright and director. Some of his theater credits in leading roles include: “Don Juan Tenorio” (Don Juan); “Mozart, the AngelAmadeus” (Amadeus); “The Tempest” (Fernand); “A Widow for Four” (Arlequin); “Spring Awakening” (Melchor Gabor); “Yerma” (Juan); “Absalom's Tresses” (Amon); “Wounded Buffalo” (Don); “Lorca in a Green Dress” (Lorca ensangrentado), and the musicals“Panteleón and the Visitors” (Sinchi),“La Verdadera Historia de Pedro Navaja” (El Lince) and “¿Quién mató a Hector Lavoe?,” (Announcer) the longest running Spanish-language show in the history of Broadway. He has worked internationally with theater companies such as Rajatabla, the Compañía Nacional de Teatro de Venezuela (inaugural cast), the Compañía Nacional de Teatro de España, Repertorio Español (in more than two dozens of plays) and Teatro Círculo of New York and has enjoyed the privilege of being onstage in every continent.
He has been honored with several acting recognitions such as Premio Nacional del Artista and Premio Municipal (Venezuela), the Critic's Circle Award (in Puerto Rico), and HOLA, ACE and Premios Sin Límite (in New York). Some of his film credits in leading roles include“Atraco en el Aeropuerto” and“Tacagua”. Rodríguez has recorded three albums with WEA International, Sonorodven and Sonografica. He played the leading role for the VPG infomercial show“Caminos al Jaguar”, which was filmed in six countries. Some of his television credits include soap operas asCara Sucia,Cristal,La Revancha, for Venevisión-Univisión.
In 2006, Rodríguez also became the winner of the Nuestras Voces National Playwriting Competition with his play“Cartas a una Madre” (originally“Bestalia”) which was produced with a great success at Repertorio Español, company that he also belongs as a current cast member.“Cartas a una madre” was published by the end of 2012. In 2009 and 2010, he also placed among the finalist of Nuevas Voces with his plays“La Papaya Dulce” and“Los Súper Héroes del Abuelo”.
In 2017, Rodriguez was invited by Amazon Sports Nutrition to be the Spanish host at the Mister Olympia Competition. Also in 2017, after many years without recording another full album, Marcelo Rodriguez launched his fourth musical project: "Verde", whose profits are used for the Yolanda Laprea Foundation and its activities in aid of the elderly.