George Lopez On Talk Show Cancelation : ‘Today, I Lost Some Work Because I’m Brown..’
Aug. 11 2011, Published 10:30 a.m. ET
By Adam S. Levy - RadarOnline.com Staff Writer
Late night host George Lopez handled the cancellation of his TBS late night show with humor on Wednesday's next-to-last episode of his short-lived talk show – but he also made a racially-charged joke directed at the network.
"In case you haven't heard the news, TBS has decided not to renew Lopez Tonight and tomorrow will be our last night,” Lopez told his studio audience, who jeered at the bad news. “The unemployment rate is high, and for Latinos, it just got a little higher!”
Lopez then made an interesting comment, saying; “I did get some good news this morning. Sony announced their doing a sequel to the Smurfs movie. (Lopez lent his voice to the film). So today, I lost some work because I’m brown, but also I got some work because I’m blue.
"Like every TV star before me, I'm gonna find some crack,” Lopez said, referring to Charlie Sheen’s jagged departure from Two and a Half Men earlier this year. “I'm gonna get on the pipe! Lose that unwanted 110 pounds I wanted to lose. But I'm taking it good, I'm straight, believe me. I'm fine -- my goddesses are a wreck ... they left me!
"It's been great to work every night," Lopez said, adding he'll be touring with music legend Carlos Santana in the coming weeks. "We're not saying goodbye, we're saying, ‘Cable doesn't work.’"
The show, which moved back an hour from its’ original 11 pm slot to make room for Conan O'Brien last year, had lost 40 percent of its’ audience in its' second season, and was averaging a meager 546,000 viewers nightly.
O'Brien addressed the split on his show Wednesday, thanking Lopez for his sacrifice.
"Had it not been for George being so incredibly supportive of me, I would not have come to TBS and we would not be dong this show right now. I owe that man a lot and frankly, it makes me very sad that TBS and George could not work this out," O'Brien said. "We understand, believe me, how hard this is for all of you, and we wish you all the best."
TBS issued a statement Wednesday saying: “We are proud to have partnered with George Lopez, who is an immensely talented comedian and entertainer. TBS has valued its' partnership with George and appreciates all of his work on behalf of the network, both on and off the air."
In reaction to the news, a few show biz personalities shared their support for the talented comic via Twitter.
Roseanne wrote, "so sorry to hear of your cancellation—you are great!"
Angie Harmon, slated to be a guest on his show next week, wrote: "I'm BUMMED!! I was looking forward to doing your show on Monday!! :("
Lopez wrote back, "Thanks for all your message's and support...Have a great night everybody!"
It's been a rocky year for the former sitcom star, who got divorced from his wife of 17 years, Ann Serrano.
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