LA PALMERA HOSTING ACTOR PEPE SERNA FOR BOOK SIGNING EVENTS
Corpus Christi native signing his autobiographical Life is Art books Aug. 19-20 in Center Court
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Aug. 11, 2023) – With more than 100 films and 300 television shows to his credit, Corpus Christi native Pepe Serna is one of the most successful Latino actors in the business, known for his memorable support performances over his decades-long career.
Serna will be at La Palmera Aug. 19-20, signing his Life is Art memoir for fans from noon–3 p.m. each day in Center Court. The coffee table-style books are available each day at the event for $45, cash or credit card.
Those who don’t recognize Serna’s name will most certainly know his face from the countless films he has appeared in over the years, including the role of Al Pacino’s ill-fated cocaine partner in Scarface (1983), as Kevin Costner’s nemesis in Silverado (1985), Lieutenant Garcia in the crime yarn The Rookie (1990) starring Clint Eastwood and Charlie Sheen, and as Mundo in the drama American Me (1992) with Edward Jams Olmos.
“I knew I wanted to be an actor from the time I discovered, as a 3-year-old, I could make people laugh with my improv performances,” said Serna. “I have been blessed in my life by opportunity, but it hasn’t always been easy. When I first went to Hollywood in the 60s to pursue my dream, I was broke and homeless, but I was never afraid to work for what I wanted to achieve and I stay busy to this day pursuing the life I love. It’s a message I deliver to young people on a regular basis.”
Remaining active as an actor, producer and director, Serna also is a noted keynote teacher and motivational speaker who tours colleges and universities, inspiring students to reach their full potential, as well as an accomplished painter receiving critical acclaim and producing commissioned works. His vibrant paintings and one-man stage shows reflect a serious return to his Mexican roots and are included in the short documentary Life Is Art (2022), showcasing his work in film, and how it has helped pave the way for other Latino actors.
Serna will attend a special event at the Boys and Girls Club of Corpus Christi on Aug. 19 from 6–9 p.m. featuring a special showing of the Life is Art film and the dedication of an art gallery being named in honor of the popular actor.
“I literally was a poster child for the Boys and Girls Club as a child growing up in Corpus Christi in the 50s,” said Serna. “The organization holds a special place in my heart to this day as I take every opportunity to speak with young people, encouraging them to make connections — with others and within themselves. Most kids don’t realize the potential to succeed is already within them.”