Valente Rodriguez Biography: Age, Wife, Net Worth, Movies & TV Shows, Parents, Height

Valente Rodriguez is a distinguished American talent, best known for his role as Ernie Cardenas in the sitcom George Lopez.

His extensive work in film, television, and theater has made him a respected figure in Hollywood, particularly for his contributions to Latin American representation.

Profile

• Full Name: Valente Rodriguez
• Stage Name: Valente Rodriguez
• Born: February 14, 1964
• Age: 61 years old
• Birthplace: Edcouch, Texas, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Producer, Director
• Height: 5’5″ (165 cm)
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez
• Siblings: Seven
• Spouse: Unknown
• Children: Unknown
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $1 million to $2 million USD

Early Life and Education

Valente Rodriguez was born on February 14, 1964, in Edcouch, Texas, United States. Raised by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez, he grew up in the Rio Grande Valley as the youngest of eight siblings.

He studied at Edcouch-Elsa High School and later enrolled at The University of Texas-Pan American (now part of UTRGV), where he took summer theater classes and starred in mainstage plays. He graduated in 1987 with a degree, though the specific field is not widely documented.

Career

Valente Rodriguez began his professional journey in 1988 after moving to Los Angeles with financial support from his theater mentor, Marian Monta, who provided $2,000 for the relocation. He joined the Latino Theater Lab, founded by Jose Luis Valenzuela, and performed in plays like The Inspector General, La Virgen del Tepeyac, and Stone Wedding.

His film debut came in 1988 with a role as Chuey in Salsa, which grossed $8.8 million against a $6 million budget. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Ernie Cardenas, George’s best friend, in all 120 episodes of the ABC sitcom George Lopez (2002–2007), which remains available on Peacock TV, potentially earning him royalties.

He also starred as Cesar in the TV Land sitcom Happily Divorced (2011–2013) alongside Fran Drescher. His film credits include Blood In Blood Out (1993) as Frankie, Mi Familia (1995), Erin Brockovich (2000), The Ugly Truth (2009), 500 Days of Summer (2009), and McFarland, USA (2015) as Principal Camillo, which grossed $45.7 million.

Television appearances include guest roles in Mad About You, ER, Beverly Hills, 90210, The X-Files, The Mentalist (2008), Yes, Dear, Dharma & Greg, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. He also appeared in Lopez vs. Lopez and Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!.

His work as a producer and director includes contributions to projects like Lower Learning (2008). His theater background and on-screen versatility have solidified his reputation in the industry.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @valenterodriguez
• Facebook Handle: Valente Rodriguez

Personal Life

Valente Rodriguez, 61, stands at 5’5″ (165 cm). He maintains a highly private personal life, with no confirmed information about a spouse, children, or romantic relationships.

Despite speculation in some tabloids about a possible marriage, no evidence supports these claims, and Rodriguez has consistently avoided discussing his personal affairs in the media. His focus remains on his career and advocacy for Latino culture, influenced by his Mexican heritage.

Filmography

• Salsa (1988) – Chuey
• Blood In Blood Out (1993) – Frankie
• Twenty Bucks (1993)
• Roosters (1993)
• Mr. Jones (1993)
• Mi Familia (1995)
• Ed (1996)
• Volcano (1997)
• Erin Brockovich (2000)
• Suckers (2001) – Marco
• The New Guy (2002)
• Gotta Kick It Up! (2002) – Mr. Reyna
• The House Bunny (2008)
• Lower Learning (2008) – Marvin (also producer)
• The Ugly Truth (2009)
• 500 Days of Summer (2009)
• It’s Complicated (2009)
• The Red Queen (2011)
• The Little Match Makers (2011)
• Las Angeles (2012)
• McFarland, USA (2015) – Principal Camillo
• Instant Family (2018)
• Countdown (2019)
• Endgame (2021)

Television (Selected):

• Falcon Crest (1981–1990) – Mr. Padroza
• The Golden Girls (1989)
• Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000)
• Mad About You (1992–1999)
• Growing Pains (1992)
• The X-Files (1996)
• ER (1997–1999)
• Dharma & Greg (1998–2002)
• Sabrina the Teenage Witch (2002)
• George Lopez (2002–2007) – Ernie Cardenas
• Yes, Dear (2003–2005)
• The Mentalist (2008)
• Happily Divorced (2011–2013) – Cesar
• Dad Stop Embarrassing Me! (2021)
• Lopez vs. Lopez (2022–present)

Net Worth

Valente Rodriguez has an estimated net worth ranging from $1 million to $2 million USD. His wealth is derived from his extensive acting career in film and television, notably his role in George Lopez, as well as his work as a producer and director.

Additional income comes from royalties from George Lopez on streaming platforms like Peacock TV and his involvement in commercially successful films like McFarland, USA and Salsa.