Cheech to star in US remake

Cheech Marin, half of the Cheech and Chong double act known for their cult dope-smoking comedy movies, is to star in the American version of The Kumars at No. 42.

The NBC version of the show will be called The Ortegas and revolve around a middle-class Mexican family in San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles.

Marin will play the father Henry, whose sun Luis hosts a chat show from a studio behind their house.

Stand-up comic Al Madrigal will take the lead role taken by Sanjeev Bhaskar in the UK version, the Hollywood Reporter reveals.

Also cast in the pilot are Terri Hoyos as Luis's doting mother, Maria, and Renee Victor as grandmother Esmeralda.

Published: 11 Nov 2002