Derbez named 08 Mr. Amigo

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Eugenio Derbez, an actor, comedian and Formula 1 auto driver, has been named 2008's Mr. Amigo.

In Mexico, Derbez hosted a variety show called "Al Derecho y Al Derbez" and starred in the soap opera "No Tengo Madre." In the United States, he played roles in "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and "La Misma Luna." He was also the voice of Burro in the Spanish version of the animated film "Shrek."

Mr. Amigo organizers made the announcement Monday morning at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College's International Technology, Education and Commerce Center.

Mexican consul Victor Trevino praised Derbez, calling him the perfect representative of the binational award.

"This is the only place on the border where we have this kind of relationship," Trevino said.

Since 1964, Brownsville has honored a Mr. Amigo honoree - always a Mexican citizen who has contributed to the friendship of the United States and Mexico. The first Mr. Amigo was former President of Mexico, Miguel Aleman.

Since then, the honor has often gone to Mexican entertainers, including last year's selection, actress Angelica Vale.

Derbez, one of Mexico's most famous actors, has become a familiar face in American cinema. He co-starred as Enrique in 2007's "La Misma Luna," a film about a young Mexican immigrant, which received positive reviews in both the U.S. and Mexico.

As Mr. Amigo, Derbez will be recognized during Charro Days festivities.

Past Mr. Amigo recipients:

2008: Eugenio Derbez

2007: Angelica Vale

2006: Lucero

2005: Sergio Bustamante

2004: Lolita Ayala

2003: Dulce

2002: Aida Cuevas

2001: Cesar Costa

2000: Jorge Muņiz

1999: Silvia Pinal Hidalgo

1998: Jorge Ortiz de Pinedo

1997: Alberto Vasquez

1996: Angelica Maria

1995: Jose Manuel Mijares

1994: Maria Victoria

1993: Lucha Villa

1992: Daniela Romo

1991: Gustavo Petricioli

1990: Veronica Castro

1989: Ernesto Alonso

1988: Jorge Rivero

1987: Lucia Mendez

1986: Marco Antonio Muņiz

1985: Emmanuel

1984: Jose Jose

1983: Juan Gabriel

1982: Jorge Cardenas Gonzalez

1981: Roberto Cantoral

1980: Carlos Gomez Barrera

1979: Lola Beltran

1978: David Reynoso

1977: Vicente Fernandez

1976: Armando Manzanero

1975: Tito Guizar

1974: Pedro Vargas

1973: Raul Velasco

1972: Felipe Zambrano

1971: Lic. Alejandro Garza Laguera

1970: Manuel A. Ravize

1969: Lic. Jorge Perez Bouras

1968: Lic. Praxedis Balboa

1967: Jose F. Muguerza

1966: Jose Vivanco

1965: Mario Moreno "Cantinflas"

1964: Lic. Miguel Aleman