How The Bear Actor Andrew Lopez Launched His Entertainment Career from the ISU Student Union
Andrew Lopez’s journey into the entertainment industry began at Iowa State University. Growing up in Pella, Iowa, he admired filmmakers like Judd Apatow and was inspired by the TV show *Entourage*. This passion drove him to seek opportunities in entertainment while in college.
Launching a Career at Iowa State University
During his freshman year, Lopez discovered that the student union board provided funding for entertainment events. He realized this was his chance to connect with agents and producers. Lopez remarked, “If we could get access to that money, we could get access to the agents.” This endeavor opened many doors for him.
Lopez and a friend managed to book themselves as opening acts for stand-up comedians, including notable names like Aziz Ansari and Amy Schumer. Despite struggling initially, he used these experiences to understand what it meant to perform on stage.
Early Career Steps in Los Angeles
After graduating in 2012, Lopez moved to Los Angeles, where he landed an assistant position at the Creative Artists Agency. He balanced his day job with night performances in stand-up comedy. His perseverance paid off when he obtained the role of a writer’s assistant for *Neighbors 2* and *Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates*.
Despite feeling stagnant in his career a few years later, a chance encounter with comedian Jo Koy changed everything for Lopez. While dining alone, he expressed admiration to Koy, who subsequently invited him to tour for four years. Lopez credited Koy with helping him evolve into a skilled comedian.
Recent Success and Upcoming Projects
In recent years, Lopez has gained recognition for his role in FX’s *The Bear*, portraying Garrett. He also appeared in Apple TV’s *Platonic*, alongside Seth Rogen. His upcoming film *Judgment Day*, featuring Will Ferrell and Zac Efron, is currently in post-production.
A Passion for Iowa
Despite his success, Lopez remains deeply connected to Iowa. He is developing a passion project titled *Iowa*, which is set to be produced by HBO. The series reflects his experiences growing up as an Asian kid in a small town, challenging the negative stereotypes often associated with so-called “flyover states.”
Lopez aims to showcase the beauty of living a normal life in Iowa. He wants to counter the often one-dimensional portrayals of Midwestern life in media. “I love Iowa, and I had a great time there,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to authentic storytelling.
The excitement surrounding Lopez continues to grow, particularly among fans in his home state. He promised to return to Iowa with news about his series once it gains traction. Lopez’s humility and dedication to his roots are central to his artistic vision.
