BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY Leon Lopez (born 30 August 1979 in Liverpool) is an English actor, singer-songwriter and occasional model, best known for playing the role of Jerome Johnson in the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside from 1998 to 2002.
His musical back ground includes being part of numerous vocal harmony groups and he is now becoming a well known performer in the world of Theatre, and Musical Theatre in London's West End.
Early life
Lopez is a former student of the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, established by Sir Paul McCartney.
Acting
Television & Film
Lopez's Television credits include appearances in episodes of Mersey Beat and Holby City for the BBC, The Court Room, The Bill, the Lead role of "Tanktop" in Hollyoaks: In the City as well as starring for 4 years as Jerome Johnson in Channel 4 hit soap opera Brookside. He has appeared in a number of Short Films, including Profanity ( a Giant Leap Films production) as well as appearing in the BBC's serial drama Doctors. In February 2012, Leon performed a cameo role in the independent British Film 'The Quiet One' set in Birmingham and due for release in late 2012.
Theatre
Lopez has toured the UK as "The Childcatcher" in a run of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and appeared in numerous pantomimes. In Autumn 2007, he played the role of "Collins" in theWest End revival of Rent (musical) - Rent (musical) remixed produced by William Baker.
On 13 August 2008, he appeared in a limited run of Piaf at the Donmar Warehouse opposite Elena Roger. He then went on to appear at The Royal Court Theatre, London in the role of "Deity" in Tarell Alvin McCraney's "Wig Out!" directed by Dominic Cooke which ran from November 2008 to January 2009.
May 2009 he took on the role of "Michael" in Jonathan Larson's Tick, Tick... BOOM! at The Duchess Theatre, in London's West End.. Autumn 2009 he was a part of the grand relaunch of Derby Playhouse Theatre, appearing in the rock musical "The Pro's, Con's And A Screw" alongside "Kidulthood" star Adam Deacon
In February 2010 Leon appeared opposite Leslie Caron, Greta Scacchi and Lambert Wilson in Stephen Sondheim's musical 'A Little Night Music' at The Chatelet Theatre in Paris, playing the role of 'Frid'. His latest show, John Adams (Composer) Broadway style show 'I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky' at Theatre Royal Stratford East, London which opened in July 2010 and was a huge critical success gaining several 4 star reviews in national papers such as The Independent and The Times.
He is currently rehearsing for a new production of Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens in aid of The Terrence Higgins Trust at The Shaw Theatre, London
Leon is going to star as 'Brit' in the second national tour of Ben Elton and Queen's smash hit rock musical We Will Rock You. Starred WWRY at Bristol Hippodrome 29/10/11 and Leon played an excellent Britney Spears
Reality TV[edit]
In 2007, Lopez appeared in the second series of the Reality TV programme Soapstar Superstar where he caught the attention of the music industry after being the seventh person to be voted off the series and was immediately signed to "Celebrity Records". Leon has been a contestant on both Celebrity Fear Factor and Soapstar Superchef. He has also worked as a television presenter.
Music
Debut Album - 'Moving On'
Since signing his record deal, Leon has teamed up with Take That star Gary Barlow and producer Rod Gammons to co-write his debut album ‘Movin On’. His first single 'Love Got in the Way' was released in August 2007. His first studio album 'Moving On' was finally released 1 February 2010 after a long dispute with the record label.
2nd Studio Album
He is currently writing his 2nd album with producer Paul James which is set to be an 'electro' inspired concept album.
Performances[edit]
Leon also sung at the opening ceremony of the 2002 Commonwealth games held in Manchester, live to over 500 million viewers worldwide. Lopez has also performed his single on daytime television shows such as Loose Women and performed at numerous concerts.
Achievements
As part of his first pop group A:M, Leon was nominated for MOBO AWARD for best unsigned act as well as winning numerous awards such as Holstein Pills Discovers and theLiverpool Echo Arts award for 'Best Unsigned Act'.
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