Andrew Lopez leveraged his experiences at Iowa State University (ISU) to break into the entertainment industry. Growing up in Pella, Iowa, Lopez drew inspiration from productions like the TV show Entourage and filmmaker Judd Apatow. He recognized that networking was essential in Hollywood.
Utilizing ISU’s Resources
During his freshman year at ISU, Lopez discovered the student union’s funding for entertainment events. He, along with a friend, sought access to this fund. Their goal was to connect with agents and producers who would help them gain insight and knowledge necessary for their careers.
Lopez took full advantage of this opportunity by booking himself as an opening act for notable stand-up comedians like Aziz Ansari, Amy Schumer, and Bo Burnham. Though he humorously recalled bombing during his early performances, these experiences were invaluable for his growth as a performer.
Early Career Moves
After graduating in 2012, Lopez moved to Los Angeles and secured a position as an assistant at the Creative Artists Agency. His friend later joined Donald Glover, known as Childish Gambino, another artist who had performed at ISU. While in LA, Lopez balanced his agency job with nightly stand-up performances.
He later transitioned to a writer’s assistant role for films like Neighbors 2 and Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates. Here, he worked under screenwriter Brendan O’Brien, who had mentorship ties to Apatow.
Career Challenges and Breakthroughs
Despite his initial success, Lopez faced setbacks in LA. Struggling with his career, he considered returning to Iowa for a more stable life. However, a chance encounter with Filipino comedian Jo Koy changed his circumstances. Lopez expressed admiration for Koy, who later invited him to tour for four years.
“That’s when I became a good comedian,” Lopez noted, underscoring the importance of mentorship in his journey.
Recent Projects
Lopez’s recent work includes appearances on popular shows such as FX’s The Bear and Apple TV’s Platonic. He is also set to feature in the upcoming Will Ferrell and Zac Efron film Judgment Day.
Upcoming Series and Passion Projects
Lopez remains committed to his roots. He is currently developing a series titled Iowa, produced by HBO, which reflects his experiences growing up in the Midwest as part of an Asian family. He aims to portray how life in small-town Iowa shaped his identity.
His collaboration with Christopher Storer, creator of The Bear, dates back to 2018 when they discussed his creative aspirations. “I felt the Midwest wasn’t depicted accurately in media,” Lopez shared, emphasizing his desire for authentic representation in storytelling.
Conclusion
Andrew Lopez’s journey from Iowa State University to television stardom illustrates the power of leveraging opportunities for growth. As he continues to create art reflective of his experiences, Lopez’s commitment to his roots remains a driving force in his career.
