John Leguizamo has portrayed a diversity of characters, from hardened mechanic Aurelio in the βJohn Wickβ franchise, to drag queen ingenue in βTo Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything!β
One particular role holds a unique place in Leguizamoβs career.
Leguizamo β who has been promoting the Christopher Nolan blockbuster hit βThe Odyssey,β in which he plays blind swineherd Eumaeus β reflected on voicing Sid the sloth in the βIce Ageβ franchise during a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight. The 66-year-old was candid about the life-changing role.
βIt paid my bills. It got me a second and a triple home,β Leguizamo said. βIt paid for my kidsβ college.β
John Leguizamo β who shares two children with wife Justine Maurer, Allegra Sky Leguizamo and Ryder Lee Leguizamo β picked up the role more than 20 years ago for the first βIce Ageβ movie that premiered in 2002. The franchise went on to make several sequels including 2006βs βThe Meltdownβ and 2009βs βDawn of the Dinosaurs.β
Leguizamo told Entertainment Tonight that the films arenβt just financially rewarding. Theyβve allowed him to show a bit more of his silly side.
βI canβt really let go of Sid the Sloth,β the actor said in the video, nearly slipping into the iconic voice. βIt allowed me to be really as funny as I want to be. Movies are much more dramatic usually, but in that I got to be hilarious.β
The βIce Ageβ era isnβt over yet. Another film, βBoiling Point,β is slated to come out in 2027 and will include not only Leguizamo but also several other returning faves including Denis Leary as Diego, Queen Latifah as Ellie and Ray Romano as Manny.