Valente Rodriguez was born in Edcouch, Texas. He attended a summer classes in theater at a local university. Eventually, he starred in more than 30 mainstage plays and earned three Irene Ryan awards. His acting credits included The Inspector General, Stone Wedding, Ten November, The Crucible, Day of Hope and Robinson & Crusoe.

Ernie is played by Valente Rodriguez on the television series George Lopez. He is the lifelong buddy of George Lopez who is always ready to lend him a hand in just about anything. In addition, his whimsical views give comic relief to the show.