Pepe Serna Brings ‘Life is Art’ Message to Kingsville Students and Boxers
KINGSVILLE, TEXAS - There’s a certain kind of energy that rolls through a small town when someone who has seen the wider world comes back to share what they have learned. On Friday, that energy belonged to Pepe Serna.
Serna, an actor, artist, speaker, writer, producer, director, and former Golden Gloves boxer, came to Kingsville on March 27, 2026 to promote his latest project, “Life is Art”, a book and one hour documentary reflecting on his decades long career.
Photo courtesy of Santa Gertrudis ISD.
Earlier in the day, Serna spoke to students at Santa Gertrudis Academy, offering a message centered on authenticity and self-acceptance. He encouraged students to embrace what makes them unique, reminding them that individuality can have a lasting impact far beyond their hometown.
Later that evening, Serna visited the Kingsville Boxing Club, where he met with local boxers, families, and community members. There, he shared stories, answered questions, and took photos with attendees, many of whom were eager to connect with someone whose journey began not far from their own.
Born in Corpus Christi, Serna often reflects on his early life along the Coastal Bend. On his website, he recalls a childhood moment in a boxing ring built by his grandfather. After falling and drawing laughter, he repeated the act only to be met with silence, a moment he describes as his first lesson in acting.
Serna went on to build a career spanning more than 100 film and television roles. He is widely recognized for his role as Ángel Fernández alongside Al Pacino in Scarface, as well as appearances in Car Wash and Downsizing.
The Life is Art documentary, directed by Luis Reyes, tells the story of Serna’s life and career in his own words.
Over the years, he has received recognition from organizations including the Screen Actors Guild and the League of United Latin American Citizens.
There is also a local connection that some residents remember. Though not widely credited, Serna appeared in the 2018 independent film “Wolfsbane,” directed by Jon Guerra Jr., which was filmed in parts of Kingsville and surrounding communities.
Corpus Christi has produced several well-known names, including Selena Quintanilla, Farrah Fawcett, Eva Longoria, and Lou Diamond Phillips, but on this day, the focus remained on Serna and his message.
For many in attendance, the visit was more than a promotional stop. It showed that a story from a small city can reach far and return to inspire future generations.
