The upcoming Fox comedy Luis marks Luis Guzman's first starring TV vehicle, but the Puerto Rican character-actor says he's long been preparing for his role as a donut-shop owner who dispenses not-so-sugar-coated advice to his customers.

"I was a social worker in New York City for many years," says Guzman, who's stolen scenes in films like Traffic and Punch-Drunk Love. "I find this just another avenue, another means for me to help people through my message coming into their living room."

Guzman defends his fictional TV alter ego, who comes across (at least in the pilot) as an old-fashioned, slightly abrasive father-figure. "He's the guy that grew up in the neighborhood and sees the neighborhood go through all these changes," he explains. "He's like the mayor, and anybody who wants advice about what kind of a garbage-can color they should get... what number they should play... or should their daughter marry so-and-so, they come to him."

And though Luis — which airs Fridays at 8:30 pm/ET beginning Sept. 26 — has earned notice as one of the latest crop of Latino-centric shows invading prime-time, Guzman doesn't want to pigeonhole the series. "I don't consider this a 'Latin' show," he says. "I understand the centerpiece of the show is a Latin family, but again, it's a show representing all the flavors and all the colors of New York City."?