Latino funnyman George Lopez is planning to retire from stand-up comedy when he turns 55 in nine years time because he doesn't want to risk his health as he hits his 60s.

Lopez has already had one major health scare - a genetic problem left him desperate for a kidney transplant in 2005. His wife, Ann, donated hers.

He tells society magazine Dune, "I'm almost 50 years old and I have one kidney. I don't want to be a lifer (at comedy). I don't really see myself doing this beyond 55... and who's to say that, even before then, I won't just start to curtail my activities a little bit? It has been, it will be, a pretty good run. I'd like to take more time off, but I don't because it's important to strike while the iron is hot. I think it's just time to have fun. It's time to have cake."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)