Prince -- George Lopez Helps Family with Big Bucks

Prince's family has a guardian angel ... who goes by the name George Lopez, because we've learned the comedian has fronted money to the family the singer left behind.

Turns out ... George was tight with Prince, and he learned all of the assets in the estate have been frozen until a judge determines how much the administrator can give family members for living expenses. Prince was generous with his family, giving them money and even homes during his life.

Some of the singer's siblings are now cash strapped because they've been temporarily cut off, and we've learned George has advanced them $20k to cover living and travel expenses and that figure could go up.

We're told George did it all anonymously ... not wanting any fanfare or adulation.

Good job, Lopez.