Buy
the new Gabriel Iglesias CD - "Picachu...I see you" today!
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Big Ass Comedy Tour By
MARIBEL SANTOYO, One night Gabriel Iglesias' mother took him to a local video store where he rented a comedy starring Eddie Murphy. Two weeks later, he auditioned for his 5th grade talent show and the rest is history. These days the national Latino comic sensation has retired elementary school auditoriums and moved on to larger venues like the Apollo theater and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Iglesias is no exception and despite his fame and fortune, he returns to El Paso April 1-6 to promote his "Big Ass" Comedy Tour. What's Up caught with Iglesias recently an here's the skinny. MS: How often do you come down to El Paso to do shows and have you ever lived here? GI: To be honest, I have lost count of all the times I have been to El Paso. I go so much, people think I'm from there. On my 21st birthday I got drunk at the Comic Strip and woke up at the O.P., and that is no joke!!! MS: How did you get involved in the business of standup comedy? Was the idea well received with your family while growing up? GI: Well, I got started April 10th 1997. I was pushed onto a stage one night by my then roommate. I was going through a really bad break up that led to my comedy career. Comedy was my therapy to help me get over my ex. I haven't looked back since. As for my family, they can't believe I'm doing his but are glad I am. Especially my Mom, even though she still doesn't get my jokes. MS: If you weren't doing this, what else would you be doing? GI: I would have been a teacher. I need to be in front of people, BIG or small. MS: You've done standup in major cities like New York and Miami. Do you feel more at home in cities like El Paso or communities similar to the ones you grew up in? GI: Yes I do. MS: Would you like to see still more Latinos doing comedy, or do you think Latino comedy has finally received more exposure over the years since the days of Cheech Marin? GI: I feel that there is always room for more. Cheech is just one man. There are dozens of guys out there that can bring the funny, just as much if not more than Cheech, but have not been given a shot. I would love to see more. MS: Do you associate with other well-known Latino standup comedians like Paul Rodriguez, George Lopez and Carlos Mencia? GI: Paul has offered me many opportunities. He is the original King and I have been blessed to have worked with a legend. As for George and Carlos, I have worked with both of them but not in the same capacity as Paul. MS: What do you think of George Lopez's new ABC sitcom? GI: I think it's great! His show is going to open so many doors for the rest (Latinos), Go George!!!!!!!!! MS: Yes George Lopez is great. You've also made appearances on the Jay Leno show, is there more pressure on you when you're doing television appearances like this? GI: Nothing can top the pressure I felt on "Its Showtime at the Apollo." The Tonight Show was a walk in the park in comparison. MS: How do you come up with material? GI: My friends and family. They give me all the material I will ever need. MS: You sell a Bobbing Head dashboard doll that looks just like you. How'd you get that done? GI: A genius from El Paso gave me the idea. This is the same guy who hired me to be the spokesman for El Paso Water. He did his homework. If you want a doll you can have one made at www.netnoggins.com. This is where I got mine. MS: You do nightly shows and in the daytime make appearances at schools when you can. Do you ever get burned out doing this line of work? GI: I get burned out all the time. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. I get strep throat once a month from talking so much and doing so many voices at my shows. Copyright
© 2003, What's Up / El Paso Inc. Special
thanks to Patty,
Bobby & Mike at Power 102.1 FM, Mike,
Vic & Suzy at Kiss 93.1 FM, Norma, Pepe & Tony at 93.9 FM
La Caliente, Felipa, Sean, Dave, Tom & Zimm at Newschannel 9 and
Veronika, Liz & Gene at KDBC 4. You're all terrific, I can't wait
to come back and see you again! © Copyright 2002-2003 LatinoStandup.com |
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