| |
It
is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear
friend Freddy Soto.
Freddy
passed away unexpectedly Sunday July 10, 2005. Only one night
before, he triumphantly left the stage of the Laugh Factory
to a raucous, standing ovation. We join his family, and wide
circle of friends, in mourning his untimely passing.
Those
of us that knew and worked with Freddy for much of these past
years are devastated, as Freddy was very much a comedian on
the verge. Freddy's work on TV, in films, on stage and all
over the country gave us many laughs, many highs, and he will
be missed so dearly. His "Three Amigos" tour with
Carlos Mencia & Pablo Francisco, and nationwide tour opening
for Marc Anthony, cemented his status as a tour de force comedian
to be reckoned with. He also just recently starred with Adam
Sandler in Sony Pictures "Spanglish". While it may
seem unfair that he should be taken from us so soon, we take
comfort, as his family does, in the knowledge that Freddy is
with his Lord.
Freddy
leaves behind an extradorinary wife, Cory, and an absolutely
beautiful daughter, Cruz. As you can imagine, the life of a
comedian is itinerant and difficult, and we ask you to join
hands now in offering whatever support you can to Freddy's
widow and child. In lieu of flowers, please consider making
a generous contribution to a special family fund that has been
set up, 100% of which will be used to care for, and give comfort
to, his family in this their hour of need.
Contributions
can be made to:
The
Soto Family Fund
#662-25301-18
c/o Smith Barney Cashier
633 West 5th Street, 34th Floor
Los Angeles, CA. 90071
If wiring funds, the instructions should read:
Chase Manhattan Bank, NYC
ABA #021-000-021
FBO: Smith Barney
Account #: 066-198038
For Further Credit To: 662-25301-18-178
FBO The Soto Family Fund
Freddy was
born and raised in the border city of El Paso, Texas. His parents
are old school Mexican-Americans whose views often
fuel family conflict. Freddy reenacts these stories with his
high-energy and hilarious point of view. His act, although
specific in culture, has a universal appeal. "I'm not just performing
for Latinos," he says. "It's about family. For me,
Latino humor is essentially about family. When you hit a nerve,
then you've succeeded.” He paints a vivid cast of characters,
evoking huge laughs throughout seamlessly crafted performances
that command standing ovations time and time again.
Freddy has
enjoyed much success over his 14-year stand-up career. He recently
completed a nationwide tour ending with the Miramax
concert film "The Three Amigos." He now headlines
comedy clubs across with country including the famous Riviera,
and Palms
in Las Vegas. Among his credits is a 30-city tour with pop-super-star
Marc Anthony. He has also completed production of a sitcom
pilot for UPN and has developed another sitcom for CBS television.
You can see him now in the Adam Sandler film “Spanglish” directed
by James L. Brooks.
Freddy is
a graduate of the esteemed Joanne Baron and D. W. Brown acting
studio in Santa Monica, California.
His other
credits
include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Late Show
with Craig Kilborn, HBO's Comedy Minutos, Comedy Central Presents
half hour special,
Comedy
Central's Premium Blend, Showtime's Latino Laugh Festival,
Aspen Comedy Festival, and the Maui Film Festival as well
as numerous
films and commercials. Hispanic Magazine rated him one of
the “Top
10 Latino Comedians”.
Freddy's
success was due to his undying dedication to his craft. It
was The Comedy Store
that gave him the courage
and stage
time necessary to become an unstoppable force in the world
of stand-up.
He started as a doorman at Mitzi Shore's legendary Los
Angeles comedy club and eventually was considered one of the
top headlining
acts working the standu-up circuit. When not
touring, Freddy was seen regularly at the top clubs in Los
Angeles, including
The Comedy Store, the Laugh Factory, and the Improv, where
his performances
are a much talked about favorite.
|
|
Video
Clips