However, we have discovered that the most definitive therapy during these challenging times is laughing, which is why we advise looking to Hispanic comedians. This list exemplifies the diversity of experiences within the Latinx community, including individuals from different parts of the globe and ranging in age from Gen-Z to Baby Boomers.
Latin comedians have carved out impressive niches in the comedy industry, making the repetition worthwhile. They have distinguished themselves as some funniest by often incorporating Hispanic or Latin idiosyncrasies into their comedic repertoires.
So allow me to introduce to you 25 of the most significant Hispanic comedians from recent decades who have, in some way or another, influenced how humor is seen and appreciated in Hispanoamerica throughout time.
1. Gina Brillon – American Actress, Comedian, And Writer
Gina Brillon, a comedian, born in the Bronx and has been doing stand-up since she was 17 years old, has known throughout her life that she intended to make people laugh. In 2012, Brillon was crowned the champion of NBC’s Stand Up for Diversity competition, and his most recent comedy special made its debut on Amazon Prime in June of this year.
She discusses her upbringing in Puerto Rico, her identification as a Puerto Rican, and the challenges she has in bridging cultural gaps with her husband.
2. Franco Escamilla – Mexican Comedian, Voice Actor, Musician, Philanthropist, Businessman
| Franco Escamilla | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Franco Javier López Escamilla |
| Birthdate | April 29, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Cuautla, Morelos, Mexico |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Occupation | Comedian, Voice Actor, Musician, Philanthropist, Businessman, Freestyler |
| Founder | La Diablo Squad (The Devil Squad) |
| Education | Studied music at Escuela de Musica y Danza Superior de Monterrey |
| Career Background | Former chef, waiter, and Kentucky Fried Chicken employee |
| World Tour | “Por la Anécdota” with performances in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Australia |
| Notable Venues | National Auditorium, Arena Ciudad de México, Carnegie Hall |
| Netflix Specials | “Comedians of the World,” “For the Anecdote,” “Welcome to the World,” “Eavesdropping” |
| Music Career | Debut at Trovafest, collaboration with Los Caligaris, music album with Edgar Oceransky |
| Television Shows | “The Franco Escamilla Show,” appearances on Comedy Central |
| YouTube Programming | “La Mesa Reñoña,” “El Príncipe del Barrio,” “Tirando Bola,” “Follow Me on the Trip,” “Desde el Cerro de la Silla with Franco Escamilla,” “Freestyle para Moles” |
| Representation | Signed by United Talent Agency for touring, film, television, and brand partnerships |
| RPM Tour | Toured worldwide, including Hong Kong, Sydney, Melbourne, Israel, Dubai, Japan, Argentina, Mexico, and the United States |
| Current Tour | “Gaby” Tour (2022-2023) |
| Freestyler | Joined FMS (Spanish rap competition) as “Lobo López” |
| Philanthropy | Active involvement in philanthropic activities |
| Residence | Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico |
In addition to his remarkable career in humor, this amusing Mexican comic, notably from Cuautla, Morelos, is also a voice actor, singer, philanthropist, freestyler, and businessman.
Franco Escamilla often closes up his comedic presentations with a song, which significantly enhances the quality of his performances. The comedian has achieved such fame that he has even gone on international tours; one of these tours was dubbed “Por la Anécdota,” and it included appearances in Japan, Australia, and even the United States of America.
3. Les Luthiers – Argentine Comedy-musical Group
| Les Luthiers | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Les Luthiers – Argentine Comedy-musical Group |
| Origin | Argentina |
| Formation | 1967 |
| Genre | Comedy, Musical, Parody |
| Members | Carlos López Puccio, Jorge Maronna, Marcos Mundstock, Carlos Núñez Cortés, Daniel Rabinovich, Ernesto Acher (until 1986) |
| Notable Works | “Mastropiero que nunca,” “Lutherapia,” “Lutherapia 2,” “Por Humor al Arte,” “Viejos Hazmerreíres,” “Recital 72,” “Cardoso en Gulevandia” |
| Awards | Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album (2000), Princesa de Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities (2017) |
| Style | Satirical humor, Wordplay, Musical craftsmanship |
| Instruments | Diverse ensemble of invented instruments created from everyday materials |
| Stage Performances | El Ateneo Theater, Gran Rex Theatre, Luna Park Stadium, Teatro Colón, Teatro Ópera |
| International Recognition | Performed in numerous countries worldwide including Spain, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, United States, Brazil, Israel, Germany, France, and more |
| Legacy | Renowned for clever wordplay, humorous sketches, and elaborate musical performances |
| Popular in | Paraguay, Guatemala, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Spain, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, Bolivia, Cuba, Costa Rica, Venezuela, and more |
| Collaboration | Worked with Roberto Fontanarrosa, a renowned Argentine cartoonist and writer |
| Influences | Inspired by Gerard Hoffnung’s imaginative instruments and Peter Schickele’s fictional character P.D.Q. Bach and his unusual instruments |
| Disney Film | Provided voices for the pigeons in the Latin American and Spanish dubbings of the 2008 Disney film, Bolt |
Due to their clever sense of humor and high-quality music, this incredible group of humorous Hispanic comedians from Argentina is one of the most well-known in Latin America.
In their performances, Les Luthiers often find the most inventive methods to address a wide range of subjects, from politics to romantic drama. They utilize music to express not just an emotion but also humor, and they have impeccable timing when cracking jokes and using comedic intonation.
4. John Leguizamo – American Actor, Comedian, And Film Producer
| John Leguizamo | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Leguizamo – American Actor, Comedian, And Film Producer |
| Birthdate | July 22, 1960 |
| Birthplace | Bogotá, Colombia |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Occupations | Actor, Comedian, Film Producer, Screenwriter |
| Years active | 1984–present |
| Spouses | Yelba Osorio (m. 1994; div. 1996), Justine Maurer (m. 2003) |
| Children | 2 |
| Medium | Film, Stand-up, Television |
| Genres | Improvisational comedy, Observational comedy, Character comedy, |
| Notable Films | Super Mario Bros., Carlito’s Way, To Wong Foo, Thanks for |
| Television Appearances | The Brothers García, ER, Bloodline, The Mandalorian |
| Awards | Primetime Emmy Award, Drama Desk Award, Golden Globe Nomination |
| Notable Works | Freak (Broadway), House of Buggin’ (TV show), Voice of Sid the |
| Current Project | Hosting the MSNBC series Leguizamo Does America |
| Education | Attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts |
| Ethnicity | Colombian with Indigenous, European, and African roots |
| Basque Roots | Distant Basque ancestry |
| Additional Languages | Fluent in Spanish and English |
Lucas, John Leguziamo‘s adolescent son, was tormented at school, which gave John Leguizamo the idea for his Tony Award-winning play Latin History for Morons. Leguizamo desired Lucas to possess the ability to stand up to others and to be proud of his heritage.
The actor and comedian from Colombia condense a 3,000-year civilization’s history into a humorous and enlightening hour and a half in Latin History for Morons, which is now available on Netflix. The actor and comedian work to increase the portrayal of Latinx people in popular culture and educate people on what they missed in history class. In addition, see his Freak one-person performance.
5. Liss Pereira – Colombian Actress, Comedian, And Broadcaster
| Liss Pereira | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Liss Pereira – Colombian Actress, Comedian, And Broadcaster |
| Birthdate | May 18, 1986 |
| Birthplace | Sardinata, Colombia |
| Nationality | Colombian |
| Occupation | Actress, Comedian, and Broadcaster |
| Career Highlights | – Popular for her appearances on the show “Los comediantes de la noche” and in films by director Fernando Ayllón |
| Stand-up Comedy | – Established herself as a successful stand-up comedian with shows like “Démonos un tiempo” and “Reteniendo líquidos” |
| Acting Career | – Collaborated with director Fernando Ayllón in films such as “¿Usted no sabe quién soy yo? 2” and “El que se enamora pierde” |
| Awards | – Won an India Catalina Award for “Best Influencer with Audiovisual Digital Content” |
| Netflix Special | – Released a comedy special titled “Reteniendo líquidos” on Netflix |
| Personal Life | – In a relationship with actor and comedian Ricardo Quevedo, and they have a son named Ignacio |
Liss Pereira is a famous Colombian actress, comedian, and announcer who got her start in the comedy business on the television program “Los Comediantes de la Noche.” She has also been in a few Fernando Ayllón films.
After leaving that evening’s comedy program, Liss had the chance thanks to her positive response to tour Colombia and perform at significant comedy festivals worldwide. She also took part in a web series called “5 Minutitos Más,” working with other comedians and receiving positive feedback from the comedy-loving public.
6. Andrés López – Colombian Comedian And Actor
| Andr s L pez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrés López – Colombian Comedian And Actor |
| Birthdate | June 25, 1971 |
| Birthplace | Bogotá, Colombia |
| Notable Show | La Pelota de Letras (The Ball of Letters) |
| Notoriety | Pioneer of stand-up comedy in Colombia |
| Education | Systems Engineering and Anthropology |
| Achievements | Double Diamond award for La Pelota de Letras |
| University Involvement | Taught stand-up comedy at Universidad de los Andes |
| Radio Career | Creative force at “La Mega RCN” radio station |
| Television Career | Hosted the TV show “Pido La Parola” |
| Stage Performances | Co-starred in the Colombian version of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare |
| Sold-Out Shows | Over 1500 sold-out shows in Colombia and other countries |
| International Tours | Toured in various cities in the United States, Spain, and Canada |
| DVD Releases | Released DVDs such as La Pelota de Letras and Me Pido La Ventana |
| Book | Author of “La Pelota de Letras, manuscrito original” |
| Talk Show | Hosted “Andrés López de Noche” on DirecTV Latin America |
Andres Lopez is a comedian, speaker, host, and actor born in Colombia and of Hispanic descent. He is a pioneer in Colombian stand-up comedy and is considered one of the most prominent exponents of Colombian stand-up comedy. In addition to this, he is widely regarded as one of the most well-known Hispanic comedians in the whole globe.
His performances include humor about his family, coming-of-age experiences, relationships, and mouth-produced special effects. These elements combine to make his performances incredibly relatable. His comic timing and the crude emotions he uses are two of the many things that make his shows so hilarious.
7. Anjelah Johnson – American Actress, Comedian, And Former NFL Cheerleader
| Anjelah Nicole JohnsonReyes | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anjelah Johnson – American Actress, Comedian, And Former NFL Cheerleader |
| Birth Name | Anjelah Nicole Johnson-Reyes |
| Born | May 14, 1982 (age 41) |
| Birthplace | San Jose, California, U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up, television, film |
| Years Active | 2006–present |
| Notable Works | MADtv, Anjelah Johnson: That’s How We Do It (Comedy Central Special) |
| Character | Bon Qui Qui |
| Spouse | Manwell Reyes |
| Children | 1 |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mexican, Native American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Alma Mater | De Anza College |
| Stand-Up Specials | Anjelah Johnson: That’s How We Do It (2009), Anjelah Johnson: Homecoming Show (Netflix) |
| Film Appearances | Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, Our Family Wedding, Marmaduke |
| Endorsements | Taco Cabana, vRide |
Anjelah Johnson began her career as a professional cheerleader, but she soon became recognized for her work as a viral video maven and stand-up comedian. Johnson was born and reared in California, and she often discusses her Mexican roots in her routines, including this one about attempting to one-up her Dominican husband. Johnson is known for her comedic impressions.
8. Agustín Aristarán – Argentine Magician, Comedian, Actor, Musician, And Entrepreneur
Agustin Aristarán is an accomplished stand-up comedian, actor, singer, magician, and businessman from Argentina. His stand-up comedy performances have made millions of people smile. He has also been among the best-used advertising and social networks, reaching a larger audience.
Agustin began his comedy career as a street performer before moving on to comedy events, where he found remarkable success that has lasted to this day. His career as a comedian in theatrical events took off in 2013, but it has continued to this day.
9. Eugenio Derbez – Mexican Actor And Comedian
| Eugenio Derbez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eugenio González Derbez |
| Birthdate | September 2, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Mexico City |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian |
| Films and Series | The Book of Life, The Angry Birds Movie 2, CODA, Jack and Jill, Girl in Progress, Rob!, Miracles from Heaven, etc. |
| Animation Work | Provided Spanish dubs for films like Dr. Dolittle, Mulan, 102 Dalmatians, and the Shrek franchise |
| Directing Debut | No Tengo Madre (1997) |
| Television Shows | Cachún cachún ra ra!, En Familia con Chabelo, Al Derecho y al Derbez, La familia P. Luche, etc. |
| International Success | Achieved international acclaim and starred in commercial American films |
| Notable Films | Sangre de mi Sangre, La misma luna, Instructions Not Included, How to Be a Latin Lover, CODA, etc. |
| Recognition | Named the #1 most influential Latin American male in the world by Variety |
| Hollywood Walk of Fame | Unveiled his star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame |
| Production Company | Co-founder of 3Pas Studios with producer Ben Odell |
| Family | Married to Alessandra Rosaldo; Children: Aislinn, Vadhir, José Eduardo, and Aitana Derbez |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Pet | Bulldog named Fiona |
It’s safe to say that Eugenio Derbez is one of the most influential Hispanic comedians and performers of the last several decades.
Eugenio Derbez, born in Mexico and the son of an actress, most likely inherited his skill from his mother. Since beginning his career as a comedian, actor, and producer, he has broadened the scope of his work to include romantic comedy films, television series, and sketches.
Everyone in the household will laugh at his clever observations, wordplay, and pun-filled humor. It is simple to understand, and you will indeed have a good time with it!
10. George Lopez – American Comedian And Actor
| George Edward Lopez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | George Edward Lopez |
| Date of Birth | April 23, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Mission Hills, Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Ethnicity | Mexican |
| Occupation | Stand-up comedian, actor |
| Known For | Starring in self-produced ABC sitcom |
| Comedy Style | Examines race and ethnic relations, including Mexican American culture |
| Education | San Fernando High School (graduated in 1979) |
| Notable TV Shows | George Lopez, Lopez Tonight, Saint George, Lopez, Lopez vs Lopez |
| Films | Real Women Have Curves, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D, El Chicano |
| Charitable Work | Founder of The Ann & George Lopez Foundation |
| Personal Life | Married to Ann Serrano (1993-2011), one daughter named Mayan |
| Health Advocacy | Received kidney transplant from ex-wife, advocate for kidney-related issues |
| Political Stance | Endorsed Bernie Sanders for President in the 2016 U.S. presidential election |
George Edward Lopez is famous for appearing in the ABC comedy he developed and directed himself. His stand-up comedy explores issues about race and ethnicity, particularly Mexican American culture.
The fact that George Lopez has a talk show, a scripted TV program, producing credits, and many stand-up specials on his IMDB profile proves he is a legendary figure in the comedy world. In the new special that the Mexican-American megastar has on Netflix, he tackles controversial topics with the fearlessness that has been his trademark.
11. Chespirito – Mexican Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter, Humorist, Director, Producer, And Author
| Chespirito Mexican | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Roberto Mario Gómez Bolaños, known as Chespirito |
| Birthdate | February 21, 1929 |
| Birthplace | Mexico City, Mexico |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, comedian, screenwriter, humorist, director, producer, author |
Roberto Gomez Bolanos, best known by his stage name Chespirito, was a member of the group of classic Hispanic comedians who left an indelible impression on our lives throughout our formative years.
Performances like Chespirito, El Chavo del Ocho, and El Chapuln Colorado were directed by him, and he also starred in those shows. Shows that continue to have a substantial following even in the present day! The comedic success of these performances was primarily dependent on physical comedy jokes, exaggerated facial and body movements, and clever wordplay.
12. Arturo Castro – Guatemalan Actor
| Arturo Castro | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Arturo Castro |
| Birthdate | November 26, 1985 (age 37) |
| Birthplace | Guatemala |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Known for | Jaimé Castro on Broad City |
| Alma Mater | American Academy of Dramatic Arts |
| Notable Shows | Hosted his own show, Conexion, on Guatemala’s national network |
| Notable Films | Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk: Played Marcellino “Mango” Montoya |
| Influences | Eddie Izzard, Robin Williams, Al Pacino |
Arturo Castro is a Guatemalan actor in Broad City and Narcos. He may be familiar to you with these roles. But Castro succeeds in his weird sketch comedy program Alternatino with Arturo Castro, which airs on Comedy Central.
The show is based on Castro’s experiences as a Latino millennial, and the sketches are sometimes absurd. Are you short on time today? To our good fortune, a good number of the skits from the program can be seen on YouTube.
13. Gaspar Henaine – Mexican Comedian, Actor, Singer, Film Producer
| El Rey del | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gaspar Henaine – Mexican Comedian, Actor, Singer, Film Producer |
| Pseudonym | Capulina |
| Birth Name | Gaspar Henaine y Pérez de León |
| Date of Birth | January 6, 1927 |
| Place of Birth | Chignahuapan, Puebla, Mexico |
| Date of Death | September 30, 2011 |
| Place of Death | Mexico City, Mexico |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Occupation | Comedian, Actor, Singer, Film Producer, Screenwriter |
| Nickname | El Rey del Humorismo Blanco (The King of White Humor) |
| Career Highlights | Partnered with Marco Antonio Campos as Viruta and Capulina Starred in 84 movies, 58 of them after separating from Viruta Recorded 12 music albums Notable film: Santo contra Capulina (1969) with El Santo Published a successful comic book series in the 1970s and 1980s |
| Genres | Double act, slapstick |
| Education | Studied acting and received recognition as a child actor |
| Spouse | María Elena Frías (married 1949–2011) |
| Television Programs | Cómicos y canciones, Las aventuras de Capulina |
| Last Film | Mi compadre Capulina (1989) |
| Last TV Appearance | El diario de Daniela (1996) |
| Cause of Death | Complications with pneumonia and a gastric ulcer |
Gaspar Henaine, better known as Capulina, was a Mexican comedian, actor, musician, singer, film producer, and screenwriter. Viruta and Capulina are considered among the most famous Mexican comedy duos. He was a member of the team.
Even today, he is an excellent illustration of how older Hispanic comedians can remain popular and highly known despite their age.
Because he never used inappropriate language, crude vocabulary, or adult situations in his comedy, he is known as “el rey humoristico blanco,” which translates to “the white humor king.” This contributed to his immense popularity among children and families.
14. Gabriel Iglesias – American Stand-up Comedian And Actor
| Gabriel Jes s Iglesias | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gabriel Iglesias – American Stand-up Comedian And Actor |
| Birth Name | Gabriel Jesús Iglesias |
| Born | July 15, 1976 |
| Birthplace | San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up, television, film |
| Years Active | 1997–present |
| Genres | Observational comedy, clean comedy, surreal humor, self-deprecation, satire |
| Subject(s) | Latin American culture, race relations, obesity, everyday life, pop culture, social awkwardness |
| Notable Stand-up Specials | I’m Not Fat… I’m Fluffy, Hot & Fluffy |
| Acting Credits | Mr. Iglesias, Magic Mike, Space Jam: A New Legacy |
| Voice Acting Credits | The Emperor’s New School, Planes, The Nut Job, El Americano: The Movie |
| Television Shows | Stand Up Revolution, Fluffy’s Food Adventures, Fluffy Breaks Even, Mr. Iglesias |
| Achievements | One of the top paid comedians in the world, sold out Dodger Stadium |
| Influences | Paul Rodriguez, Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, Bill Cosby |
| Personal Struggles | Weight loss journey, Type II Diabetes management, Depression, Alcoholism |
| COVID-19 Diagnosis | Tested positive on his 45th birthday |
It’s Gabriel Iglesias, but you may nickname him Fluffy if you want. His name is Gabriel. Iglesias is one of the most well-known Hispanic stand-up comedians currently active, and his performances often sell out in arenas such as Madison Square Garden.
Iglesias’ most recent role is that of the show’s namesake in the Netflix comedy series Mr. Iglesias, which is a feel-good story about a high school teacher who tries to impact the lives of his students positively.
15. Marga Gomez – Comedian, Writer, Performer, And Teaching Artist From Harlem
| Marga Gomez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marga Gomez – Comedian, Writer, Performer, and Teaching Artist From Harlem |
| Born | June 19, 1960, Harlem, New York |
| Medium | Stand-up, theater |
| Years Active | 1979 – Present |
| Genres | Alt-comedy, Observational comedy, Topical humor |
| Subject(s) | Feminism, LGBTQ, Latina/o community, Social Commentary, Pop Culture |
| Parent(s) | Willy Chevalier and Margarita Estremera |
| Notable Works | – Written and performed in thirteen solo plays, presented nationally and internationally |
| Pandemic Adaptation | Pivoted to adapting and presenting her work for live streaming during the coronavirus pandemic |
| Online Theater | Featured in online theater festivals and had a five-week virtual run for Brava, SF, where she is an artist-in-residence |
| Awards | GLAAD Media Award winner and recipient of the 2020 CCI Investing in Artists grant |
| First Out Lesbian | Recognized as “one of the country’s first out lesbians in comedy” |
| Stand-up Comedy | Started performing stand-up in the early 1990s, incorporating her life experiences into her monologues on stage |
| Upbringing | Born and raised in New York, with Puerto Rican/Cuban-American ancestry |
| San Francisco Career | Joined theater troupes in San Francisco, including Lilith, the San Francisco Mime Troupe, and Culture Clash |
| LGBTQ and Latin Themes | Addressed personal factors of her life, such as sexuality and experiences within the queer and Latin communities |
| Memory Tricks | First solo performance exploring her relationship with her mother and her mother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s |
| Published Works | Selections from her work published in several anthologies, including Extreme Exposure, HOWL, Out, Loud & Laughing, and more |
| Awards and Recognition | Received GLAAD award for Off-Off Broadway theater and nominated for Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and NCLR Bravo awards |
Since the 1980s, Marga Gomez has been bringing a high level of enthusiasm to the venues she graces with her performances. One of the most hilarious and relevant performances that Gomez has ever performed is about her experiences being a Latina who is unable to speak Spanish.
Her one-woman shows and theatrical performances, which center on her background in New York, her Latinx identity, and her existence as a lesbian, have gained her GLAAD honors and received overwhelmingly positive reviews. The set will make viewers of The L Word laugh out loud more than once.
16. Adal Ramones – Mexican Television Presenter And Comedian
| Adal Ramones | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Adalberto Javier Ramones Martínez |
| Occupation | Television Presenter, Comedian |
| Birthdate | December 3, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico |
| Famous Show | Otro Rollo |
| International Reach | Televised in 53 countries, including the United States |
| Romantic Partner | Gaby Valencia (since 1998) |
| Children | Paola Ramones |
| Overcoming Challenges | Overcame heart disease after multiple operations |
| Notable Achievement | Hosted La pesera del amor, where the show paid for a couple’s wedding and broadcasted it live |
| Unfortunate Incidents | Kidnapped one month before his wedding, suffered burns during a show’s shoot, broke an ankle in an accident |
| Musical Theater Involvement | Participated in the Mexican production of The Producers |
| Recent Project | Co-host of the television series La vida es mejor cantando |
Adal Ramones is a television personality and comedian who is well-known for his comments on everyday and socially related occurrences in life.
He sprang to fame due to his program, Otro Rollo (Another Vibe), and was a humorous and engaging chat show. On this show, he coined one of the lines that are still one of his most renowned to this day: ¡¿Quíere monologo?! (Do you want a monologue!?)
In recent years, his career has advanced, and while he hasn’t been performing as much humor as he used to, his monologues and sketches are still some of the most well-known works he’s produced.
17. Cheech Marin – American Actor, Musician, Comedian, And Activist
| Cheech short for | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cheech Marin – American Actor, Musician, Comedian, and Activist |
| Birth Name | Richard Anthony Marin |
| Born | July 13, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Medium | Film, stand-up, television |
| Years Active | 1971-present |
| Genres | Character comedy, musical comedy, political satire, sketch comedy, stoner comedy |
| Subject(s) | Latin American culture, drug culture, everyday life, recreational drug use |
| Spouse(s) | Darlene Morley (m. 1975; div. 1984) Patti Heid (m. 1986; div. 2009) Natasha Marin (m. 2009) |
| Children | 3 |
| Trademark | Known for characters’ strong Chicano accents |
| Languages | Speaks some Spanish and incorporates it into movies, but not fluent |
| Nickname | “Cheech,” short for “chicharron” (fried pork rind) |
| Education | Attended St. John Baptist de la Salle Catholic School and Bishop Alemany High School Studied at California State University, Northridge Graduated from CSUN as an English major in 1968 |
| Collaborations | Part of the comedy act Cheech & Chong during the 1970s and early 1980s Portrayed Insp. Joe Dominguez on Nash Bridges Voiced characters in several Disney films, including Oliver & Company, The Lion King, the Cars series, Coco, and Beverly Hills Chihuahua |
| Art Collection | Avid collector of Chicano art with over 700 pieces in his collection |
| Philanthropy | Established The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture & Industry in Riverside, California Donating his collection of Chicano art, the largest collection of its kind in the world, to the center |
| Hobbies | Avid golfer and practices horse archery on his private land |
| Cannabis Agreement | Signed an exclusive agreement to use cannabis and cannabis-related products with Heritage Cannabis Holdings Corporation |
| Residency | Resides in Malibu, California |
The irreverent and legendary duo Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, best known by their stage name Cheech and Chong, are considered the forefathers of the “stoner comedy” film genre. Marin has significantly influenced Latino culture since the movies that propelled him to popularity in the 1970s.
He has participated in many different film and television projects. In 2021, his collection of Chicano art, which is widely considered the most extensive of its kind in the world, will be given a permanent home in an arts complex in Riverside, California.
18. Felipe Esparza – American Stand-up Comedian And Actor Of Mexican Descent
| Felipe Esparza | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Felipe Esparza – American Stand-up Comedian And Actor Of Mexican Descent |
| Born | Sinaloa, Mexico |
| Medium | Stand-up |
| Spouse | Lesa O’Daniel Esparza |
| Children | 4 |
| Last Comic Standing | Winner in 2010 |
| Podcast | Host of “What’s Up Fool?” since 2014 |
| Immigration Story | Immigrated illegally from Mexico to the United States |
| Childhood | Raised in the Aliso Village housing projects of Boyle Heights |
| Education | Attended Theodore Roosevelt High School |
| Personal Journey | Overcame drug addiction and pursued stand-up comedy |
| Vegan Lifestyle | Embraced a vegan lifestyle since 2011 |
Felipe Esparza is an American actor and stand-up comedian of Mexican descent. In 1994, he started doing stand-up. 2010 saw him win Last Comic Standing. What’s Up Fool? is a weekly podcast Esparza has been hosting since 2014.
Felipe Esparza, a comedian, born in Sinaloa, has us and probably already has you completely enamored. Whether presenting his belly-laugh-inducing podcast “What’s Up Fool?” or making light of important issues like immigration in stand-up specials like “Bad Decisions” on Netflix, the powerful comic never fails to make people laugh.
19. Horatio Sanz – Chilean-born American Actor And Comedian
| Horatio Sanz | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Horatio Sanz – Chilean-born American Actor And Comedian |
| Birthdate | June 4, 1969 |
| Birthplace | Santiago, Chile |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, comedian |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Relatives | Carlos Sanz (brother) |
| Early Life | Horatio Sanz was born on June 4, 1969, in Santiago, Chile. He grew up in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago. |
| Career Highlights | Horatio Sanz joined the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) in September 1998, becoming the show’s first Hispanic cast member. He gained popularity during his tenure on SNL, which lasted until 2006. Sanz also appeared in various TV shows and movies, including the ABC sitcom In the Motherhood and the Comedy Central sitcom Big Lake. |
| Notable Roles | Horatio Sanz played the role of Horatio the “manny” in the sitcom In the Motherhood and starred in the Comedy Central sitcom Big Lake alongside Chris Parnell. |
| Other Ventures | In addition to his acting career, Sanz started his own podcast called The Hooray Show in 2015, featuring comedy sketches and interviews with fellow comedians. |
| Weight Loss | Horatio Sanz underwent a significant weight loss journey, losing 100 pounds through improved eating habits and exercise. |
| Citizenship | Horatio Sanz became an American citizen on July 25, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. |
| Sexual Assault Allegations | In August 2021, Sanz faced a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault. The lawsuit was settled in November 2022. |
| Accolades | Horatio Sanz received the “Stoner of the Year” award at High Times magazine’s 2003 Stony Awards. |
Horatio Sanz, born in Chile, became the first-ever Latino cast member on Saturday Night Live in 1998 when he joined the show’s cast. Sanz and fellow Latino alums of Saturday Night Live Fred Armisen established an initiative to cultivate comedic talent among the Hispanic community. At this time, he is primarily active on his podcast, which goes by the name The Hooray Show.
20. Danielle Perez – American Stand-up Comic, Actor, And Writer
| Danielle Perez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Danielle Perez – American Stand-up Comic, Actor, And Writer |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Stand-up Comic, Actor, Writer |
| Notable Works | Participated in CBS’s 2020 Diversity Sketch Comedy Showcase |
| Early Life | Grew up in Los Angeles, California |
| Education | Attended San Francisco State University |
| Disability | Overcame lower leg amputation and uses a wheelchair |
| Sexual Orientation | Openly queer |
| Comedy Performances | SF Sketchfest, Laughing Skull Comedy Festival, Brooklyn Comedy Festival |
| Opening Acts | Maria Bamford, Laurie Kilmartin, Guy Branum |
| Inclusivity Advocacy | Committed to accessibility and inclusivity in comedy |
| Comedy Ventures | Co-founded Thigh Gap Comedy with Madison Shepard and Danielle Radford |
| Film Appearance | Voiced Charlotte Webber / Sun-Spider in 2023’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse |
American stand-up comedian, actress, and writer Danielle Perez come from. She has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC), Decoded (MTV), StandUp (NBC), A Little Late (with Lilly Singh), and an untitled Netflix series.
Danielle Perez, a native of Los Angeles who exploits the hardships she has endured in her life to fuel her funny quips and sometimes dark humor, is one of the comedians that makes us laugh the hardest. She “fell in love” with comedy after having her legs amputated at age 20 after being struck by a streetcar and losing her legs. She now performs all around the globe and is a champion for accessibility.
The charm of Danielle Perez’s smile.
21. Cristela Alonzo – American Comedian, Actress, Writer, And Producer
| Cristela Alonzo | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cristela Alonzo – American Comedian, Actress, Writer, And Producer |
| Birthplace | San Juan, Texas, U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up, television, film |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Genres | Observational comedy, blue comedy, physical comedy, surreal humor, satire |
| Subject(s) | Latin American culture, everyday life, sex, racism, social awkwardness |
| Partner(s) | Stephen Halasz (2008–present) |
| Achievements | First Latina woman to create, produce, write, and star in her own US primetime comedy |
| Notable TV Appearances | Last Comic Standing, The Half Hour, Conan, Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand Up Revolution |
| Additional Information | Raised in a strict Catholic household |
The ABC comedy Cristela was developed by and starred American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer Cristela Alonzo. She is the first Latina to design, produce, create, and appear in her television program.
You probably already know how talented Cristela Alonzo is if you’ve seen the 2014 ABC comedy “Cristela” (RIP). The Mexican American actress, born in Hidalgo, Texas, is also a writer, producer, and performer and a challenging and humorous Latina in general. There’s a good reason “Cristela” fans cheered when they heard about her “Middle Classy” Netflix special!
22. Jesus Trejo – American Stand-up Comedian
| Jesus Trejo | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jesus Trejo – American Stand-up Comedian |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Stand-up comedy |
American stand-up comedian Jesus Trejo is from the United States. Trejo, a Long Beach native, reared there, debuted his hour-long stand-up performance on Showtime in the summer of 2020 with STAY AT HOME SON.
Jesus Trejo extracts comedy from the fact that he lives with his elderly parents and cares for them as they cared for him when he was younger. Both on “The Late Late Show with James Corden” and throughout his stand-up routines, he discusses his upbringing as the sole child of Mexican-American immigrants.
23. X Mayo – Afro-Latina Writer, Actress, And Comedian
| X Mayo | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | X Mayo – Afro-Latina Writer, Actress, And Comedian |
| Profession | Comedian, Writer, Producer, Actress |
| Birthplace | Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Latina |
| Training | Dance, Writing, Acting, Improvisational Comedy |
| Notable Works | The Daily Show, Strangers, The Good Doctor, Swarm |
| Films | The Farewell, The Blackening, Finding ‘Ohana |
| Web Series | Who Made the Potato Salad |
| Comedy Show | “Unsung Heroes Of…” |
| Emmy Nomination | Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series |
| Current Project | American Auto (NBC series) |
X Mayo, happy to be half-Mexican and half-Black, is a writer, actor, and comedian, and we cannot get enough of her. The very talented woman, who calls herself a “taco expert,” is from South Central or Inglewood and recalls arriving in New York City with only $80 and one suitcase.
She is a writer for “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah,” and the creator of a sketch comedy program in New York City called “Who Made the Potato Salad?” This show is about “building community” and “providing chances” for people of color.
24. Julio Torres – Salvadoran Writer, Comedian, And Actor
| Julio Torres | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Julio Torres – Salvadoran Writer, Comedian, and Actor |
| Date of Birth | February 11, 1987 |
| Birthplace | San Salvador, El Salvador |
| Nationality | Salvadoran |
| Education | The New School (BA in Literary Studies) |
| Occupations | Writer, Comedian, Actor |
| Notable Works | Saturday Night Live, Los Espookys |
| Emmy Nominations | 4 |
| Style of Comedy | Otherworldly, Surrealist, Fantastical, Melancholic |
| Collaborations | Ana Fabrega, Fred Armisen, Dave McCary, Lorne Michaels |
| HBO Series | Los Espookys (Co-creator, Writer, Executive Producer, Actor) |
| Comedy Special | My Favorite Shapes (HBO, 2019) |
| Film Appearances | Together Together (2021), Problemista (upcoming, 2023) |
| Sexual Orientation | Gay |
| Dietary Preference | Vegan |
Julio Torres, an eccentric comedian from El Salvador, is precisely what the comedy industry needs right now. This is not to say that he is the least important thing in comedy. The drawing he calls “My Favorite Shapes” is not for the faint of heart but is anything from the square.
His comedic style may be considered “niche,” yet it is unlike anything we have ever experienced. Torres, who is a co-creator of “Los Espookys” and a writer for “Saturday Night Live,” refers to himself as a “comedian, prince, and telepath.”
25. Sofia Niño de Rivera – Mexican Stand-up Comedian And Actress
| Sofia Ni o de | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sofia Niño de Rivera |
| Birthdate | November 23, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Mexico City, Mexico |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Occupation | Stand-up Comedian, Actress |
| Recognitions | Mexico City’s Woman of the Year |
| Notable Works | “Sofía Niño de Rivera: Expuesta” (2016) |
| Television Appearances | “Conan Without Borders: Made in Mexico” (2017) |
| Education | Colegio Vista Hermosa, Mexico City |
| Previous Career | Transitioned from advertising to stand-up comedy |
| Influences | Dislike of heavy bureaucracy and the business practices in the advertising industry |
Sofia Nino de Rivera is a Mexican actress and stand-up comedian. She has been referred to be “a major exponent of stand-up comedy in Mexico and Latin America as a whole” and was selected Chilango’s lady of the year for Mexico City in 2016.
Among the most popular Latin American and Mexican stand-up comedians, Sofia Nio de Rivera was born in Mexico City. Her sets are delivered entirely in Spanish. You may also see her in the critically acclaimed series Club de Cuervo, which airs on Netflix.