LATIN POST PICKS: Great Latino-American Comedians
George Lopez, Paul Rodriguez and Carlos Mencia's names are some of the first to come to mind when thinking of Latino comedians, but there's a number of valuable comedians with Latin roots who are brazen and brilliant, and offer stellar commentary on la raza's experience in America, or are just plain ol' hilarious.
Mexican comedienne ANJELAH JOHNSON emerged on MADtv's 13th season, gaining recognition for performing signature characters such as the incomparable fast food employee Bon Qi Qui and a Vietnamese nail salon employee. The talented comedienne earned acclaim for her stand-up shows and appearances in the films The Box, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, Our Family Wedding, and Enough Said.
Venezuelan-German/Japanese comedian FRED ARMISEN is best known for his long stint on Saturday Night Live, and his appearances in EuroTrip, Anchorman, and Cop Out. His co-creation, IFC's sketch comedy series Portlandia is another project that earns him a great deal of laughs.
Puerto Rican AUBREY PLAZA's deadpan comedy and dry delivery tickles viewers of NBC's Parks and Recreation, as well audiences who've seen Funny People, Safety Not Guaranteed and Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You.
Chicano comedian HORATIO SANZ began his career on the Chicago theater circuit, appearing with Second City and the Upright Citizens Brigade before he gained a regular spot on Saturday Night Live (1998-2006). Some of his best known characters were Carol, a cheerful and crass woman; Manuel Pantalones, bandleader on Showbiz Grande Explosion, and One of the Telemundo actors from Besos Y Lagrimas.
LISA ALVARADO first appeared on Nick at Nite's Search for the Funniest Mom in America 2 and as a result was deemed "The Latin Queen of Comedy." She wrote and directed a stand-up feature, entitled The Real LA. And, Alvarado wrote, directed and performed in a short-lived series, The Bitchlorettes, where she portrayed three characters: Sarah Palin, C*ntney and Latina.