In the world of standup, it’s pretty hard to top the talents of Gabriel Iglesias. “Fluffy,” as he’s affectionately known, has built a tremendous following around the globe with sold-out shows, branded merchandise and some of the most popular comedy clips on the web. He’s also become a popular figure on Comedy Central hosting the Latino-tinged Standup Revolution series, which was one of the highest rated shows on the network when it premiered in 2011. Although The Last Comic Standing alumn is currently prepping for a new tour and the debut of his second Comedy Central special series, Aloha Fluffy, he took a few moments to talk to ‘LLERO about his successes and the barriers he hopes to break.
“I first got the idea to do standup when I was 10-years-old,” the California native explained of his first inspiration to tickle funny bones. “That’s when I saw Eddie Murphy: Raw. Then I started watching other comics like Robin Williams and Billy Crystal.” Taking cues from his comedic idols, the 30-something Mexican-American developed his own brand of humor mixing impressions, voices, current events and himself (“I’m not fat…I’m fluffy.”) to entertain crowds.
Iglesias explained that his career took off after his comedy clips made their way online. Social media and sites like YouTube have exposed Iglesias’ brand of humor to millions of viewers. It goes without saying that he fully supports the digital revolution. “All of these social media outlets are like a digital version of grassroots,” he exclaimed. “You’re interacting with people, you’re posting your material; it’s great!”
Aside from free clips, people seem to love Iglesias enough to want his comedy at home. Iglesias’s first two DVD’s “Hot & Fluffy” and “I’m Not Fat…I’m Fluffy” have sold over 1 million copies. With that kind of support it’s no wonder his newest stand-up show is garnering so much enthusiasm even with the comedian himself. “I’m really excited about Aloha Fluffy,” he said. “This is the longest special I’ve ever done. Comedy Central actually broke it into two parts.”
Of course, Aloha is the culmination of over a decade of hard work. Iglesias explained that he took his first shot at comedy right after high school, when a friend dared him to get on stage. And it’s not just Americans who have embraced the “Fluffy” phenomenon. His popularity has extended to Australia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. “We go everywhere now,” Iglesias explained. “The crowds really love us overseas and thanks to YouTube, we’re known everywhere. These shows are like rock concerts.”
Part of Iglesias’s charm is his unique approach to storytelling. As he explains it, most of his standup material is based on real life experiences. “Comedy is essentially stories,” Iglesias said when describing his craft. “It’s stuff that happens to you. I embellish it, I bring it to life. These stories are all true, but I put my own spin behind it. That’s what makes it funny.”
But one thing that he is very serious about is breaking out of the “Latino comic” mold. Though Iglesias is very proud of his Mexican-American heritage, he hates being labeled. “I’ve always had an issue with people calling me a Latino comic,” he said. “It’s not that I’m not respecting my roots, it’s just when people say Latino comic, they’re pigeonholing you. It makes it sound like you can only perform for Latinos. My goal is to be a comic who can perform worldwide…who happens to be Latino.”
Well the good news for Iglesias is that he’s achieved that goal and then some. Be sure to check out Aloha Fluffy specials on Comedy Central, April 7th and April 14th. You can follow all of Iglesias’ online happenings at his official website, fluffyguy.com.
Photos courtesy of Gabirel Iglesias