12 Best Hispanic and Mexican Comedians

Currently, there is a remarkable cohort of comedians on the global stage who hail from Hispanic and Mexican roots. Among them are individuals raised in the United States, as well as those born in Mexico, South America, and Spain. These exceptional Hispanic and Mexican comedians skillfully blend elements of their culture and the prevailing stereotypes associated with it, delivering relatable jokes and amusing observations that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Numerous Latino comedians kick-started their journeys in the world of stand-up comedy, and have since leveraged their initial triumphs to explore various other avenues. They have transformed into movie stars, radio hosts, or even secured their own TV shows and specials. Although hailing from diverse backgrounds, Hispanic and Mexican comedians share a common trait of being incredibly funny individuals. Their comedic performances offer a unique glimpse into their culture and life, and below are some of our personal favorites.

12 Best Hispanic and Mexican Comedians

1. Gabriel Iglesias

Gabriel Iglesias, also known as “Fluffy,” has been entertaining audiences worldwide with his unique sense of humor for more than 25 years. Originally from San Diego, Iglesias pursued his comedy career in the late 90s. Gradually, he gained a dedicated fan base and started lending his voice to animated characters in various shows during the early 2000s. This opened doors for acting opportunities, and Iglesias appeared in films like Magic Mike, Magic Mike XXL, and voiced characters in popular animated movies such as Coco, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Ferdinand, and Show Dogs.

Iglesias is known for his lighthearted humor that rarely offends, often centering around his weight and the challenges he’s faced as a Mexican. He consistently fills arenas globally, and his latest Netflix special, “Stadium Fluffy” in 2022, was a tremendous success.

2. George Lopez

George Lopez faced many challenges during his childhood. His father departed when he was just a two-month-old infant, and at the age of ten, his mother also left him. Consequently, Lopez found refuge in his grandmother’s care and relocated to Los Angeles. Instead of succumbing to the hardships, these experiences fortified Lopez, ultimately contributing to his triumphant journey towards success.

In 2000, Sandra Bullock was appalled by the underrepresentation of Latinos on television. Recognizing his talent, she approached him to develop a show that would accurately portray his community. The sitcom, titled George Lopez, was successfully picked up by the ABC network and quickly gained popularity, earning numerous prestigious accolades over its six seasons.

Lopez, who is now a frequent presence on television, has not only created and performed in numerous sitcoms and a late-night talk show, but has also successfully ventured into the film industry. He has achieved widespread fame as one of the most beloved Mexican comedians globally.

3. Felipe Esparza

Felipe Esparza made the life-changing decision to pursue a career in stand-up comedy back in 1990. However, it was not until 2010, a full two decades later, when he emerged victorious on the TV show Last Comic Standing, that he finally began receiving the well-deserved recognition.

Esparza, a hilarious individual with Mexican roots, has delighted audiences with numerous highly acclaimed comedy specials. He has made memorable appearances on various television shows, both in Mexico and the United States. Additionally, he entertains listeners with his popular weekly podcast, titled What’s Up Fool?

4. Cristela Alonzo

Cristela Alonzo made history as the pioneering Latina woman to conceive, produce, write, and lead her own U.S. primetime comedy series, the uproarious Cristela. Despite its brief one-season run, the show provided a platform that paved the way for numerous Hispanic and Mexican comedians, granting them the opportunity to showcase their talents and thrive.

Alonzo, an observational comedian, frequently delves into topics of race, sex, and discrimination, skillfully employing humorous anecdotes from her own experiences to elicit laughter. Adding to her vivacious persona, she is renowned for her infectious laughter, which resonates with her bubbly nature.

5. Ralph Barbosa

Ralph Barbosa, a relatively new face in the stand-up scene, caught attention when he clinched the title of “Funniest Comic in Texas” in 2019. Known for his relaxed demeanor and clever humor, Barbosa’s Don’t Tell Comedy performance on YouTube has garnered over one million views. Additionally, he emerged victorious in the third edition of the “Latino Stand-Up! Comedy Competition” titled Entre Nos: The Winners 3, aired on HBO.

6. Sara Contreras

For nearly 30 years, the “Latin Diva of Comedy” has been entertaining audiences with her humor. Sara Contreras, a renowned female comedian, as well as an actor and writer, not only graces comedy clubs with her stand-up performances but also frequently appears on the radio. Currently, she is on tour with her uproarious one-woman show, F.R.E.A.K. of Nature. In addition to her success on stage, she gained recognition for her role in Showtime’s Latin Divas of Comedy special and even started a podcast inspired by her one-woman show.

7. Louis CK

Undoubtedly, it might have come as a surprise to find this comedian featured on this list. Despite his Caucasian appearance, Louis C.K. actually has Mexican roots. Although it is important to acknowledge that the comedian has faced significant controversy in recent years due to admitting to multiple incidents of sexual misconduct, which we do not support, his influence on the comedy industry cannot be disregarded.

C.K made his mark in the 80s and 90s comic boom, starting off as a writer on Conan O’Brien’s late night talk show. He further honed his skills by writing for Late Show with David Letterman and The Chris Rock Show, until he finally gained recognition with his own show, Lucky Louie, in 2006. Following this success, he went on to produce a series of highly acclaimed specials such as Shameless in 2007, Chewed Up in 2008, and Hilarious in 2010. However, it was his semi-autobiographical TV series, Louie, in 2010 that catapulted him into stardom.

After FX terminated their collaboration with C.K. due to the emergence of sexual misconduct allegations, Louie concluded its five-season run. Following this, he retreated from the public eye for a number of years. However, he has now resurfaced, embarking on tours and writing films. In 2020, he earned a Grammy Award for his album Sincerely Louis CK, securing the title of Best Comedy Album.

8. Gina Brillon

Gina Brillon, hailing from the Bronx, had aspirations of becoming a comedian from a tender age. At the age of 17, she embarked on her comedic journey, taking the stage as a stand-up performer. Her immense talent and comedic prowess shone brightly, leading her to secure victory in NBC’s esteemed “Stand Up for Diversity” competition in 2012, catapulting her onto the comedy scene.

Afterward, she skyrocketed in popularity within the American comedy circuit, launching various successful specials such as the highly acclaimed “The Floor is Lava” in 2020. In this particular show, Brillon delves into her Puerto Rican background, reminiscing about her upbringing and shedding light on the challenges she faces as a woman married to a Caucasian man. Undoubtedly, she is an incredibly amusing individual.

9. John Leguizamo

While John Leguizamo is primarily known for his appearances on the silver screen, he has also achieved great success in the world of comedy through his remarkable stage career. Originally hailing from Bogotá, Colombia, Leguizamo relocated to New York City with his family during his childhood and subsequently nurtured his passion for the performing arts.

Although Leguizamo is primarily recognized for his roles in Hollywood movies like Romeo + Juliet, Super Mario Bros., Summer of Sam, and Repo Man, his understated comedy career is equally remarkable. He earned a Primetime Emmy Award for his exceptional individual performance in a variety or music program for his one-man show Freak. Additionally, he has successfully produced numerous plays and comedy shows that draw inspiration from his own life.

10. Franco Escamilla

Although Franco Escamilla may not be widely recognized in the United States, he holds a prominent status as a comedy sensation in Mexico. With four highly successful comedy specials, namely Comedians of the World, For the Anecdote, Welcome to the World, and Eavesdropping on Netflix, Escamilla has established himself as a blockbuster comedian. Additionally, he has even hosted his own television show at one juncture.

Escamilla frequently blends music with his comedy acts, and his performances have taken him to various corners of the world, including Australia, Japan, Argentina, and Israel.

11. Arturo Castro

Arturo Castro, a comedy actor renowned for his appearances in Broad City and Narcos, disproves the notion that every Hispanic or Mexican comedian strictly performs stand-up. Hailing from Guatemala, he initially hosted his own television show and eventually relocated to New York to pursue his studies at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Moving forward, Castro is someone to watch, as his career on the screen has encompassed comedy roles in the aforementioned Broad City, No Activity, and Comedy Central’s Alternatino with Arturo Castro, a sketch show of his own. He draws inspiration from the likes of Eddie Izzard, Robin Williams, and Al Pacino.

12. Anjelah Johnson

Anjelah Johnson successfully transitioned from being a cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders to becoming a renowned stand-up comedian, showcasing her relatable comedy. She skillfully incorporates humorous anecdotes about her Mexican background and the cultural contrasts that emerge in her relationship with her Dominican partner.

Johnson’s rise to fame began when she gained recognition on YouTube, leading to her joining MADtv for its 13th season in 2007. This opportunity launched her into the spotlight, and in 2009, she debuted her first comedy special, titled Anjelah Johnson: That’s How We Do It, which was broadcast on Comedy Central. As her career progressed, she expanded into the film industry while simultaneously touring with her stand-up show.

After her initial portrayal of the character on MADtv, Johnson gained recognition for her role as Mỹ Linh, a Vietnamese nail salon employee whom she has revisited multiple times throughout her career.

13. Cheech Marin

Cheech Marin, a renowned figure in the comedy realm, is most famously recognized for his comedic albums, films, and live performances in collaboration with his closest friend Tommy Chong. Together as the iconic duo Cheech and Chong, they revolutionized the comedy scene during the 1970s and have since achieved remarkable triumphs by portraying two enthusiasts of marijuana.

In addition to his collaboration with Chong, Marin has achieved considerable success as a solo artist in the entertainment industry. He has showcased his talent in both high-budget films and independent productions. Notably, Marin portrayed the loyal sidekick to Don Johnson’s character in the popular TV series Nash Bridges. Furthermore, he has made numerous appearances in Robert Rodriguez’s films, such as Machete, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, and the Spy Kids franchise. Marin’s contributions extend beyond his acting career, as he has significantly influenced Latino culture and remains a steadfast figure in the business.

14. Monique Marvez

Before embarking on a career in comedy, Monique Marvez held an unconventional profession as a malpractice insurance salesperson. However, in 1990, she took a daring leap and graced the stage for her inaugural stand-up performance. From that moment onward, Monique never turned back, establishing herself as one of the most accomplished Hispanic comedians in recent times.

Marvez, renowned as the “Mistress of Comedy” and the “Hispanic Bette Midler,” skillfully employs humor as a means to delve into her personal experiences, specifically her unsuccessful love affairs.