One of America’s most successful comedians, Gabriel Iglesias – AKA Fluffy – walks us behind his funny act and reveals what revs his engines
By Pamela Chow
Photo: YouTube
With TV series, gag show movies, comedy awards and countless performances around the globe, Gabriel Iglesias is at his prime. Also known as “Fluffy” – a nickname given to him by his mother – Iglesias has gained popularity for his hilarious accents, impersonations, female voices and realistic sound effects.
He is also known for his famous “five levels of fatness” joke, which takes a jab at his own size. In 2014, he was diagnosed with diabetes and has since shed some 45kg. His joke now has six “levels”, the latest addition being “Oh Hell No”.
On Jun 6, Iglesias will swing by our sunny island for a live show of his comedy docu-series “#Fluffy Breaks Even”. It follows the Mexican-born comedian on the road as he indulges at different restaurants, then burns off his calories with extreme workouts.
Ahead of his show, Iglesias takes us behind the scenes of life as America’s biggest and fluffiest comedian today.
HOW HAS YOUR IMPRESSION OF SINGAPORE CHANGED SINCE YOU LAST CAME HERE?
My impression of Singapore hasn’t changed much. I still think it is a beautiful city, with lovely people and the best zoo I have ever seen. I look forward to coming back.
WHAT WAS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU’VE ENCOUNTERED WHILE TOURING?
I am always surprised to see how my comedy translates in different countries. It is very humbling to know that the material I perform in the US gets laughs in Singapore. It means that I am doing something right.
WHAT’S THE TOUGHEST ACCENT FOR YOU TO MIMIC?
Some accents are easier than others. It really just depends on the accent. Some come easy and some I don’t bother with.
I [also] have fun doing some celebrity impressions, like Matthew McConaughey and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER THE HIGHEST POINT IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
One of the highest points in my career was being one of the few comedians to perform at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Gabriel Iglesias is known for his spot-on accents, impersonations, female voices and realistic sound effects. (Photo: Roco Communications)
YOU’RE SEEN BY MANY AS A HAPPY-GO-LUCKY PERSON. CAN YOU SHARE WITH US ABOUT A LOW POINT IN YOUR LIFE AND HOW YOU OVERCAME IT?
Oh man. Going dark here. Losing my mother four years ago was very difficult. I think about her every day and keep her memory alive by talking about her, and I hope she will live on in some of the stories I tell about her.
WHAT IS YOUR PET PEEVE?
I don’t like doing interviews. [Grins]
IF YOU HAD TO EAT JUST ONE DISH FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
A burrito bowl at Chipotle. It has all my favourite food groups, especially cheese.
Also read: Cheese Tart Showdown: BAKE Inc vs. Antoinette
WHAT’S NEXT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST, IF YOU HAD NOTHING TO HOLD YOU BACK?
That’s a great question. I would start my own wrestling company. You asked!
OTHER THAN YOUR TOUR, WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN BUSY WITH RECENTLY?
I have been working on a comedy pilot for ABC Network. Fingers crossed that it gets picked up and you get to watch it one day!
By Pamela Chow
Gabriel Iglesias will perform in Singapore on Jun 6. More information here.
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