Cristela Alonzo is a groundbreaking comedian, actress, and producer known for her remarkable achievements in the entertainment industry. Born and raised in San Juan, Texas, Cristela's journey to success is marked by her perseverance and distinctive comedic voice.
She gained widespread recognition as the cocreator, coexecutive producer, and star of the ABC sitcom "Cristela," a trailblazing show that reflected her personal experiences and resonated with audiences across the nation. This significant achievement capped a whirlwind year for Cristela, putting her firmly in the spotlight as both a creative force and a captivating performer.
Cristela's rise in the comedy world began with standup, where her sharp wit and relatable humor quickly caught attention. She became a staple on numerous comedy power player lists, including "Variety's Top 10 Comics to Watch," "Top 10 Comedy Acts to Watch in 2014" by LA Weekly, and "One of the 50 Comedians You Should and WILL Know" by Vulture.com. Her influence extended to social media, where Cosmo Latina recognized her as one of the "8 Women You Should be Following on Twitter."
The trajectory of her standup career included the release of her debut CD, "Some of the Hits," through a deal with Comedy Central, further showcasing her talents. Her first half-hour special, "The Half Hour," premiered on Comedy Central in June 2013 to critical acclaim, affirming her status as a major comedic talent.
Cristela's television appearances are numerous and varied, with performances on popular shows such as "The View," "The Late Show with David Letterman," "Conan," Gabriel Iglesias' "Stand Up Revolution," Showtime's "Legally Brown," "Last Comic Standing," and "Live at Gotham." Her appeal also brought her to major comedy festivals, including the Bonnaroo Music Festival and the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal.
A prominent figure in the college market, Cristela was a standout at the NACA (National Association of Campus Activities) national convention in Charlotte, NC, becoming the most requested act and performing at nearly 300 colleges over the past three years. Her cross-generational appeal and ability to connect with younger audiences solidified her role as one of the most popular standup comedians in this niche.
Currently based in Los Angeles, Cristela stays connected to her comedy roots by performing at various local clubs, including her home base, The Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach. Her continued presence in the comedy scene, along with her groundbreaking work in television, underscores Cristela Alonzo's enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
Variety's Top 10 Comics to Watch
Top 10 Comedy Acts to Watch in 2014 by LA Weekly
One of the 50 Comedians You Should and WILL Know by Vulture.com
8 Women You Should be Following on Twitter by Cosmo Latina