Comedian/Actor Felipe Esparza’s first one hour comedy special entitled “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You” will debut on December 28th on Showtime at 10:00 pm, with a special encore presentation at 11:00 pm on New Year’s Eve. Known for his wild hair, raw real life approach to comedy, and his often-imitated phrase, “What’s up, fool?,” Esparza is one of the fastest rising stars on the comedy scene today. His thought provoking, edgy stand-up earned him a spot on the Emmy nominated NBC show “Last Comic Standing,” where he went on to win the top prize and garner the praise of some of the biggest comedy stars in the country, including Gabriel Iglesias…who imitates Felipe in several infamous stories and routines.
During his early years honing his comedy act, Esparza spent time working odd jobs, including a concessionaire at Dodger Stadium and is a product of the streets of Boyle Heights (East Los Angeles), where he cultivated his material out of a need to see the humor in the struggles of everyday life. “Over the years, I’ve noticed so many changes in the neighborhoods,” said Felipe. “Gentrification starts to happen and bad neighborhoods become better, but I like to show the comedic perspective of the guy from the neighborhood who hasn’t changed. I know I’m not a tough guy, but I’m pretty sure I can beat up everyone who shops at Trader Joe’s.”
Felipe received immediate television exposure, when he appeared on a Showtime “Diamonds in the Rough” segment, just 1 1/2 years into his stand-up career. Since that time, he has appeared on numerous television shows, including the syndicated “Comics Unleashed”, Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend,” “Russell Simmons Presents Stand-Up at the El Rey”, Showtime’s “Comics Without Borders”, BET’s “Comic View”, and Galavisión’s “Que Locos” (where he holds the title of most appearances by any comedian).
Recently, he appeared in his first two feature-length films, “The Deported”, with Nick Turturro and Talia Shire, and a cutting edge movie based on his stand-up comedy called, “I’m Not Like That No More” where he stars. The DVD “They’re Not Gonna Laugh At You” Hits the Streets February 28 distributed in all store and outlets by Entertainment One Entertainment. Follow Felipe on twitter
FRI 12/30 10:10 PM SHOWTIME SHOWCASE
WED 01/04 1:15 AM SHOWTIME SHOWCASE
MON 01/09 11:10 PM SHOWTIME SHOWCASE
SUN 01/22 2:30 PM SHOWTIME SHOWCASE