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Carlos Mencia's ability to reach a diverse audience by pointing out society's hypocrisies is the ultimate goal for this observational comedian. Recently, on MSNBC's Time and Again, Billy Crystal explained what he felt was the difference between a comic and a comedian. He explained, "The comic makes you laugh while the comedian makes you laugh and gives you something about which to think." While both are valuable to society, the comedian is the performer that demonstrates artistic merit because he shares a piece of himself with the audience. The comedian personalizes his material whereas the comic looks for the quick fix. Carlos has this rare gift of insightful perception and precise delivery that has made him one of the most successful touring comedians in the country.
His current concert tour, THE THREE AMIGOS, in which Carlos headlines along with fellow comedians, Pablo Francisco and Freddy Soto, was so successful last year, selling out multiple shows in 1,500 to 3,000 seat venues, Bud Light is sponsoring this year's tour. The success of THE THREE AMIGOS Tour also sparked the interest of industry execs and prompted Miramax Films to fund the taping of three sold-out performances in Austin, as well as behind the scenes footage & in-studio radio appearances. They are now in negotiations for a theatrical release.
Also for the big screen, Carlos co-starred in his first feature film this year entitled OUTTA TIME, in association with Artisan Home Entertainment/ Pathfinder Pictures and Filmstar Productions. Carlos provides the comic relief as "Juancho," the best friend of Mario Lopez, in this action thriller set on the Mexican! American border that opened in limited release in April.
As for his other current projects, Carlos guest-stars in a recurring role opposite Tommy Davidson, as "Felix Boulevard," in Hyperion Pictures' new, animated series, The Proud Family on the Disney Channel. This summer, his own half-hour Comedy Central Presents special will premiere in June, and he can be seen in featured roles on The Shield for the FX Channel.
Carlos's critically lauded debut album, Take A Joke America, was released on Warner Bros. Records in 2000, and coupled with another successful concert tour. His latest CD, America Rules, was recorded live and features an hour of brand new material that deals with the events of Sept. 11th. Both albums utilize Mencia's Archie Bunker-like bluntness to address a variety of subjects, including ethnic stereotypes, racism, and people's inability to laugh at themselves. It's a style that is hilariously honest, but which can sometimes stir up America's ethnic melting pot. "I've gotten in trouble with every race you can imagine," explains Carlos. "They say, 'I can't believe you talked about this - you're racist.' And I say, 'How can I be racist? Isn't racism exclusionary? If all of you are offended, that's because I'm including every race in my jokes." Occasionally labeled controversial, Mencia's humor digs deep. "I think we all feel the same things most of the time, we just don't know how to put it to words. When I'm on stage, I say it. The truth makes people laugh," Carlos says.
Until now, Carlos has been best known for his two solo HBO Specials, one for which he won a CableACE Award nomination, and as host of the groundbreaking series, Funny Is Funny (Galavision). Last year, he was tapped to guest host back-to-back episodes on NBC's Later, and he made his first appearance on The Tonight Show, in which he received a standing ovation for a flawless set. His additional television credits include HBO's Loco Slam, Comic Relief VI, and repeat spots on Comedy Central's Comedy Showcase, among others.
Born in Honduras and raised in East Los Angeles, Carlos spends his leisure time with his family and close friends, enjoying the fruits of his labors. He aims to serve as a role model to youth as his popularity increases. "I grew up in the projects and I know how important it is for kids to have hope. I want them to look at me and say, 'Man, I could do that." And, though the concept of laughter as a unifying force is not uncommon, Carlos Mencia is taking action to make it a reality in daily life.
