The Untold Truth Of Gabriel Iglesias

There are few figures in the world of comedy more familiar than Gabriel Iglesias. One of the most successful and in-demand standup comics of his generation, the comedian nicknamed "Fluffy" has been cracking audiences up since 1997 and shows no signs of stopping. His unique blend of humor and storytelling has made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with his relatable anecdotes and charismatic stage presence.

As Iglesias' roster of screen credits on IMDb attests, in addition to headlining multiple comedy specials, he's also started to carve out a career as an actor. Iglesias was in "Magic Mike" and its sequel and went on to play the title role in his own Netflix sitcom. As Iglesias explained in an interview with Forbes, he thinks of himself fundamentally as a comic who occasionally acts. "I still feel like I have a lot of dues to pay as an actor...I still have to go through the process."

There's no denying that this multi-talented comedian and on-the-rise actor is at the top of his game, yet there's so much more to discover. With that in mind, keep on reading to delve into the untold truth of Gabriel Iglesias.

Gabriel Iglesias: Beginnings In Comedy

Gabriel Iglesias was an aspiring standup comic when he joined the cast of Nickelodeon's teen sketch-comedy series "All That" for the show's sixth season. "At the time, I was 20," Iglesias told Complex. "I was already the oldest in the cast." This opportunity was a significant stepping stone in his career, allowing him to showcase his comedic talent to a broader audience.

Iglesias recalled that some of his fellow cast members were "cool," while "some were just pains in the butt." Nick Cannon, he told Complex, was among the "super cool," while Amanda Bynes was decidedly not. "It really was strange being pulled aside by Amanda Bynes and told, 'You don't know how to be funny.' That was hysterical," Iglesias reflected. "I was, 'OK, I won't be talking to you anymore.'

His experiences on "All That" were not without their challenges. Iglesias also looked back on the time he was costumed as a cheerleader for a sketch, his wig obscuring his view and causing him to accidentally slam into a beam that "knocked [him] unconscious." This created a minor panic when news broke that an entertainer named Iglesias was suffering a head injury and was at the hospital, and everyone assumed it was either Julio or Enrique that got hurt.

Disqualification from Last Comic Standing

Back in 2006, Gabriel Iglesias was a star on the rise when he was among the many comedians to compete in the fourth season of NBC's comedy competition "Last Comic Standing." According to a report at the time, Iglesias was disqualified and sent home when he was caught red-handed using his Blackberry to communicate "with a loved one." He reportedly violated his contract with the show, which forbade him from communicating with the outside world during the competition.

I tell people I made history: I was the first Mexican to be deported off of television," Iglesias joked about his disqualification. He recalls the incident with humility, admitting, "Everybody was doing something sneaky, and I just happened to be the one that got caught." He also predicted that being tossed from "Last Comic Standing" would not be a career killer, stating, "Comedy Central is already giving me a one-hour special in February, and the money will come."

Voice Acting Career

In addition to packing 'em in at his standup comedy shows, Gabriel Iglesias has also carved out a niche as a voice actor in various animated projects. His voice can be heard in Pixar's animated feature "Planes," as well as "The Nut Job," "Coco," "UglyDolls," and "Smurfs: The Lost Village." He even voiced every single member of a Mexican family in a 2007 episode of "Family Guy," humorously noting, "I only got paid for one character."

Iglesias voiced Speedy Gonzales in 2021's "Space Jam: A New Legacy," imitating the accent originated by the legendary Mel Blanc. As he shared, concerns about racial sensitivity led producers to suggest he use his regular voice instead. "I told them, 'Look, I think Speedy Gonzales should sound like Speedy Gonzales,'" Iglesias said, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity in his roles.

Influence of His Nickname

For years, Gabriel Iglesias has used the nickname "Fluffy" to describe his physique. The comedian explained during an appearance on the "Rachael Ray Show" that the moniker came from his mother. "One time I called myself fat around my mom, and she was like 'Mijo, you're not fat, you're fluffy!'" This phrase has since become synonymous with his brand.

Iglesias elaborated in an interview with Las Vegas Weekly, sharing that the phrase "was an old saying back in the day, and I just kind of rehashed that one." He remarked that if you Google the word fluffy, his name pops up in the top three, right after pillows and cotton candy. According to Iglesias, he finds "fluffy" to be a cute word that's socially more acceptable than saying someone is fat or obese.

Unique Talents and Skills

Gabriel Iglesias showcased a unique skill while promoting his Netflix comedy special "Gabriel 'Fluffy' Iglesias: One Show Fits All." In a promotional video, he demonstrated his ability to identify fast food items while blindfolded, joking that he could do the same with fast food as wine tasters do with fine wines. This humorous take on his talents endeared him to fans even more.

In this challenge, Iglesias successfully identified several fast food items, including a McDonald's Filet-O-Fish and In-N-Out fries. He humorously quipped, "If anyone can do better, I will give you my fast food sommelier title," showcasing his playful personality that resonates well with his audience.

Health Transformation Journey

Back in 2014, fans of Gabriel Iglesias noticed significant changes in his physique. "I'm down a hundred pounds. I have a lot more energy," he shared with NBC's "Cafecito." His motivation for losing weight stemmed from a sobering realization regarding his health: "Death, bro! I didn't want to die," he admitted. This strong motivation helped him take control of his diet.

Iglesias realized that the excessive weight he was carrying was coupled with serious health issues. "I went to see an endocrinologist, and my sugar level was through the roof. I was basically peeing honey," he revealed. By preparing his own meals, he could manage his sugar intake and carbohydrates, which he credits for aiding in his weight loss journey.

Fluffy Breaks Even - A Culinary Adventure

Gabriel Iglesias combined his love for food and entertainment in his Fuse TV series "Fluffy Breaks Even." He explained that he wanted to create a show similar to "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" where he could enjoy meals without the pressure of telling jokes. The show features Iglesias dining at notable eateries while also engaging in unique exercise activities to work off the calories consumed.

In each episode, Iglesias, along with fellow comedians, undertook specialized workouts ranging from UFC training to pole dancing, emphasizing the importance of balancing enjoyment with fitness. This lighthearted approach to fitness resonated with fans while showcasing Iglesias's commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

Reflections on His Sitcom

In 2019, Gabriel Iglesias made his mark in television with his first-ever sitcom, Netflix's "Mr. Iglesias." The show features Iglesias as a high school teacher, drawing parallels to his own life experiences. He described the show as an "alternate" version of what his life could have been had he pursued teaching instead of comedy.

Initially, the character was conceived as an auto mechanic, but Iglesias advocated for a change, suggesting that the lead not be a stereotypical role. This collaboration with producers led to the birth of "Mr. Iglesias," which reflects his journey and resonates with audiences seeking relatable content.

A Passion for VW Buses

Gabriel Iglesias has a well-known obsession with Volkswagen Buses, as showcased in a video for Hoonigan AutoFocus where he revealed his impressive collection. He proudly refers to his garage as the "Fluffy compound," where he showcases not only his VW Buses but also various muscle cars and memorabilia. This collection represents a personal passion and serves as a command center for his business operations.

Iglesias emphasized the importance of enjoying his vehicles, stating, "Everything is driven. That's why I have a collection, is to enjoy." His love for these cars adds another layer to his personality as a comedian who connects with fans on multiple levels.

Relationships and Family

For more than a decade, Gabriel Iglesias was in a relationship with Claudia Valdez and developed a close bond with her son, Frankie. While keeping his personal life relatively private, Iglesias has mentioned the challenges and joys of being a stepfather. He humorously noted that he "hooked up with a beautiful woman who had a pre-started family," embracing his role in their lives.

Although Iglesias and Valdez parted