Cristela Alonzo, born on June 6, 1979 in Texas, is a stand-up comedian who made history with the launch of her sitcom Cristela. She became the first Latina to produce, write, and star in her own network television show. Known for her comedic talent, she has performed on platforms such as Comedy Central's The Half Hour and has been recognized as one of the 10 L.A. Comedy Acts to Watch by L.A. Weekly in 2014.
Alonzo's early years were marked by hardship as she lived homeless for the first eight years of her life. Despite these challenges, she excelled academically, winning multiple Academic Decathlon medals and serving as President of the Drama Club at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School.
Alonzo was raised by her mother, Natalia, who single-handedly raised her and her three siblings. She has been in a long-term relationship with fellow stand-up comedian Stephen Halasz. Interestingly, the midwife who delivered Alonzo was the aunt of actor David Barrera, who happened to be the husband of her Cristela co-star Maria Canals Barrera.
Alonzo's career in comedy took off when she toured with comedian Carlos Mencia for two years. She also served as a writer for his Comedy Central show Mind of Mencia. However, it was with the launch of her sitcom Cristela that Alonzo truly made her mark in the entertainment industry. Her ability to produce, write, and star in her own show set her apart as a trailblazer for Latina representation on television.
In addition to her work on television, Alonzo has continued to hone her stand-up skills, performing her routines on various platforms and gaining recognition for her unique brand of humor.
Alonzo's talents extend beyond the world of comedy. She has lent her voice to animated films such as The Angry Birds Movie 2 and Cars 3, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Overall, Cristela Alonzo has proven herself to be a multi-talented entertainer, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of comedians and actors. With her tenacity, wit, and relatable humor, she continues to captivate audiences and inspire others to follow their dreams.