Comedian Gabey: Quit $5K Job, Faced Eviction for Laughs

Comedian Gabey: Quit $5K Job, Faced Eviction for Laughs

Gabriel Iglesias, known to millions as “Fluffy,” is one of comedy’s biggest stars. He’s sold out stadiums and has a career spanning nearly three decades. But Iglesias recently shared a story that shows just how tough the beginning of his journey was. He revealed that back in 1997, he quit a job paying $5,000 a month to pursue comedy. That dream almost immediately led to him being evicted from his home.

A Risky Leap of Faith

In 1997, making $5,000 a month was a lot of money, especially with rent costing around $500 and a car payment of $150. Iglesias was selling cell phones for LA Cellular (which later became AT&T) and was doing incredibly well. He describes himself as being on top of the world, even buying a cool leather jacket from Wilson’s House of Suede.

However, the pull of comedy was too strong. “To give that up, to chase this dream where basically as soon as I quit my job, I got evicted,” Iglesias explained. He found himself sleeping on his brother’s couch, with many people telling him to go back to his secure job. But he couldn’t. He was all in, burning the candle at both ends for his passion.

Comedy’s Changing Landscape

Now, almost 30 years later, Iglesias is often asked for advice by up-and-coming comedians. He finds it difficult to give specific guidance because the comedy world has changed so much. “The game is so different now with all of social media, with all the other tools that you have at your disposal,” he said.

He noted that many modern comics use screens, music, and other effects on stage. Iglesias, who sticks to his storytelling style, doesn’t use these methods. “It’s hard for me to tell someone… the advice I gave wasn’t good because it didn’t fit that person. It was good advice for me, but it wasn’t a good thing for them,” he admitted.

The Illusion of Overnight Success

Fans often see Iglesias performing at massive venues like Dodger Stadium or Madison Square Garden today. They don’t see the early days of performing for just 20 or 100 people. “People all they see is the success. But that and nobody wants to see that period of when you weren’t as successful as you are now,” Iglesias stated.

He hears comments like, “Gabe, you ain’t never struggled a day in your life.” Iglesias counters this by emphasizing the hard work involved. “Whether you’re a fan of the comedy or not, you got to understand that there’s a lot of hard work that went into what I do,” he stressed.

Relatability is Key

When asked how he connects with audiences, Iglesias points to his willingness to relate to people. “Something as simple as, ‘Hey, thanks for coming to my show. I really appreciate the fact that you guys came to my show. You could have been anywhere tonight,'” he shared. He believes thanking the audience goes a long way, something he feels many artists forget.

He also emphasizes that he doesn’t present his stories as bragging. Instead, he frames it as a shared experience: “Hey man, look what we’re doing. Cuz you guys are part of this ride. Without you, I’m just talking in front of a mirror.”

Early Inspirations and Onstage Persona

Contrary to what many might expect, Iglesias isn’t naturally the class clown. “When I’m not on stage, I’m more analytical. I’m not trying to be entertaining offstage. I’m not the funniest person in my group of friends,” he said.

His journey into comedy began at age 10. He was home alone watching Eddie Murphy’s “Raw.” “My mom wanted to go play bingo and I wanted to just, you know, I was just home alone, right? I was a latch key kid,” he recalled.

Watching Eddie Murphy and Robin Williams inspired him. He later performed impressions of Eddie Murphy doing impressions of other people at a school talent show. This performance at age 10 in elementary school marked the start of his comedic path.

Dealing with Fan Expectations

When people meet him, they often expect him to be funny on the spot. “Strangers will go, ‘Tell me a joke.’ And I’m like, ‘I don’t really tell jokes. I I share stories,'” Iglesias explained. He points out that his stories are often 15-20 minutes long, and he’s not going to spend that time trying to entertain someone who might not appreciate his style.

He believes that if people get his comedy, they get it. If not, it’s okay. “Maybe I’m not for you,” he said, acknowledging that his unique approach might not resonate with everyone.

A Collector of Volkswagens

Iglesias also revealed a personal passion: he’s an excessive collector of Volkswagens. His first car was a Volkswagen Beetle, which holds special meaning for him. This collector’s habit is a lesser-known aspect of the beloved comedian’s life outside of his stand-up career.

Source: Gabriel Iglesias Quit $5K/Month Job In 1997 For Comedy Then Got Evicted I CLUB SHAY SHAY (YouTube)