Comedian Gabriel Iglesias Lends His Weight to Maui

By Vanessa Wolf

Courtesy image.

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias  – known for his “I’m not fat, I’m fluffy!” routine – plays the MACC this Thursday night at 7:30 p.m.

Iglesias’ act often references his weight. He has defined what he called the “Five Levels of Fatness”: Big, Healthy, Husky, Fluffy and DAMN. He eventually added a sixth, which he named “Oh, Hell no!”

When he first started his comedy career, Iglesias worked for a Los Angeles cell phone company. His family urged him to keep that job for its financial security, but he insisted on pursuing comedy as well. Ultimately, Iglesias decided to do so full time, against the advice of his mother.

This decision resulted in his being evicted from his home and losing his car, but it was a gamble that ultimately paid off. He has since gone on to win Comedy Central’s “Favorite Comic” and “Special of the Year” awards.

Over the weekend, the fearless, Hawaiian-shirt wearing comedian took the time to answer a few of our tougher questions.

Maui Now: What would you be doing if you weren’t a comedian?

Gabriel Iglesias: I would have become a teacher.

MN: What’s something you absolutely have to have backstage?

GI: Mio and water.

(Mio is a flavored, calorie-free water enhancer.)

MN: If you could meet anyone in the world – dead or alive – who would it be and what would you say to them?

GI: My Dad, and I’d ask him, “Where you been?”

MN: What did you buy with your first really big paycheck?

GI: A H2 Hummer and a pack of Skittles.

MN: If I had a time machine and you could change something from your past without negative consequence (grandfather paradox and all that), what would it be?

GI: I would have never tried soda or stalked my ex.

MN: What is the most memorable thing your most eccentric fan has  done?

GI: She moved in.

MN: What’s the last book you read?

GI: I don’t remember.

MN: Loco moco, halo halo or Spam musubi?

GI: Spam Loco Moco…the way nature intended!

MN: Is there any quintessential “Maui experience” – from Big Beach on a Sunday to sunrise at Haleakala – you haven’t done yet but would like to?

GI: I would like to paddle board.

Courtesy image.

Iglesias has been described as a witty, electrifying and talented performer who has the ability to consistently deliver a uniquely hilarious comedy experience. His clean and animated comedy style has earned national crossover appeal, making him popular with fans of all ages.

Iglesias performs at 7:30 on Thursday  at the Castle Theater. Tickets are $41. Any paddle board instructors out there now know how to try to barter for some tickets to the show.

Have an idea for a fun or thought-provoking story? Get in touch: we want to hear from you. -Vanessa (@mauinow.com)