Born in Boyle Heights, California, a place that would later serve as the backdrop for his early life and artistic endeavors. As a high school student, he discovered a passion for acting, which would soon become a defining aspect of his identity. He pursued this interest further by enrolling in the theater arts department of Los Angeles City College, where he likely honed his craft and learned from experienced instructors.
After completing his studies, he took his talents to the Tripoli Circus, where he adopted the persona of Pozo the clown and embarked on two tours of the Midwest. This experience likely provided him with a unique blend of performance skills and physical comedy expertise.
Following his time with the circus, he worked as a stage hand for the Bi-Lingual Foundation of the Arts, further demonstrating his dedication to the arts and his willingness to take on a variety of roles.
His breakthrough performance came in 1979 with a role in the cult classic film Boulevard Nights, which cemented his status as a rising star in the entertainment industry. That same year, he joined the Improvisational Theatre Project at the Mark Taper Forum, where he could continue to develop his improvisational skills and work with other talented performers.
Since then, he has been a journeyman in the world of improv, working with a variety of troupes and companies, including Cold Tofu, Los Angeles Theatresports, Wrought Irony, and Acme's Zebra Company. Throughout his career, he has made over 200 appearances as various characters on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, showcasing his impressive range and versatility as a performer.
