The Chocolate Voice Magazine

“There is no such thing as perfection although one day I wish to attain perfection in comedy. I know it will never happen but it’s my goal.” Carlos Mencia
He’s been criticized on the show South Park for not being funny, starred alongside two heavy weights in the entertainment business, Academy award winnerForest Whitaker and Emmy award winner America Ferrera (Ugly Betty) on the film Our Family Wedding and, in anticipation of his August 1rst performance at Viejas Casino in San Diego, the talented and humble actor talks with The Chocolate Voice about facing harsh criticism, his career in comedy, SB1070 and more.

TCV: I read somewhere that you were an Electrical Engineering Major. Why the switch to comedy and when did you realize that you were funny, who told you?

CM: I still don’t think I’m funny. It’s my morbid curiosity for life. I’m not that center of attention kinda guy. Some people are just naturally funny. Let me give you and example, I’m up on the latest gadgets and when I’m with friends I might say something like, can you believe this stupid thing, (new IPhone) I can’t hold it with my left hand it cuts out. You know what’s weird is that you can drop it in heat and water and everything else yet, they forgot to ask a left handed to guy to make a phone call. I would say simple things like that and friends at work would start cracking up and say ‘you should try comedy.’

TCV: Who are your comedic influences, who inspires you?

CM: I’m different – I didn’t have any dreams of doing comedy, my goal was to get out of the ghetto and survive. I come from Honduras an immigrant family. Friends would tell me that I was funny but becoming a comedian, just didn’t make sense to me. In fact, if you’re at a Mencia family reunion everybody is funny, you’ll most likely be laughing at everyone but me. I am the least funny one in my family.

TCV: What’s your ideal role and do you prefer stand-up or movies?

CM:Stand-up is amazing, there’s never a go between – thoughts are personal. Films are someone else’s words.

TCV: South Park made fun of you awhile back for not being funny, how do you handle such harsh criticism?

CM: You know criticism comes with the territory. Every successful person wakes up in the morning and faces some sort of criticism. Unfortunately today there are sites on the internet and television shows, like Wipeout designed to laugh at others pain. My goal is to focus on the fans and where I come from. In fact, I could be in Honduras right now. On the other hand, constructive criticism is the basis for change. There is no such thing as perfection although one day I wish to attain perfection in comedy. I know it will never happen but it’s my goal.

TCV: You just performed in Tucson, Arizona on June 26th, what’s your take on SB1070 in Arizona?

CM: I address the SD1070 situation in my shows, it creates arguments among people who disagree on how to fix the problem – I make it funny instead of it being political. I understand my role – I don’t take my role serious.

TCV: I really enjoyed your last film Our Family Wedding. I don’t recall ever seeing a film that dealt with the Latino and African American relationship how did that role come about?

CM: I received a phone call from Fox who offered me the role and when I found out I would be starring along side Academy award winning actor Forest Whitaker I nearly crapped my pants. I really enjoyed working with him; he’s such a humble guy. America needs to see more films that explore everything, that’s why stand up is so much fun. But, the cool thing about movies is that many people can come out and see them versus stand-up where you go to a venue like a casino and it hold only so many seats.

TCV: What do you say to up and coming comedians who want to get into the business?

CM: Put on a thick skin. You’ll get some good and bad advice, make sure to look at the individual you are with and ask yourself is this the best I will find? Be honest with yourself. Be okay with who you are, it is what it is. You have to choose to be happy everyday.

TCV: Your performing at Viejas Casino on August 1rst what do you think about San Diego?

CM: There are two cities in the world that I adore more than life itself and that’s San Diego and Chicago. San Diego is the perfect size – perfect location and beautiful beaches. The people are the perfect speed – not crazy slow, just a great mix of people. I noticed that now National City has a bunch of Filipinos, I’m not sure how that happened? Overall, San Diego has a good mix. And, I love Downtown, the Gaslamp.

TCV: What’s next in store for your career?

CM: Everything! The beauty of being a comedian is that Eddie Murphy and Richard Prior set the tone that led to comedians transitioning into a variety of roles. For me, it’s more television, more movies and of course more stand –up. 23 years in the business is a great journey and I’m grateful to be living in that moment.