Frankie Quiñones is a stand-up comedian, actor and creator, known for his character work.
Most recently, Quiñones starred in Hulu’s critically claimed, “This Fool,” for which he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the Independent Spirit Awards.
But what he loves most is stand-up comedy, and that immediate response from the audience. His shows — like the one that comes to The Rialto Theatre on Friday, May 10 — feature multiple characters, a host and a DJ.
“It’s not your traditional comedy show,” he said. “I’ll perform and then I’ll go change. It’s fun doing two different sets with two different characters.”
Quiñones is a longtime comedy fan and performer. His parents “loved” comedy and music; they always had stand-up on TV.
“When they were dating, they would go to the Comedy Store for improv,” he said. Quiñones started doing stand-up at age 25 at Brainwash Café & Laundromat in San Francisco. Development forced the closure of the hybrid attraction.
He moved to LA to be closer to comedy clubs and realized he could make a career out of it.
“I was able to get people laughing right when I started,” he said. “I thought I was going to blow up. Then, four years in, I realized it was going to be a marathon. I always believed in my heart that this was something I wanted to do.
“I wasn’t in it for money or fame. I just thought this is why I’m here on Earth — to make people laugh and entertain.”
Quiñones said he realized he was “in too deep,” couldn’t do anything else and dove headfirst into comedy in 2016.
“It’s been a long journey, but a fun ride,” he said.
Among his idols is George Lopez, whom he saw perform in the early 2000s on television.
“I remember seeing him,” he said. “I’m in my 40s now, but that was one of the first comedians I saw. He hit so close to home. I was jumping up and down in my living room.”
Now a successful comic, he not only tours as himself but also as Creeper (a reformed cholo turned fitness guru) and Juanita Carmelita (a spicy suburban drama queen).
His characters have racked up millions of views, and Creeper’s Cholofit exercise routines have become viral sensations. His complete repertoire of characters also includes party bro Afradooshie and feel-good guardian angel Pachanga.
Quiñones said he’s excited because he’s working on a project with the Lakers.
As for TV, Quiñones had a recurring role on FX’s acclaimed vampire comedy series “What We Do in the Shadows,” as well as “Fired on Mars” and “Victor & Valentino” on Max. Additional acting credits include “Mr. Mayor” (NBC), “Feliz Navidad” (Lifetime), “The Dress Up Gang” (TBS), “Papi Chulo” (Blue Fox Entertainment), and AMC’s spin-off miniseries “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.”
Most recently, Quiñones wrapped a pilot for his own sketch show at Hulu titled “Get Frankie” and had his podcast The Frankie Quiñones Show, produced by Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players Network and iHeart Radio, featuring sketches of colorful characters based on the friends and family that helped shape him into a comedian.
Frankie Quiñones w/special guests
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 10
WHERE: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street, Tucson
COST: Tickets start at $20
INFO: rialtotheatre.com
frankiequinones.com
Facebook: @FrankieQuinones
Instagram: @frankiequinones
Instagram: @cholofitcreeper
