Freddy Soto

About me:

Alfred Soto, Jr. (June 22, 1970 – July 10, 2005) Comedian, writer and actor. Born in El Paso, Texas to Mexican American parents. Freddy's stand-up comedy act focused primarily on his upbringing in a Mexican American household.

Freddy moved to Los Angeles, California around 1990 and worked as a limousine driver for legendary comedian Richard Pryor. Soto's driving duties included driving Pryor to The Laugh Factory where club owner, Jamie Masada, encouraged Soto's comedy career. He later worked as a doorman at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood, California. Before long, Freddy was headlining comedy clubs across the country.

In 2000, a situation comedy was developed starring Freddy Soto. In 2001 and 2002, Soto toured as part of "The Three Amigos" with Carlos Mencia and Pablo Francisco. He had his own comedy specials on Home Box Office and Comedy Central Presents and had guest appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn. In 2004, Freddy had a small but memorable role in the movie Spanglish starring Adam Sandler.

On July 10, 2005, Soto performed at The Laugh Factory in Los Angeles receiving a standing ovation. Just hours after the performance, he died in his sleep at a friend's house. He is survived by his wife, Cory, and daughter, Cruz.