Cristela Assante
- Born:
- October 12, 1975, McAllen, Texas, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Comedian, Actress, Writer, Producer
Early Life and Education
- Grew up in extreme poverty in South Texas, residing with her family in an abandoned diner.
- Experienced homelessness during her childhood.
- Attended college but did not complete her degree, opting to pursue a career in comedy.
Career and Major Achievements
- Started her comedy career performing in clubs and theaters across the United States.
- Gained national recognition for her stand-up routines, often drawing on her life experiences and observations about cultural identity.
- Created, wrote, and starred in the ABC sitcom Cristela (2014-2015), making her the first Latina to create, write, and star in her own network sitcom.
- Has voiced characters in animated films, including Cars 3 and The Angry Birds Movie 2.
- Continues to perform stand-up comedy and works as a television writer and producer.
- The 'cristela assante biography sample' demonstrates the path to success for diverse voices in comedy.
Notable Works
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2013 | Mind of Mencia | Herself | Guest Appearance |
| 2014-2015 | Cristela | Cristela Hernandez | Creator, Writer, Star |
| 2019 | Mr. Iglesias | Isabel | Recurring Role |
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2017 | Cars 3 | Cruz Ramirez (voice) | Lead Voice Role |
| 2019 | The Angry Birds Movie 2 | Olga (voice) | Supporting Voice Role |
Legacy and Impact
Cristela Assante has broken barriers in the entertainment industry, paving the way for more diverse voices and stories to be told. Her work often addresses issues of social justice, economic inequality, and cultural identity, inspiring others to pursue their dreams regardless of their background. She is a role model for aspiring comedians and writers from underrepresented communities.