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Ian Lara, a Dominican-American comedian originating from Queens, NY, rose to fame digitally following his notable performance on “Comedy Central Stand-Up Featuring,” which gained over 10 million views. Previously, he was a familiar face on “This Week at the Comedy Cellar” on Comedy Central and appeared in NBC’s “Bring the Funny.” Ian made his late-night television debut on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2019. In 2020, he shared his first 30-minute special with HBO Latino’s program ”Entre Nos: LA Meets NY.” The following year saw the release of his half-hour special titled “Growing Shame,” broadcasted by Comedy Central in February, followed by his HBO Max special called “Ian Lara: Romantic Comedy,” unveiled in November.
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, we engaged influential Latine comedians and creators to share how comedy has assisted them in processing trauma and tackling life’s formidable challenges. Discover their insights here.
The Wisdom of My Heritage
“El que anda corriendo llega cansado.”
This well-known Dominican proverb translates to “He who runs arrives tired.” This saying has shaped my journey as a comedic performer significantly. It instilled within me values such as perseverance and the importance of doing things thoroughly—even if the process is lengthy or arduous.
A Comedic Family Legacy
I acknowledge my mother’s tremendous impact on my career path. To begin with, she was perhaps one of the funniest people I knew personally. My early years were full of joy; growing up as the youngest child among five siblings in South Ozone Park came with no shortage of humor or laughter. There wasn’t a day that passed without someone cracking jokes—especially my mom; she often brought forth those gut-busting laughs that made our family gatherings memorable.
Little did I realize at that time that being raised in such an amusing Dominican household would prepare me for my future endeavors. As children do, I initially assumed this joviality was universal until I experienced varying environments outside our home where humor wasn’t so prevalent.
No Gender Barriers Here
As I began pursuing comedy professionally, I became aware of prevailing misconceptions about women comics not being funny—a notion absent from my childhood context where every female relative possessed comedic talent equal to their male counterparts.
An Unlikely Path Leads to Stand-Up
I only recognized my own funny tendencies during junior high school when friends pointed them out. Gradually transitioning into stand-up comedy felt instinctual—initially assuming it would remain a hobby while aiming for a legal career turned into nights filled with performances at local clubs instead. The power of laughter struck me profoundly; it had healing qualities not just for others but also served as therapy for myself whenever performing.
Coping Through Loss
The lessons learned from my mother about dedication versus shortcuts equipped me well when faced with devastating news—losing her to cancer proved particularly challenging emotionally. May 2021 marked an unsettling turning point when she received her breast cancer diagnosis just after celebrating Mother’s Day.
An Unexpected Journey
The shock settled slowly after learning about her mammogram results two weeks prior; routine screenings always seemed effective until then too late became apparent when diagnosed anew—this time alongside stage four colon cancer spreading toward her liver later discovered within months following her initial diagnosis during July’s heatwave—a juxtaposition against happier summer vibes we sought together prior—and suddenly plunged us into daunting darkness filled with uncertainty regarding outcomes ahead yet fueled strength derived through cautious optimism spiraling through these rough patches paved throughout tragedy encountered along realistic bounds attached intertwined heavy burdens placed upon surviving family members collectively birthing huge emotional output unleashing heartaches echo deep inside cherished memories lingering forever strong enduring lifelong legacies firmly established unwavering bonds shut tight despite losses endured surrounding loved ones shared stories crafted timeless gardens sewn each thread containing hope blossoming triumphantly alongside each great success garnered spanning journeys throughout highs achieved matching lows forsaken before adoring audiences steadily awaiting soulful expressions coaxed forward because laughter remains resilient even amidst tears spilled so easily witnessed pouring down cheeks unconditionally assured comfort gliding effortless breathing rejuvenating spirits kindled illuminating bright reflections reminding everyone why they first gathered together honored witnessing transformation survive multiple storms settled finding solace amidst chaos eventually reflecting back towering walls cloaked enticing gates beckoning entry revelation unlocked once concealed bright stars hidden countless shining brighter now holding hands unveiling complexities woven tightly yet still miraculously connecting everyone longing embrace infinite support never fading away forever intertwining destinies destined encounter kindred souls bound seeking thriving warmth thriving deeply rooted understandings built only faith enhanced tenfold stemming evenly distributed across plates gathered forging harmony tranquility living kicked easing tensions peace musical notes detonated alive rekindling serenity peace reverberating firmament resonating across astral plains blending ever deeper eternal frequencies pulsating harmoniously around vibrant whirlwinds exuberantly spinning unified kaleidoscope encapsulating innocence melding experiences layered carefully designed interstitial spaces ruled free flying birds weaving multicolored patterns capturing energies radiantly shining dancing flowing eternally wanting lend flight carrying dreams carry everything forth blissful abstraction whisper softly serene thoughts silently echo.layouts sprawled wide inviting reverie awakening seekers heartstrings plucked soul melodies ushering action exhilarating motion set alight adventurous sparks burning luminescent fuels gushing wildly inattentively igniting imaginations mere whims sparked instantaneously painting new horizons wherein hearts realized visions fulfilled courageously unfurl wings destined take flight soaring heartfelt innovations exuberant expressions woven rhyme swirling lightly lifting solitary efforts witnessed plays staged blossomed infinitely encouraging witnesses confessional joys bravery recollections sung eternal refrains murmuring sweet dulcet tones floating eternally infinitely chosen dwelling binding realities bringing dreams force perseverant resolve facing fears shown alongside past somewhere intertwining delightful paths ignite powers emerge nurtured emboldened transcending transforming rebuilding
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