by Edward J. Mallillin
The first time Wes Gabrillo made me laugh hard was in 2006 at a Room To Improv show, where he was easily one of the funniest guys on a stage that was super-sized with talent.
Fast forward a few years later and Wes is doing the same thing, except to bigger audiences and in a wider variety of settings-- whether on a stage, in front of a camera, or working within the community.
Coming off successful shows at the Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena and The Comedy Store, the comedian is performing stand-up again this week at The Hollywood Improv (Wednesday, April 14th, 7:30pm, $10 cover) as part of the popular Fresh Faces showcase series.
He also seems to have the golden touch with movies, as many of his films have gone on to become award winners and film festival favorites. His starring role in the short Summer Wonderland helped the film become a 2010 finalist for the Coca-Cola Refreshing Filmmakers Award, and his work in the short The Spark was featured in the Newport Beach Film Festival. His hilarious performance in Brown Soup Thing has delighted audiences at the Delray Beach Film Festival, the Filipino American Film Festival Los Angeles, the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival, the Pacific Media Expo (PMX), and in colleges across the country. He can also be seen in the upcoming short Longanisa.
"Wes is an awesomely talented actor," said Earl Baylon (The Tonight Show, Flipped Switch, and Projekt Newspeak), who worked with him in Brown Soup Thing and Room To Improv. "What really shines is his genuine nature. His honesty really comes through the camera and onstage, and that's what makes him special."
Like many up and coming actors and comedians, he has spent years trying to create as many opportunities as he can. On the set of Brown Soup Thing he was enthusiastic and hard working, and his Room To Improv friends share much of the same views:
"Wes was the youngest member of Room To Improv when he started with us at 19," said Artistic Director Marc Macalintal. "He was so dedicated to drive all the way from Irvine to North Hollywood every week to rehearse with us while going to UCI (University of California Irvine)."
His starring role in "Summer Wonderland" came almost by accident. Director Daniel Hanna was actually won over before the audition even started because Wes accidentally tripped and stumbled over a chair while trying to hand the director his resume and headshot. Now the two can share a laugh as their film garners much critical acclaim through the Coca-Cola competition.
When he's not working on his budding career in comedy and entertainment, Wes is an active member of the community. He currently works at SIPA (Search to Involve Pilipino Americans) as a Special Events Assistant and also helps behind the scenes with the artist Bambu.
Wes Gabrillo is a busy guy. But that just means you have a lot of chances to see his funny work and community service in action.
Wes Gabrillo performs this Wednesday at The Hollywood Improv on Melrose. Ticket information available here. You can see his starring performance in "Summer Wonderland" at http://www.ccrfa.com. Learn more about his other performance projects by contacting Room To Improv (info@roomtoimprov.com), Brown Soup Thing (info@malinius.com).
