Al Madrigal is a name that resonates with comedy enthusiasts around the world. Known for his sharp wit and captivating storytelling, Madrigal has carved out a unique space in the entertainment industry. But there’s more to this multi-talented comedian, writer, and actor than meets the eye. In this article, we delve into the career and personal life of Al Madrigal, with a special focus on his latest ventures and his supportive family, including his wife, who plays a crucial role behind the scenes.
Al Madrigal’s Latest Endeavor: A Multi-Year Deal with CBS Studios
Al Madrigal has recently expanded his relationship with CBS Studios by signing a multi-year overall deal to develop new series for broadcast, cable, and streaming services. This deal marks a significant milestone in Madrigal’s career, reflecting his versatility and talent in the entertainment industry.
Madrigal is currently co-writing, producing, and starring in “Guerrillas,” a single-camera comedy produced by CBS Studios and Jenny Snyder Urman’s Sutton Street Productions. The show, in development at ABC, follows a lonely efficiency expert working for an oil company who gets kidnapped in South America and ends up working for a disorganized group of guerrilla soldiers to earn back his freedom. This unique premise promises to showcase Madrigal’s comedic prowess and storytelling skills.
A Versatile Talent: Al Madrigal’s Career Highlights
Al Madrigal’s career is marked by a series of notable achievements. He first gained widespread recognition as the Senior Latino Correspondent on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” where his insightful and humorous commentary resonated with audiences. His work on the show earned him a reputation as one of the most successful comedians of his generation.
Madrigal has also made significant contributions as a writer, actor, and producer. He was a series regular and writer on Showtime’s “I’m Dying Up Here,” and served as a writer, actor, and producer on the CBS show “Broke.” His film credits include standout roles in “The Way Back” alongside Ben Affleck, “Night School” with Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish, and the upcoming film “Morbius” with Jared Leto.
The Comedic Visionary: All Things Comedy
In addition to his on-screen success, Al Madrigal co-founded All Things Comedy (ATC) with fellow comedian Bill Burr. ATC has grown into a leading comedy podcast network, featuring shows hosted by some of the industry’s top comedians. With over 15 million listeners and more than 50 shows, ATC has become a significant platform for comedic voices.
ATC is more than just a podcast network; it has expanded into a digital video platform, production company, comedy record label, television and feature distribution, and a social media consultancy and branded content agency. This multifaceted venture underscores Madrigal’s entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to supporting fellow comedians.
Personal Life: Al Madrigal’s Family and Support System
Behind every successful man is a supportive family, and Al Madrigal is no exception. His wife has been a steadfast pillar of support throughout his career. Although Madrigal often keeps his personal life private, he has occasionally shared glimpses of his family life, revealing the strong bond he shares with his wife and children.
Madrigal’s wife has played a crucial role in his journey, offering unwavering support and encouragement. Her understanding and patience have allowed Madrigal to pursue his passion for comedy and storytelling, knowing that he has a solid support system at home.
A Journey Rooted in Diverse Heritage
Alessandro Liborio Madrigal, born on July 4, 1971, in San Francisco, California, comes from a diverse background. His father is Mexican from Tijuana, and his mother is Sicilian. This multicultural heritage has significantly influenced Madrigal’s comedy, allowing him to explore themes of identity and cultural confusion with humor and insight.
Madrigal grew up in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset District, where he was neighbors with future comedians like Mike Pritchard and Margaret Cho. He attended Ecole Notre Dame Des Victoires, a private Catholic school that emphasized French language and culture, followed by St. Ignatius College Preparatory High School. His educational background and upbringing in a culturally rich environment have contributed to his unique comedic voice.
From HR to Stand-Up: Madrigal’s Early Career
Before pursuing comedy full-time, Madrigal worked for a decade in a human resources staffing agency run by his family. One of his primary responsibilities was firing people, a task he approached with humor. These experiences prepared him for stand-up comedy, helping him overcome stage fright and develop his public speaking skills.
In 1998, Madrigal decided to follow his passion for comedy. He began performing in San Francisco’s comedy clubs, both as a solo performer and as a member of the sketch group Fresh Robots. His big break came in 2004 when he won a jury award for best stand-up comedian at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado.
Stand-Up Specials and Television Appearances
Madrigal’s stand-up comedy is known for its story-based approach, focusing on his personal life, family, and cultural experiences. He has been praised for deconstructing stereotypes and highlighting the incongruities between expectations and reality.
His first one-hour special, “Why Is The Rabbit Crying?,” premiered on Comedy Central in 2013 and was named one of the top 10 comedy specials of the year by Westword and The Village Voice. In 2017, his special “Shrimpin’ Ain’t Easy” premiered on Showtime, further cementing his reputation as a top comedian.
Madrigal has also made numerous television appearances, including guest spots on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” He was a series regular on NBC’s “About A Boy” and Showtime’s “I’m Dying Up Here,” and has appeared on “Conan” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Primos: A New Venture in Comic Books
In 2022, Madrigal teamed up with AWA and former Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso to release the comic book series “Primos.” This series brings together three distant cousins with ancient Mayan lineage to save the world from an intergalactic threat. “Primos” reflects Madrigal’s passion for superheroes and his commitment to increasing representation of Latinx stories and characters in media