—Doesn’t it bother you to be a woman all the time?
I am a comedian, and that is the art in which I excel the most. It doesn’t bother me; in fact, I can’t play a male role because I don’t feel happy doing it. My characters are always either effeminate or they have to be women.
—Have you ever wondered what image your daughter may have of you?
She and her friends love it. I have conducted a study because while I may love my characters, my daughter lives in society. When I imitated Luz Clarita, which was, by the way, the biggest challenge of my life, it became the ultimate test; all the children liked ‘Luz Gordita.’ My daughter is proud of her father being Thalía; she teaches me the steps, and my wife helps me master my makeup; they completely support me.
—If at any moment you felt even the slightest discomfort, would you stop doing it?
Never, because my daughter enjoys this. The audience doesn’t mind either, which is why I’m featured on one of the most important shows on television.
—Why is it always an essential ingredient in humor for programs to have men disguised as women?
Not everything relies on that. However, I believe it can be effective if it’s funny. There are men who dress as women and don’t make anyone laugh; I make people laugh.
—Don’t you believe in other formulas?
Yes, but there are many imitators who dress as women and make people laugh. I think we are accustomed to that kind of humor. We are a country that enjoys mass entertainment.
—Who sets the ratings?
The people.
—Are you concerned about the ratings?
Always; if you don’t maintain the ratings, the program disappears, and we are left without jobs.
—If it were up to you to create a model for a comedy program, what would you do?
I would work with the same humor as Risas de América.
—You can’t find any flaws in that model…
No, we have 42 points; sometimes we have exceeded 51 points, and you can see that the masses dictate what is popular, that is what people enjoy.
“There are men who dress as women and don’t make anyone laugh; I make them laugh.”
—But there must be things that you dislike…
Yes, and I am very direct when giving examples. On a competing channel, they produced parodies of me; I did ‘Luz Gordita,’ and they created ‘Luz Cabrita’ just to annoy me. They didn’t do it to compete, because if they had wanted to do that, they would have found a funnier chubby guy than me to imitate the character, but they went for the worst aspect of Andrés Hurtado ‘Chibolín.’ They portrayed him in a derogatory way. What happened? They lasted two weeks before removing the character because people don’t appreciate that type of attack. For example, the public sees me as the loveable fat man; they enjoy my imitations, and I am genuine in doing them. I don’t play roles where I may come off as a rude homosexual; I maintain my standards. I take on friendly roles; that’s why if I portray Eva Ayllón, it’s well-received, and Camucha Negrete enjoys it, too…
Andrés Hurtado in the Gisela Valcárcel program. (Photo: historical archive of El Comercio)
—Going back to your thoughts on the competition, are you aware that you have certain mannerisms?
I consider myself quite a man, but sometimes I’m told that I have effeminate movements that I don’t notice. What I believe is that I was raised to be sensitive, and being sensitive doesn’t equate to being homosexual. I am a good man; the thing is that sensitive men aren’t popular here.
—Another criticism you face is your tendency to ‘steal the spotlight’…
I can handle that. When I do something, I immerse myself completely in the performance; they always expect Chibolín’s blunders, and I deliver a show. It’s my temperament on camera; it’s my job. Why does one work in television? Isn’t it to be seen? So you always need to be doing something—I don’t know of any artist who holds back when on camera. I am the person who, if appearing on camera, offers a smile and puts on a show; otherwise, why would I go out? You have to seize the moment; otherwise, you’ll turn forty, and no one will call you.
—What are you like off-camera?
—I’m short-tempered; no one can bother me at home. I am a perfectionist, not a person who consumes alcohol or drugs; my only vice is work.
—Is Chibolín happy?
Immensely happy. I’m in a great place in my life.
Andrés Hurtado ‘Chibolín’ is facing two investigations by the prosecutor’s office, one for influence peddling and another for money laundering. (Photo: historical archive of El Comercio)
A Closer Look at Comedy and Gender Roles with Andrés Hurtado
Doesn’t It Bother You to Be a Woman All the Time?
As a renowned comedian, Andrés Hurtado reflects on the challenges and joys of portraying female characters. Listening to his perspective reveals that he believes gender is not a limitation but a powerful tool in comedy. “It doesn’t bother me,” he explains, emphasizing that he cannot imagine playing a male role that would make him happy; his characters are identifiable as either effeminate or distinctly female.
The Impact on His Daughter
Hurtado’s daughter and her friends are significant supporters of his work, and he is intent on presenting a positive image to her. “I have carried out a study because I may love my characters, but my daughter lives in society,” he admits. One of his groundbreaking performances was taking on the role of Luz Clarita, which he regards as his ultimate test. The response from children was overwhelmingly positive, further confirming that his daughter is proud of her father’s unique talents.
Sustaining Happiness in Performance
When asked if he would stop performing these roles if he felt discomfort, Hurtado staunchly affirms, “Never, because my daughter eats this.” His commitment to comedy stems from both personal fulfillment and public acceptance. “The audience doesn’t mind either, which is why I’m on one of the most important shows on television.” This relationship with his audience reinforces the idea that humor can transcend gender boundaries.
Humor and Male Disguises
Hurtado’s comedic style is characterized by the use of male performers disguised as women. He argues, “Not everything is that. But I think it has results if it’s funny.” Despite the prevalence of male impersonation, he recognizes that not every attempt at this humor lands effectively. “There are men who dress as women and don’t make anyone laugh; I make you laugh,” he asserts, demonstrating his confidence in his comedic approach.
The Ratings Game
In the cutthroat world of television, ratings are crucial. Hurtado is well-aware of this fact and states candidly, “Always, if you don’t maintain the rating, the program disappears, and we are left on the street.” His dedication to producing content that resonates with viewers implies a keen understanding of public preferences.
A Model for Comedy Programs
When it comes to the ideal comedic model, Hurtado cites “Risas de América” as his benchmark, emphasizing their unbroken ratings achievements. “No, we have 42 points; sometimes we have broken 51 points,” he notes, insisting on the importance of mass appeal and humor that resonates with the audience.
Dealing with Criticism
Like any public figure, Hurtado faces challenges, including parodies aimed at mocking him. He recalls a time a competitor created a character to undermine him, but it lasted only two weeks. “They didn’t do it with the desire to compete,” he laments. “They went to the worst part of Andrés Hurtado, and it didn’t resonate with the public.” This indicates that humor must be delivered with sensitivity, otherwise, it may backfire.
Understanding His Persona
Addressing the feedback regarding his mannerisms, Hurtado is open about the perception that he embodies some “gay movements.” He attributes this to his upbringing as a “delicate man” but reiterates that being delicate does not equate to being homosexual. “I am a good man,” he asserts, demonstrating that personality and character can be multifaceted.
Cameras and Your Stage Presence
Regarding his tendency to dominate on screen, Hurtado argues, “When I do something, I give myself completely to the cameras.” His vibrant hosting style is part of what makes him a popular figure in comedy and television. He believes that artists must seize their moments to make a mark in the industry.
The True Andrés Hurtado
Off-camera, Hurtado describes himself as a perfectionist who dislikes any disturbances at home. “My drug is work,” he confesses, a testament to his passion for his craft and his ambition to keep improving.
Personal Happiness
Beyond the glitz and glamour of television, Hurtado is content with his current state of happiness. “Immensely happy. I’m going through a complete moment,” he shares, affirming his joy in both personal and professional realms.
Benefits of Embracing Comedy Across Gender Lines
- Breaking Stereotypes: Comedy empowers individuals to challenge traditional gender roles.
- Fostering Inclusivity: Gender-blurring humor can create an inclusive environment that accepts diverse expressions.
- Encouraging Self-Expression: Performing across gender boundaries allows for greater authenticity.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Comedians
- Find Your Niche: Identify what sets you apart and embrace it.
- Engage with Your Audience: Understand your audience’s tastes to create relatable content.
- Be Open to Critique: Embrace constructive criticism for growth, but stay true to your identity.
