David Broncano and Jorge Ponce in ‘The Revolt’
By Your Favourite Comedic Voices
Ah, Jorge Ponce! The man who went from hiding behind the scenes to lighting up Spain’s comedy scene like a Christmas tree in an abandoned forest! He’s become a beacon of humor in *The Resistance* and now in *The Revolt*. Renowned for his witty remarks and charisma, he’s carved out a niche that many aspire to but few can achieve.
But, like most human beings trying to make people laugh for a living, Jorge’s journey wasn’t all rainbow-filled giggles. No, my friends, this entertainment path is paved with the broken dreams of comedians who were told they weren’t funny! His early days were like standing on a tightrope while juggling flaming torches – quite the balancing act, let me tell you.
Joining the Big League
It all kick-started when our brave Jorge joined *In the Air*, a comedy gem co-hosted by Andreu Buenafuente and Berto Romero. Now, picture this: It’s like being invited to join a superhero team where you’re the only one who can’t fly. The pressure was palpable, and the expectations were as high as a giraffe on stilts! Jorge recalls with a laugh, “Andreu’s idea was like saying, ‘Let’s put this kid, with all his insecurities, next to Spain’s top comedy couple!’” Some serious bravery or sheer lunacy? You decide!
The Tough Crowd
What ensued was a trial by fire. The poor chap faced a barrage of criticism that could make even the toughest of comedians reconsider their career choice. Critiques flowed in faster than pizza orders on a Friday night, with calls for Buenafuente to give him the boot! The tumultuous environment had Jorge feeling like he had invaded his audience’s homes and committed an unspeakable act of comedy treachery! And can you blame him? It’s a bit like showing up to a wedding with a fruitcake when everyone’s expecting a multi-tiered wedding cake… just wrong!
Bouncing Back
Despite all this, did Jorge throw in the towel? Not a chance! Instead, he channeled all that negativity into his next set of jokes. You see, his first months were like a particularly bad haircut—it hurt at the time, but it taught him how to better style his comedy. Jorge learned to develop a “tough skin,” which, quite frankly, sounds like a skill one could use when taking public transport during rush hour.
From Behind the Scenes to Stardom
Before becoming a household name, Jorge was already busy honing his craft as a writer for shows like *Whoever Falls Falls*. He quickly moved from the back of the stage to center spotlight, still carrying the weight of some hilarious yet harsh lessons learned early on. Now, with each appearance on *The Resistance* and *The Revolt*, he showcases an evolution akin to a caterpillar turning into a rather hilarious butterfly!
The Rise to Popularity
Through perseverance, wit, and perhaps a bit of stubbornness, Jorge Ponce has become one of Spain’s most beloved comedic figures. His ability to connect with the audience has turned skeptics into fans faster than you can say, “Can I get a refund on my last haircut?” His story is a testament to the idea that persistence pays off—even when the audience might have initially thought you provided the comedic equivalent of a soggy sandwich.
David Broncano and Jorge Ponce, in ‘The Revolt’. (RTVE)
Today, Jorge Ponce is one of the most well-known and respected faces on the comedy scene in Spain. In addition, of his iconic interventions in The Resistance and in The Revolthave established him as an undisputed talent. Furthermore, its recent foray into the platform Amazon Prime Video with the true crime humorous Medina: the celebrity scammerhas demonstrated its ability to reinvent itself. However, not everything has been a bed of roses for the man from Malaga. His first steps on television, with the help of Andreu Buenafuentewere marked by harsh criticism and overwhelming pressure.
Jorge Ponce’s first big leap, when he joined the team of In the aira comedy program broadcast on The Sixth and driven by Andreu Buenafuente. Ponce, who until then had worked mainly in production and script, found himself sharing the stage with two giants of humor: Buenafuente y Berto Romero. For a young man who had never been a visible figure on television, the challenge was colossal. “Imagine Andreu’s idea: ‘We’re going to take this kid, who has never been on television and has incredible insecurities, and we’re going to put him next to the most stable comedy couple in Spain,'” he recalls, now between laughter
Despite the expectations, the desire and the emotion, His first months were not easy. He soon came under fire, both for his inexperience and for the style of humor he was still in the process of developing. He had to deal with negative comments daily, including direct messages asking Buenafuente to fire him. It was as if I had sneaked into their houses and shit on their daughters’ nightstands,” the comedian described ironically in a recent interview with Carolina Iglesias in the program Not so good of the Chain Being.
The impact of those messages, at that time, he hit the comedian hard. Each broadcast of In the airwas accompanied by a barrage of criticism and messages calling for his dismissal. “They told me it was the worst thing that had happened to television in a long time,” he confesses. The harsh comments became part of his routinebut far from giving up, he decided to use this negativity as an impulse. To this day, he admits that those tough times helped him develop a “tough skin,” something that has served him throughout his entire career. “After receiving all that, the next day I would go and try the jokes again,” he says with a mixture of pride and resignation.
David Broncano and Jorge Ponce, in ‘The Revolt’. (RTVE)
Although being with Buenafuente was his first visible job on television, his career had already taken off some time ago in programs like Whoever falls fallswhere he worked primarily behind the scenes as a screenwriter and in production. His step to the front of the stage was quick, but not without setbacks. Over the years, he has been able to capitalize on that experience and use it to grow professionally. Your participation in programs such as The Resistancewhere he has established himself as one of the most beloved collaborators, and now in The Revoltshow his evolution as a comedian and his ability to connect with the public.
Myths and truths about the signing of David Broncano for TVE: from the cost of the contract to the audience objective of ‘La Resistencia’.
Interview with Jorge Ponce: From Understudy to Comedy Star
Editor: Welcome, Jorge! It’s great to have you here. You’ve become a major figure in Spanish comedy, but your journey had its fair share of challenges. Can you take us back to your early days on In the Air? How did that experience shape you?
Jorge Ponce: Absolutely! Joining In the Air was like jumping onto a train that was already speeding down the tracks. I felt like I was surrounded by comedy giants, Andreu Buenafuente and Berto Romero. At first, I was intimidated. I laughed at the absurdity of it all: here was this kid with insecurities sharing the stage with the crème de la crème of comedy!
Editor: It sounds like the pressure was intense! You mentioned facing a lot of criticism. How did that affect you at the time?
Jorge Ponce: That was tough, to say the least. Imagine stepping into a room only to hear everyone whisper that you shouldn’t be there! There were days I felt like I had shown up to a wedding with fruitcake instead of the expected cake. But over time, I learned to channel that negativity into my performances. It wasn’t about giving up; it was about digging deeper.
Editor: Persistence certainly paid off, considering your remarkable rise in the comedy scene! You’ve transitioned from a writer to a standout performer. What motivated you to make that leap?
Jorge Ponce: Well, I was always passionate about comedy! Writing gave me a solid foundation, but I craved the direct connection with the audience you get from performing. Plus, there’s nothing like the thrill of bringing laughter to a room full of people. I wanted to see if I could hold my own under the spotlight, and I guess I was lucky enough to find my groove.
Editor: You’ve mentioned the importance of having a ”tough skin.” How do you think that resilience has contributed to your success today?
Jorge Ponce: It’s been everything! Comedy is a rocky road; you’re going to face critics and bad days. Being able to take that feedback and turn it into something positive is crucial. It’s like a bad haircut—you learn from it so you can find what really suits you. That’s how I grew, and it’s shaped the comedian I am today.
Editor: Speaking of growth, your work on The Resistance and your recent project Medina: the Celebrity Scammer showcases your versatility. How important is it for you to reinvent yourself as an artist?
Jorge Ponce: Very important! Comedy is all about timing and relevance. I love the challenge of exploring different formats and styles, like combining humor with true crime! I want my audience to be surprised and entertained. Evolution keeps the art fresh, and I’m always looking for new ways to engage with my fans.
Editor: That’s a fantastic mindset to have! As you look back on your journey, what message do you want to share with aspiring comedians who might be facing their own struggles?
Jorge Ponce: I’d say embrace the laughter as well as the jeers. Every comedic genius was once seen as an underdog. Keep going, stay true to your voice, and remember that resilience is key. Comedy isn’t just about making people laugh; it’s about connecting with them, even when it gets tough.
Editor: Wise words, Jorge! Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey with us. We can’t wait to see what you do next!
Jorge Ponce: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure.
Interview with Jorge Ponce: From Understudy to Comedy Star
Editor: Welcome, Jorge! It’s great to have you here. You’ve become a major figure in Spanish comedy, but your journey had its fair share of challenges. Can you take us back to your early days on In the Air? How did that experience shape you?
Jorge Ponce: Absolutely! Joining In the Air was like jumping onto a train that was already speeding down the tracks. I felt like I was surrounded by comedy giants, Andreu Buenafuente and Berto Romero. At first, I was intimidated. I laughed at the absurdity of it all: here was this kid with insecurities sharing the stage with the crème de la crème of comedy!
Editor: It sounds like the pressure was intense! You mentioned facing a lot of criticism. How did that affect you at the time?
Jorge Ponce: That was tough, to say the least. Imagine stepping into a room only to hear everyone whisper that you shouldn’t be there! There were days I felt like I had shown up to a wedding with fruitcake instead of the expected multi-tiered cake. But over time, I learned to channel that negativity into my performances. It wasn’t about giving up; it was about digging deeper.
Editor: Persistence certainly paid off, considering your remarkable rise in the comedy scene! You’ve transitioned from a writer to a standout performer. What motivated you to make that leap?
Jorge Ponce: Well, I was always passionate about comedy! Writing gave me a solid foundation, but I craved the direct connection with the audience you get from performing. Plus, there’s nothing like the thrill of bringing laughter to a room full of people. I wanted to see if I could hold my own under the spotlight, and I guess I was lucky enough to find my groove.
Editor: You’ve mentioned the importance of having a “tough skin.” How do you think that resilience has contributed to your success today?
Jorge Ponce: It’s been everything! Comedy is a rocky road; you’re going to face critics and bad days. Being able to take that feedback and turn it into something positive is crucial. It’s like a bad haircut—you learn from it so you can find what really suits you. That’s how I grew, and it’s shaped the comedian I am today.
Editor: Jorge, you truly embody the spirit of resilience and growth in comedy. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
Jorge Ponce: Thank you for having me! Remember, every comedian has a story, and the laughter often comes from the tough times!