Comedian, actor, and author Aida Rodriguez, with her Puerto Rican and Dominican roots, has used her platform to discuss and process her traumatic experiences from childhood. Gaining popularity after her 2019 Netflix special on “They Ready,” produced by Tiffany Haddish and Wanda Sykes, Rodriguez became more prominent with her hour-long special “Fighting Words” that aired on HBO Max in November 2021. Fast forward to October 2023, when her memoir “Legitimate Kid” hit the shelves.
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we delved into the lives of Latine comedians who leveraged comedy to navigate through personal adversities and traumas. The full coverage can be found here.
From a young age, I’ve seen comedy as a life raft for those struggling financially or grappling with tough life situations. Kevin Hart’s famous “Laugh at my pain” line echoes through my head as I recount my own past. I was too timid to partake in comedy as a child, but the essence of humor surrounded me, imprinting on me the transformative power of laughter.
My hilarious grandmother introduced me to laughing in the face of hardships like poverty and even death. Initially appearing insensitive, it didn’t take long to realize this was her survival tactic—keeping hardships at bay with humor. In my youth, hardship wasn’t a stranger. My life was a mix of poverty, violence, drugs, adultery, and misogyny, and laughter was our universal defense.
School was my comedic launchpad. It became my shield against bullies and a coping tool to deflect cruelty. Humor became my protection, my way to shield myself from pain.
Influenced by the humorous natures of my grandmother and mother, I honed my comedic voice. Hearing people dismiss women as funny always strikes me as odd, especially within Latino communities, where grandmothers and mothers are often the heart of humor.
My comedy awakening began with stalwarts like Richard Pryor and expanded to beloved classics like “I Love Lucy” and Spanish-language shows. These early experiences with humor taught me the relief that laughter can bring, though it wasn’t until adulthood that I saw comedy as a career.
Initially embarking on a modeling and acting career in LA, I stumbled upon stand-up comedy by chance at a friend’s birthday roast in 2008. This serendipitous moment led me to my first open mic, and I’ve never looked back since.
From then on, I witnessed the restorative power of comedy firsthand, for both the audience and myself. My comedy plunged into deep personal wounds, offering a blend of healing and relativity, eventually leading to my memoir “Legitimate Kid.”
Jokes about my upbringing provided a mirror for others and a therapeutic outlet for me. They revealed the importance of our stories, the power of relatability, and gave me a new pride in my origins.
Comedy has allowed me to heal alongside my audience, reinforcing the realization that I’m not alone in my experiences. It strengthened my connection with my origins and improved my relationship with my mother in the process.
Despite cultural taboos about ‘airing out dirty laundry,’ I ensure family approval of my material. It’s particularly important when confronting pervasive issues like sexism and misogyny and ensuring that my jokes don’t contribute to the problem.
Through comedy, I’ve come to appreciate the brighter aspects of my childhood. Refusing to bow to external pressures or stereotypes, I’ve maintained the truth of my narrative and those of similar backgrounds.
Comedy, for me, transcends culture and unites us. It serves as a universal language that binds us across various backgrounds through the simple act of laughter.
— As retold to Johanna Ferreira
About the author: Johanna Ferreira is the content director for POPSUGAR Juntos. With a robust career extending over 10 years, she chronicles intersectional identities within Latine culture. She previously served as deputy editor at HipLatina and has contributed to many publications, including Refinery29 and O Magazine. She also engages in panel discussions about Latine identity.
FAQs About Aida Rodriguez and Her Use of Comedy
What background does Aida Rodriguez come from?
Aida Rodriguez is of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent and has used her cultural experiences in her comedy work.
When did Aida Rodriguez first gain notable attention for her comedy?
Rodriguez garnered attention after her half-hour special on Netflix’s series “They Ready” in 2019.
What is the title of Aida Rodriguez’s memoir?
Her memoir is titled “Legitimate Kid,” released in October 2023.
How does Aida Rodriguez view comedy in relation to mental health?
Rodriguez sees comedy as a coping mechanism to deal with economic struggles and difficult life events, as well as a tool for mental healing and connection.
Did her family have an impact on her career in comedy?
Yes, the sense of humor of her grandmother and mother significantly influenced her comedic style and material.
Conclusion
Aida Rodriguez’s journey through comedy is an inspiring tale of transformation and resilience. By fusing her personal tragedies with humor, she not only created a unique comedic voice but also carved out a space for healing and relatability. Her story underscores the profound power of laughter in overcoming life’s challenges, unearthing joy in dark times, and fostering connections across diverse cultures. Rodriguez’s work captivates audiences, reminding us that despite the seriousness of our traumas, there is liberation in the act of laughing together.