Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerry Diaz. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Jerry Diaz, also known as “Elmo Difoca”, is a multi-hyphenate comic born and bred in NYC. Raised in a Dominican home, He would go on to carry this influence throughout his career. He made his acting debut in the Latino indie cult hit “The Story of Juan Bagó”. This in turn then led to live performing, particularly in comedy sketches. This brought him to creating the comedy group Room 28 with Jaime Fernandez and Michael Diaz, There he not only served as one of the featured actors but also wrote and directed as well.
He has been featured in several viral video sketches, music videos, parody videos (Bago & O, Flama), and songs, such as “Cuchifrito” and “I Won’t Vote For You”. He can now been seen in the award-winning web series “Dadrahpy“ and indie films like “I am not ok”. He produces a live comedy show called “Saint Sunday Comedy”, which seeks to bring live comedy shows into predominantly Latino communities. He can also be heard regularly on his comedy podcast “The Men On Pause Podcast” But most importantly, he is a proud Dad to his daughter, Amaya, who aspires to be in the business as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As artists, we all struggle, especially financially when we’re starting out, But when you have a child, the juggling of that responsibility and being able to do your art is probably the most difficult thing. Artistic expression is great but it doesn’t always put food on the table. Also, being an afro-Latino in the entertainment business, you’re already starting with disadvantages cause roles are so limited for us, Be it both in front and behind the scenes. And then multiply that by not wanting to audition for these limited, mostly negative, stereotyped roles, you will be left with almost nothing.
That led me to writing and trying to create my own opportunities. But then you realize the lack of support, both creative and financial, independent Latino industry artists have. At least now the lack of representation is being called out.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I consider myself to be a comedy vessel, whatever that may mean to anybody. And I use the word vessel cause I’ve done it through different mediums and platforms like stand-up, live or filmed sketches, and even music. I believe I was blessed with a God-given gift that I must share. Lifting spirits and making people forget about their problems, even if it’s for a second. Even when I’m not feeling up to it. But the joy and laughter I get in return fill my heart and what I believe is my purpose. I’m so proud of a lot of the projects I work on, but some more than others of course. My podcast, “The Men on Pause” is probably the most favorite thing I’ve done cause I have total creative freedom and I get to have fun with my best friend from high school. Then, when talking about Room 28, it holds a really special place in my heart because it’s something we created that ended up taking us all the way to Hollywood and on TV! (NBC’s Bring The Funny). We did that! Also, I’m proud of another project called “Bodega Makeover”, but where we addressed things affecting our communities such as food deserts and financial literacy. It made me want to focus more on community-based projects. I would like to think that moving forward my purpose is to highlight and try to help underserved communities.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the virtue of patience. Patience to listen. Patience to make room for empathy. Patience to give others grace. Patience to know that everything in life ebbs and flows. Patience to know that whatever is meant for you cannot be taken away. Patience in knowing that bad times, as do the good times, shall also pass. With patience and faith in yourself, you will find yourself making the right decisions.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/elmodifoca
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheElmoDifoca?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: twitter.com/elmodifoca
- Other: https://instagram.com/themenonpausepodcast
