Gabriel Iglesias busy with comedy tour, role on ABC sitcom 'Cristela'

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Gabriel Iglesias is one of the most successful stand-up comedians working today. And this holiday season, the Southern California native is bringing his unique point of view to two of the area's biggest venues: the Honda Center and the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.

"If all goes well, we're looking at close to 20,000 plus coming out at home," Iglesias said. "I remember trying to sell out the Ice House a few years back and that was 180 people, so to be doing that and then out here is...wow!"

In between gigs on his busy touring schedule, Gabriel has been hanging out with his good friend, and fellow comedian, Cristela Alonzo, with a recurring role on her new self-titled sitcom.

"I've been asked to do some stuff with TV, but unfortunately because of my schedule, with touring, I haven't been able to," Iglesias said. "With Cristela, first of all, I know Cristela. We're friends, we've toured together, worked together, hung out."

Iglesias thought he was just going in to film a pilot. But lo and behold, the show got picked up, and he's happy to add sitcom star to his resume.

"It's a fun environment. I walk in, it doesn't feel like work, it feels like we're having a good time," Iglesias said. "And the fact that we're in front of a live studio audience, it brings that whole element of that live feel that I'm already used to."

Iglesias plans to continue to juggle both sides of his comedy career.

Gabriel's "Unity through Laughter" world tour plays the Honda Center on December 26, and the Nokia Theatre LA Live on December 27-28. You'll see him on "Cristela" Friday nights at 8:30 on ABC.