SAN ANTONIO – Editor’s note: This story was published through a partnership between KSAT and Live From the Southside, a new local- and Latina-owned magazine that works to improve & expand community relationships through promoting events, stories and businesses.
It was certainly a barrel of laughs this past Thursday evening, courtesy of “Chona E,” also known as Joanna Estrada. The comedian, who was born and raised on the South Side, sold out her first two back-to-back shows as a headliner in her hometown.
Recommended Videos
The show “Chona E & Friends” was held at the popular comedy venue Laugh Out Loud, which has been bringing cool comedy acts to the Alamo City for nearly two decades. It has featured comedian greats such as Paul Rodriguez, Shawn Wayans, Cristela Alonzo and many others.
About Joanna Estrada
Estrada was born and raised on San Antonio’s South Side and graduated from Southwest High School. Since her high school days, drama was always an important part of her life. Wanting to continue in the industry and further her knowledge in drama, in 2002 she auditioned for and was accepted to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
Located in New York City, the academy is a private, nonprofit college conservatory for the performing arts whose alums include Jason Derulo, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Paul Sorvino, and Tyne Daly. In the first year of acting school, she enrolled in dance classes, such as dance and movement for the actor; voice production courses, like voice production and speech; and stage combat classes. During the second year, Estrada focused more on the film aspect of acting, enrolling in courses such as acting for the camera.
Her comical influences include Chris Farley, Cheri Oteri, George Lopez, and Melissa McCarthy.
The comedian, actress and plus-size model became a viral social media sensation a few years ago and has since collaborated with many comedians throughout the nation. She also joined the local Tex-Mex comedy show, Bean & Chisme.
She was also featured on KSAT’s “Real San Antonian” and shared her story with SA Live’s Jen Tobias-Struski.
In true Latina pride, Estrada gracefully thanked her husband Billy, family and fans for all their support at the end of the show. Estrada will be heading to perform at Chicago’s Laugh Factory in October.
Make us proud, Joanna, and continue to soar in your ever-growing comedy career.
This article initially appeared on Live from the Southside.
Do you know of someone or something on the South Side that deserves some news coverage? Let us know in the prompt below.
Read more content by Live From The South Side Magazine: