Latin America's Stand-Up Comedy King, Lucho Mellera, Shares His Secret For Success: It's All About...

He might just be the funniest guy in Latin America right now. With roughly 34 million views on his YouTube channel, millions of followers on social media, comedy specials on Netflix and Comedy Central, and a handful of sold-out shows in the U.S. checked off his bucket list, Luciano Mellera, or Lucho, as his fans know him, is a force to be reckoned with in the stand-up comedy space. Granted, he’s still got some milestones to achieve before hitting George Carlin (his favorite, by the way) status, but he’s on the right track - no doubt about it.

I remember when I first heard his jokes, more than a decade ago: “Open air is overrated: if you leave your soda water in the open air, it will take away the bubbles. If you leave still water in the open air, it will add bubbles.” He has since gone a long way, but his comedy bone remains intact; in fact, it got even stronger with the passage of time. Nowadays, he fills theatres all over the world and seems to have cracked the formula to get a copious amount of unique content to post online on a weekly basis. One of his biggest talents is crowd work, and this means every show is different. Of course, there’s a scripted section, but that one cannot be spoiled before a tour ends. Crowdwork, on the other hand, an improvised art form, allows him to publish his hilarious videos consistently.

"I am now very present on social media, something I didn't work on before. I believe the most significant change was figuring out how to generate content for social networks without deviating from what I do. I am still doing the same thing, which is comedy on stage, stand-up. I've now found a way to periodically share it, which is what all current comedians do, improvising with the audience," Mellera shares, opening a window to his creative process and his approach to connecting with the audience in the digital world.

Mellera's adaptation to the digital space is illustrated by his comparison with an anecdote of suitcases and their wheels. "I believe Luis Piedrahita said something like, ‘We’ve had suitcases and wheels for decades, but at some point, someone decided to combine them’... Well, the same happened with crowd work and social networks. They’ve both existed for quite a while, but now we’ve finally merged them," he explains, demonstrating his understanding that innovation often arises from combining existing elements in new and creative ways. This ability to merge crowd work with social networks has been key to his success, allowing him to maintain a constant and dynamic dialogue with his audience.

His Netflix special marked a turning point in his career, not only because of the international exposure but also because of the lessons learned about the nature of his comedy. "In my Netflix special, I was already doing crowd work, but I did it with much more closed prompts," Mellera reveals. This experience taught him the value of openness and improvisation, leading him to explore broader and more diverse themes that resonate uniquely with each presentation. Mellera's search for "prompts that are inexhaustible" reflects his commitment to creating humor that not only entertains but also constantly renews itself, offering his audience a fresh and relevant experience.

The challenge of finding comedy in everyday life, in curious facts, or in spontaneous discussions with the audience, has become a Mellera signature. This approach to crowd work allows him to weave a comedic tapestry that is both intimate and universal, offering a reflection of society with a unique blend of sarcasm, wit and warmth. "Sometimes it works better than others. But I think what I strive for is to find prompts that are inexhaustible," he comments, highlighting the balance between risk and reward inherent in his art.

Not A Star; Not Underground Either

Far from seeing himself basked in the typical stardom of celebrities, Mellera maintains a grounded and accessible view of his success. "I feel that almost since I started, I wasn't in the comedy underground; I was closer to the mainstream. Perhaps what was underground was comedy in Argentina. But my time having to hand out flyers and endure the struggle was quite short, fortunately," he shares, reflecting deep humility and gratitude for the path he has taken. This perception stands out even more when contrasting his experience with the reality of many artists tirelessly fighting for a place in the entertainment world.

Lucho Mellera. COURTESY OF LUCHO MELLERA

His relationship with fame is complex and nuanced, especially in a Latin American context where comedy, despite its growing popularity, does not reach the same level of mass recognition as music or acting. "I think, especially in Argentina and Latin America, comedy is not as mainstream as acting or music. So whoever is mainstream within comedy is not quite a star. I don't believe I'm famous, but I'm one of those who are known in comedy. Maybe now a little bit more because of social media," he explains, reflecting on the ephemeral and segmented nature of fame in his field.

For Mellera, comedy has never implied sacrifices. His vocation and passion are deep. "With comedy, the truth is that I never felt that I made any sacrifices. Not even at the beginning, when I had to hand out flyers and perform comedy for free. I would have paid. I would pay to do what I do. I mean, I don't need to be paid to want to get on stage," he recounts with emotion.

Mellera's international success, with sold-out shows in large theaters in Spain and an enthusiastic reception in the United States, is for him an unexpected and exciting achievement. "Throughout last year, filling shows, months in advance, in large theaters in Spain... For me, that's crazier than a crazy place, it's crazy that they're full. And then yes, I think getting to the United States was insane," he shares, revealing the surprise and joy these triumphs bring him, tangible evidence of the universal impact of his humor.

Mellera's personal narrative, marked by the socioeconomic context of Argentina in the early 21st century, is fundamental to understanding his approach to life and his career. As he recounts:

When I was young, I finished high school in 2002. Americans are probably not aware but, in 2001, Argentina went through one of the worst times in its history… And I entered the adult world a year after Argentina hit rock bottom. One day, a teacher said, “Today we're not going to have a regular class because everything is on fire and I have to talk about this because at some point you're going to find out. Everything is screwed. Argentina is doing poorly and will be doing poorly for a while, and it's going to take a couple of generations to recover. The first one is yours. So I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that until very recently, up to the generation before yours, when you studied a career from the so-called classic ones, you already knew you had a future assured, that you would reach 40 with a family, a house, a car and then it was just waiting to die. That's not going to happen anymore, never again. You will not be able to think about having your life sorted because nothing will guarantee it for you. That's the bad news. The good news is that knowing this, you won't have to choose something thinking from the economic side. Dedicate yourselves to what you want, do what you want. And whether it goes well or poorly, at least it will be doing what you like.”

This advice to pursue happiness over economic security has guided not only Mellera’s career decisions but also his path to stand-up, a reflection of his desire to live authentically, in line with his passions rather than social or economic expectations.

Millions Of Views Won't Make You A Millionaire

Mellera is now at a turning point in his career, determined to take full control over his material, preparing a new special that will be broadcast through his own channels. This decision, far from being a whim, responds to a creative and practical need: "I've already done it on Netflix and it was all good. At the time, it was a really nice step in my career, but I prefer it to be mine because I want to share it on social networks and with Netflix, you get copyright issues when you upload it to social networks. Comedy Central, I wanted to share it… copyright, copyright. So, I want the material to be 100% mine."

Lucho Mellera. COURTESY OF LUCHO MELLERA

Contrary to common perception, Mellera clarifies that virality on platforms like YouTube does not guarantee a fortune. While it does generate some income, the CPM (how much you get paid for 1,000 views) in Argentina and other Latin American countries is not as high as one might expect. "In fact, I've been uploading to YouTube since the beginning of my career, but before I would upload once a year, whenever I had written material. However, I hadn’t monetized my channel in the past."

The pandemic brought a shift, leading him to monetize his content out of necessity due to the closure of theaters. During that time, Mellera discovered new platforms like Twitch to sustain himself.

Despite acknowledging that he could live off his YouTube income, Mellera maintains his passion for theater as his main source of satisfaction and support. "It's not that it's not viable... But the truth is, I also don't know how long that will last. I can't rely too much on that. I remain firm with theater, which is my thing."

Surprisingly, Facebook has become a key platform for Mellera, reaching a wide audience in Argentina, Mexico and Venezuela. "Facebook is the other social network and it works wonders... A lot of people, I understand mostly over 40, use it," he says, underscoring the diversity of his audience and the need to adapt to different platforms to maximize his reach.

The role of Fede Lozano, the editor of Mellera's clips, is crucial in this digital ecosystem. Lozano not only selects and organizes the content but adds value through creative subtitles that enrich the viewer's experience. "And what he does is, he takes the raw material I select and chooses about 15 minutes that make sense as a unit... and he adds subtitles, jokes and pulls my leg." This collaboration highlights the importance of having a team that understands and complements the artistic vision, allowing Mellera to focus on what he does best: making people laugh.

‘I'd Love To Smoke A Joint With My Grandmothers’

Mellera's relationship with cannabis reflects a journey of discovery and maturation, similar to that of many young people during the 2000s. Starting with curiosity and the initial fear of the unknown, his experience evolved into a freer and more conscious appreciation, especially upon gaining the independence of living alone.

Lucho Mellera. COURTESY OF LUCHO MELLERA

"At first, I approached it with the fear spurred by the unknown... But weed is very kind. What it brings me is always positive. It never leads to violence. It always leans towards creativity or being calm, learning to relax," Mellera recounts, highlighting how his relationship with cannabis has remained within a framework of moderation and personal responsibility. “Granted, I’ve never had an addictive personality, so I was never afraid of cannabis once I understood it was not a gateway drug. I was never attracted to cocaine or other hard drugs. I have a nice relationship with weed: I don’t need it to live; I even often forget about it for weeks at a time. But I do choose cannabis to have a moment of fun or relaxation.”

Mellera addresses the issue of cannabis from a perspective of well-being and recreation, particularly valuing the moments shared with friends, where cannabis acts as a catalyst for deep connections and conversations. "I believe that weed is the new mate, or whatever people share in America... But I think that's it. It's more about the culture of having something to share and bringing everyone who is part of that gathering to a common point," he explains, emphasizing how cannabis has been integrated into social culture similarly to the traditional mate, fostering a space for collective meeting and relaxation.

Regarding the legalization of cannabis, Mellera firmly positions himself in favor, both for medicinal and recreational uses, arguing the lack of convincing reasons for its prohibition. "Cannabis should be 100% legal, for medicinal and recreational uses... I understand it's proven to be not dangerous, not addictive," he states, questioning the underlying interests and conflicts that keep cannabis in an illegal status, despite evidence of its harmlessness and potential benefit.

Reflecting on the racist origins of cannabis prohibition and its disproportionate impact on less privileged communities, Mellera points out the inconsistencies and inequalities perpetuated by this policy. "This can be seen around the world... Those who are imprisoned are those who cannot afford a good lawyer," he comments, criticizing the sustainability of a prohibition that seems increasingly anachronistic compared to the positive experiences of legalization in multiple countries.

Finally, Mellera shares a personal and emotional wish: to smoke cannabis with his grandmothers, whom he describes as women ahead of their time, empowered and loving. "With my two grandmothers. I would love it... I think they never tried it, but I'm sure we would have had a beautiful time," he expresses, imagining an encounter full of laughter and complicity, where cannabis would serve as a generational bridge and mutual understanding.

‘The Mandate To Pick Up The Shovel Is Obsolete"

The influence of family on Mellera's life and career has been undeniably positive, providing him with an environment where humor and joy were essential components of his daily life. "My family is very funny. Humor and good spirits always prevailed in my family. The dinner tables were always fun and filled with laughter," shares Mellera, highlighting how this fertile atmosphere of chuckles and good times was the breeding ground for his vocation toward comedy. This unconditional support not only gave him the emotional tools to develop as a comedian but also the courage to pursue a career that, for many, might seem an uncertain path.

Lucho Mellera. COURTESY OF LUCHO MELLERA

The support of his parents was a fundamental pillar from his first steps, not only in comedy but in all aspects of his life. "The support was always there, in everything," Mellera affirms, highlighting how from a young age he proved to be responsible and dedicated, qualities that alleviated any parental concern about his future. This confidence translated into freedom to explore his passion for comedy, ensuring that, even when he decided to leave his office job to fully commit to stand-up, his family believed in him without reservations.

The revelation of his talent for humor during his first stand-up show surprised even his parents, who had always considered him the "serious" one in the family. This initial experience on stage, though supported by a familiar and friendly audience, marked the beginning of a path Mellera knew would not be easy, but for which he felt fully capable. His persistence and faith in his ability to make people laugh validated the unwavering support of his family, demonstrating that confidence in one's own talent can overcome any initial challenges.

Mellera also reflects on parental support from a broader perspective, acknowledging the difficulty some parents may feel when seeing their children choose unconventional paths, such as comedy or, more recently, esports. "I understand those parents because it's how I would feel if my child told me, 'Dad, I'm going to be a lawyer,'" he explains, suggesting that the underlying concern is the fear that children will not dare to explore passions that truly move them, opting instead for paths perceived as safer or more traditional.

This understanding extends to valuing talent and passion over established labor conventions, highlighting how younger generations are challenging the mandate to follow traditional careers in favor of occupations that truly excite them. "This fact, I believe, is something the youth have understood: that the mandate to pick up the shovel is now obsolete. Do something cool, something that enriches you," Mellera emphasizes, encouraging the pursuit of a job that not only provides economic support but also brings happiness and personal satisfaction.

Coming To America

The arrival of Mellera in the United States, especially in New York, marked an important milestone in his career as a comedian. Although he acknowledges the prestige of performing in "The Mecca" of comedy, Mellera maintains a humble and balanced perspective on his achievements. "For a comedian, it's somewhat of a milestone to be in New York, to do a show in New York... But the truth is, it's really good to do comedy anywhere in the world," he shares, emphasizing that the value of a performance is not so much measured by the location, but by the quality and reception of the show.

His experience in comedy has led him to value every stage he performs on, whether it's the iconic Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires (Argentina’s largest opera house) or anywhere else in the world. Participating in events like TEDx Río de la Plata, where Lucho and his brother Joan had to weave talks into a final monologue, stands out among his most significant and rewarding challenges. These experiences underline his ability to connect with diverse audiences, adapting and creating humor that resonated with the themes discussed during the event.

Mellera also reflects on his first visit to New York, highlighting how pop culture and media had shaped his perception of the city long before he set foot in it. This preconceived familiarity with New York through the narratives of Woody Allen, Seinfeld, “Friends” and the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” among others, illustrates how places can become living characters in our imagination, fueled by stories and myths.

Performing shows in Florida, Mellera noticed the strong presence and appreciation of Latin culture, something he greatly values. "The truth is, I find it wonderful. Especially because there is so much Latin culture," he says, highlighting how his comedy serves as a cultural bridge, bringing a piece of Latin warmth to the diaspora in the United States. This cultural exchange not only enriches his performance but also provides a moment of connection and nostalgia for those far from their homeland.

Mellera's observation on the difference in the expression of affection between Latinos and Americans highlights a significant cultural clash. "In the United States, you can be economically great, but they are cold. We Latinos need the hug…," he comments, suggesting that, although Americans could benefit from adopting warmer expressions of affection, he also understands and respects differences in social norms, such as his personal preference for the fist bump, a practice adopted post-quarantine that balances comfort and hygiene.

Crappy Humor

According to Mellera, scatological humor is intrinsically linked to the human condition due to cultural and social restrictions imposed from an early age. These norms, which label certain topics as taboos or in poor taste, contribute to making the scatological and sexual common sources of humor, especially in improvisational contexts. "They are very much related because being something that from a very early age we are all in some way restricted from talking about, because it's bad manners, because it's vulgar because you don't talk about that, because ew, how gross," Mellera explains, highlighting how these restrictions make the forbidden or the hidden irresistibly attractive for humor.

However, Mellera deliberately distances himself from these topics in his written comedy, considering them "too primitive" or an "easy resource" to generate laughs. This choice reflects his search for more sophisticated humor or humor that challenges the viewer to think, rather than resorting to what instinctively might provoke a comic response. Despite this stance, he acknowledges that when the audience participates, it is common for them to find humor in the scatological and sexual, evidencing a universal fascination with what is culturally considered forbidden or shameful.

Cohabitation, according to Mellera, is a key moment where these topics become especially relevant. The intimacy of the bathroom, a private and personal space, becomes fertile ground for discovery and, sometimes, conflict within relationships. "The few things you didn't know about your partner were the most intimate. And many of these happen in the bathroom," he notes, suggesting that cohabitation reveals aspects of our loved ones that were previously unknown or ignored. This revelation can be a source of humor but also of disagreement, placing Mellera in a position where he can receive and share these experiences with his audience.

'40-Year-Old Twins Pissed Me Off’

As the conversation nears its end, Lucho embarks in the discussion of a series of random topics, from freestyle rap to cannibalism.

During quarantine, Mellera discovered a new interest in rap battles, admiring the ability of artists like Wos or Duki to handle the pressure of the moment and turn it into art. "I like to see them exposed to what happens to me on stage, which is performing without a safety net and having to rhyme, having a stance, and making people scream. Not getting mad because you got dissed is tough," Mellera explains, highlighting the connection he feels with rappers in terms of the creativity and wit required under pressure.

Regarding extreme situations, like the one depicted in the movie "The Society of Snow", Mellera does not hesitate in his response about the possibility of resorting to cannibalism in a survival case: "I think so. If there's no other way... It's a good anecdote." His comment, albeit macabre, reflects dark humor and a willingness to face fringe situations with pragmatism tinged with irony. “I would have a harder time sleeping in such extreme cold than eating a dead person. I have to be honest about this,” he says, only half joking.

He then shares a glimpse into the worst show of his career. It occurred during a private event, sharing the stage with Fernanda Metilli. The situation was marked by the lack of attention and respect from the audience, who continued eating and turning their backs while they performed. "There were twins celebrating their 40th birthday, which annoyed me. How can you be a twin at 40 years old? Unfounded anger. But it annoyed me that they were twins and that they were 40 years old. I don't know. They're idiots... they make money. They should be wearing matching attires," Mellera narrates, using humor to process the frustration of that night. The quick departure of Metilli from the stage and the audience's indifference towards Mellera highlight the difficulties comedians can face, even in contexts seemingly conducive to humor.

The experience culminated with the organizers' disregard, who didn't even offer the comedians the opportunity to stay and eat after the "show." "They didn't offer us food and just said go, go, go. And yes, obviously, we were afraid they would spit on us," Mellera shares, emphasizing the feeling of rejection and the lack of hospitality that worsened an already uncomfortable situation.

‘You Should Not Want To Live Off Comedy’

Mellera's concluding thoughts and advice reflect the essence of his journey in the world of comedy, offering both a pragmatic and passionate perspective on the practice of the comedic art. His most basic advice, "You should not want to live off comedy, make a living. You should want to do comedy," highlights the importance of prioritizing passion for the art of making people laugh over the aspiration to earn financial gains from this practice. Mellera emphasizes that true success in comedy comes from genuine dedication to entertaining and bringing joy to the audience and that financial reward, while important, should not be the primary goal.

This focus on passion and love for humor is crucial, especially when facing the inherent challenges of the profession. Mellera shares a realistic view of what being a comedian entails, including the long hours of work and the physical and mental exhaustion that can precede a performance. However, he notes that once on stage and upon receiving positive feedback from the audience, all those difficulties fade in comparison to the gratification and joy of making people laugh. "It's such a beautiful and pure feeling, and there's so much energy and power and joy that you need to replicate it and you need to find a way to keep it from extinguishing," Mellera explains, underscoring how the satisfaction derived from a good performance can be an endless source of motivation.

Moreover, Mellera reflects on the perseverance necessary in comedy, acknowledging that, although all comedians face failed performances, the drive to continue comes from a love for the profession and the desire to share moments of joy with others. The idea that "having a bad show, which has happened to all of us, is a strong blow to pride" but that the reward of a successful performance far outweighs any failure highlights the resilience required to succeed in the world of stand-up.

Yet, Mellera talks about the gratitude and honor of being able to live off comedy himself, expressing deep recognition for the opportunity to dedicate himself to what he loves. "I can hardly contain the joy I feel daily, every day. Nowadays, I am very aware, very aware, alarmingly aware, that I have managed to live off comedy," he shares, demonstrating a profound appreciation for his career and for the ability to connect with others through humor.

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This article was originally published on Forbes and appears here with permission. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.