Biography
Marga Gomez launched her professional life in acting, even though she would later earn fame through candid, poised yet physically dynamic stand-up routines. Born the spirited only child of celebrated Cuban comedian Willy Chevalier and Puerto Rican dancer Margarita Estremera—known to English-speaking audiences as Margo The Exotic—Marga entered entertainment by natural inheritance. While still in Catholic grammar school she found that comedy softened its rigors; in high school, where she remained the lone Latina, she chose drama over athletics as her outlet.
She left teacher’s college, considered herself unprepared for Spanish-language show business because she did not speak Spanish, and saw little promise in a Hollywood that offered scant Hispanic representation. In 1976 she moved from the Big Apple to San Francisco in search of autonomy and the hippie lifestyle. Brief early engagements with the theater collectives Les Nicklettes and The San Francisco Mime Troupe preceded her encounter with a performance by the feminist company Lilith; impressed, she auditioned and was accepted. Five years of performing and touring across the United States and Europe followed, after which her achievements with Lilith persuaded her that she could succeed independently.
Marga Gomez inaugurated her solo career in 1982. Recognition arrived swiftly: after a 1984 nomination for the San Francisco Cabaret Gold Awards’ “Outstanding Female Comedy Solo,” she captured the prize in 1986, 1987, and 1988. The last of those years also brought the “Outstanding Comedy” award, the title “Entertainer of the Year,” an appearance on PBS’ “Comedy Tonight” with Whoopi Goldberg, and a role in the made-for-cable special “Good Time Cafe.” In summer 1991 she performed on VH1’s “Stand-Up Spotlight” with Rosie O'Donnell and later co-hosted a benefit alongside Lily Tomlin.
She left teacher’s college, considered herself unprepared for Spanish-language show business because she did not speak Spanish, and saw little promise in a Hollywood that offered scant Hispanic representation. In 1976 she moved from the Big Apple to San Francisco in search of autonomy and the hippie lifestyle. Brief early engagements with the theater collectives Les Nicklettes and The San Francisco Mime Troupe preceded her encounter with a performance by the feminist company Lilith; impressed, she auditioned and was accepted. Five years of performing and touring across the United States and Europe followed, after which her achievements with Lilith persuaded her that she could succeed independently.
Marga Gomez inaugurated her solo career in 1982. Recognition arrived swiftly: after a 1984 nomination for the San Francisco Cabaret Gold Awards’ “Outstanding Female Comedy Solo,” she captured the prize in 1986, 1987, and 1988. The last of those years also brought the “Outstanding Comedy” award, the title “Entertainer of the Year,” an appearance on PBS’ “Comedy Tonight” with Whoopi Goldberg, and a role in the made-for-cable special “Good Time Cafe.” In summer 1991 she performed on VH1’s “Stand-Up Spotlight” with Rosie O'Donnell and later co-hosted a benefit alongside Lily Tomlin.
Albums