Esther P. Mendez was the mother of comedian Gabriel Iglesias. She was born in Los Angeles, California, on August 25, 1934. Esther Mendez attended Jordan High School and graduated in 1953, after which she started working as a housekeeper.
Personal Life
Esther P. Mendez met Jesus Iglesias in the 1950s before they married on April 16, 1955. The couple was married for over 20 years, and during their time together, they had six children; two sons and four daughters. Upon the birth of Gabriel Iglesias, Esther and Gabriel divorced, and she had to raise him and the other five kids as a single mother.
After separation, it was hard for Esther P. Mendez to raise all her children as a single mother, but she did several jobs to make ends meet. Her older children also supported her in providing for the family. She kept moving from one place to another in search of job opportunities. Esther Mendez was a devoted Christian and often attended the weekly church mass.
Besides, Esther P. Mendez was an animal lover; she reared cats, dogs, and birds. She also did gardening, and she mostly planted vegetables.
Her Son
Esther P. Mendez supported her son’s ambitions, and they were close. She even acted as her son’s manager in his early career in comedy. Before venturing into comedy full-time, Gabriel Iglesias worked at a cell phone company. Esther’s son goes by the name Fluffy due to his weight; he often says he is fluffy and not fat.
As a comedian, Gabriel Iglesias has appeared on several comedy shows. Besides, he has made comedy specials for Netflix and Comedy Central. Some of his stand-up specials include Hot & Fluffy, and I’m Not Fat, I’m Fluffy. Esther’s son’s comedic influences are Bill Cosby, Robin Williams, and Eddie Murphy.
Esther’s son also has a role in some films and tv shows. He starred as himself in the comedy film The Fluffy Movie. Gabriel also appeared in My Wife and Kids, Cristela, Narcos, Modern Family, and StoryBots: Answer Time; moreover, he had voice roles in Maya and the Three and Monsters at Work.
Esther’s Son’s Health
Esther’s son’s weight has contributed to some of his health issues; he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which is partly related to his weight of over 350 pounds. His blood sugar levels were over 15 mmol/L, and he was told he had two years to live. After that revelation, he started to work on himself, especially his diet, as he wanted to be present in the lives of his family.
Besides, Esther’s son struggles with alcoholism and depression, which he says is partly attributed to his comedy career.
Net Worth of Esther’s Son
Gabriel Iglesias has a net worth of 40 million dollars; he has made his wealth through his career as an actor and comedian. When he started making money, he built his mother Esther a house and ensured her financial needs were met.
Death
Esther P. Mendez was battling diabetes in her last years. She succumbed to the disease in 2012 in Long Beach, Los Angeles, California, aged 77.