Latest news with #KenFlores
Los Angeles Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
‘He's still killing it': Ken Flores jokes on in Hulu's ‘LOL Live'
Beloved Los Angeles comedian Ken Flores died earlier this year, but not before giving audiences one final hearty laugh. On June 6, Hulu released two episodes of Kevin Hart's stand-up series, 'LOL Live,' featuring sets by Flores and Daphnique Springs. This is the first and last special ever taped by the budding comedian, who died in the midst of his headlining 'Butterfly Effect' tour at age 28, following a history of congestive heart failure. 'Ken Flores was exactly the kind of authentic comedic voice we sought to champion through our 'LOL Live' series,' said Jeff Clanagan, president and chief distribution officer of Hartbeat, Hart's entertainment company, which produced the program. '[The special] captured his unique ability to connect with audiences through genuine storytelling.' Born in Chicago and raised in Aurora, Ill., Flores was intrinsically comical, deeply convinced that he was funnier than any of the booked comics he witnessed on stage. 'These people suck!' he told the Comedy Gazelle blog in 2023. Flores honed his comic chops at popular Chicago-area comedy clubs, including the Laugh Factory and Zanies, and rose to greater popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where he shared snippets of his sets— often filled with his impeccable crowd work and self-deprecating humor. The comic often made his lifestyle the punchline, mainly taking aim at his own weight and Mexican identity. Gabriel Iglesias took notice of the rising star, tapping him to open for his 2023 'Don't Worry Be Fluffy Tour' in Chicago. 'It was a highlight to have his family. His mom, dad and friends were there with him — and 15,000 people that night,' said Iglesias, who remembers Flores as 'kind' and 'respectful.' The young act also went on tour with established comedians Jo Koy and Felipe Esparza. But it was after his move to Los Angeles in 2023 that Flores seemed to take flight, building a community across various comedy clubs including Hollywood's Laugh Factory, the Comedy Store, the HaHa and the Hollywood Improv. 'People did like him and that's very telling,' said Iglesias. Among those who loved and continue to mourn Flores are Rene Vaca and Ralph Barbosa — prominent Latino acts in the comedy world — who considered the late comedian a 'brother.' 'The most memorable thing about him was how real he was,' said Barbosa. '[Ken] never kissed anybody's ass, which made me respect him more, because that means everything that he got was through talent and hard work.' Two distinct memories linger for the duo. The first took place at a restaurant in L.A., which marked the first time they all got together. 'It was one of those Chinese restaurants with those spinning tables,' said Vaca. 'Ken was always trying to reach for the orange chicken, but every time he reached for it, [the table] kept spinning away from him.' Then there's their last reunion in L.A. when all three comedians got on stage to perform during Barbosa's set at the Hollywood Improv on Jan. 21, just a week before Flores' death. 'We had some drinks in us, we had the piano, we were improvising songs … Rene fell on the ground trying to pants Ken,' said Barbosa. 'It's hard not to get teary eyed when I think about that day.' 'It was as if the universe gave us our opportunity to have that moment with Ken before he left us, you know?' said Vaca. Vaca has already watched the Hulu special, marveling at Flores' ability to land the jokes perfectly. 'Like butter, man — it was beautiful,' he said. Barbosa, on the other hand, has only seen snippets. Choking up, he admits, ' I just don't want it to be over, you know?' The three had plans for a national tour this year, which Vaca and Barbosa continued in honor of their friend. They adopted his tour name, 'The Butterfly Effect,' splitting the profit three ways to include Flores' family. 'None of us would do it unless it was like we split this evenly,' said Barbosa. During every show, the pair play an unreleased 15-minute segment of Flores, who jokes about the fluttering impact of such majestic creatures. 'He's still killing it in the audience,' said Vaca.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Aurora honors late comedian Ken Flores with street dedication
AURORA, Ill. - The City of Aurora honored stand-up comedian Ken Flores, who died suddenly last month at the age of 28, with a street dedication. Flores, who grew up on Aurora's East Side, died suddenly on Jan. 28 of congestive heart failure at the age of 28, according to the city. What we know More than 150 people gathered in Aurora on Saturday to honor Flores with an honorary street sign marking the block of his childhood home on Spicebush Lane and Fifth Avenue. Flores was a 2014 graduate of East Aurora High School and became a familiar face on the Los Angeles stand-up scene. He regularly performed at comedy clubs like Hollywood's Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, The Haha and Hollywood Improv. What they're saying During Saturday's ceremony, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin also formally proclaimed June 10 as Ken Flores Day in Aurora, to highlight the comedian's birthday and "remember his contagious humor and lasting impact," the city said. "This is what Ken would want. He would want us to laugh and have a good time. I know he's in heaving smiling down," said best friend Cristian Arriaga in a statement. What's next The City of Aurora said plans were already underway for a citywide celebration on June 10 to further honor Flores.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ken Flores, Beloved Comedian, Dead At 28 Amid National Tour
Comedian Ken Flores died on Tuesday at age 28 after embarking on a national tour. A Los Angeles County Medical Examiner report confirmed his death after it was announced on Flores' social mediapages. While a cause was not officially confirmed, TMZ reported the beloved comic suffered a cardiac arrest via law enforcement sources. Flores was scheduled to perform Thursday at a club in Phoenix after a gig in Norcross, Georgia, People reported. His tour had begun Jan. 10 in Portland, Oregon, and was supposed to conclude in San Diego in mid-April. Rene Vaca, a friend, told the Los Angeles Times they had put together another tour that would reap a deserved windfall for Flores, who had built a following through gigs at venues such as LA's Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store and the Hollywood Improv. 'We were gonna break seven figures, we were gonna be millionaires together, it was gonna be special,' Vaca told the Times. 'Hopefully we can still do it in honor of him and give all the money to his family or something. The timing is so messed up because we just found out the news about the tour the day before and then this happens.' A routine by Flores shared by Jam Comedy in September 2023 went viral. Flores, who's originally from Chicago, riffed on eating at Golden Corral, befriending gay people, and his conflicted relationship with street-food vendors since moving to Los Angeles. He also had taped a yet-to-be-released comedy special, the Times said. Stardom was inevitable, according to one club that featured him. 'We were honored to share your talent on our stages,' the Hollywood Improv wrote on X. 'You were greatness, and it was only a matter of time until the whole world saw it. You were also kind and a tremendous friend to all lucky enough to know you. We love you Ken, thank you for all the laughs.' Jimmy Fallon's Oscars Dig At Donald Trump Is Comedy Gold Amy Schumer's TMI On Oral Sex With Baseball Player Heads Into Foul Territory Seth Meyers Says Trump 'Had To Do That Thing' Melania Likes On Their Anniversary
Express Tribune
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Ken Flores, stand-up comedian, dies at 28
Ken Flores, a rising star in the stand-up comedy scene, passed away on January 28 at the age of 28. No cause of death has been disclosed. Flores had been on a nationwide comedy tour, which began in Portland, Oregon, on January 10 and was set to run through April 19 in San Diego, California. His unexpected passing has left the comedy world in shock. 'It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our friend, brother, and son, Kenyi Flores,' his family shared in a statement on his Instagram page. They also requested privacy as they mourn their loss. Based in Chicago, Flores was known for his unfiltered and unapologetic humor, which gained him a strong following on TikTok and Instagram reels. His comedic presence extended to multiple platforms, including appearances on Netflix Is a Daily Joke in 2020, Todd N Tyler Radio Empire in 2021, and Nonna's Basement Podcast in 2022. Flores' impact on the comedy community and his dedicated fanbase will be remembered as his work continues to entertain audiences.
