Gadiel Del Orbe’s Latino pride has shaped his career as a comedian

Gadiel Del Orbe is an actor, comedian, entrepreneur, and military veteran passionate about making people laugh through his unique lens on Dominican and Latino culture. We had the pleasure of having him on Chekitow in LatiNation, where he shared stories about his life, career, and journey from a Navy ship to the stage and screen.

From Navy Veteran to Viral Comedian and Freemason: Meet Gadiel Del Orbe

Gadiel has always found ways to connect with people, whether it’s through comedy, acting, or video production. Born in New York with strong Dominican roots, Gadiel grew up in Harlem, or as he puts it, “the Dominican Republic of New York.” He recalls his summers in Santo Domingo, crediting those trips with shaping his love for Dominican culture. “Every summer, my mother did a great job taking my sister and me back. We’d spend two months in the Dominican Republic. That’s the best thing that’s ever happened,” he shared.

Gadiel’s journey to comedy was unconventional. He spent over four years in the US Navy, serving his country while discovering his love for making people laugh. Although he admits that public speaking once terrified him, his humor soon became a staple among his fellow sailors.

“I was in the Navy back in the day, and I saw standup there,” he explained. Those moments helped him realize how much he enjoyed entertaining others: “That was a good feeling, I loved making people laugh. I was the funny one out of the crew and it was just a joy for me.” After his military service, Gadiel took a chance on standup comedy, starting in San Diego and finding a new purpose in making people laugh.

Gadiel’s big break came when he joined Buzzfeed’s “Pero Like,” a channel focused on Latin stories and perspectives. There, Gadiel became known for creating relatable, humorous content, especially for the Dominican and broader Latino community. His videos on “Pero Like” struck a chord with millions and gave him a platform to joke about cultural experiences that hit close to home. Gadiel recalls, “I think I’m authentic. What you see is what you get. My enthusiasm for my Latinidad is contagious.”

But Gadiel’s career hasn’t been without challenges. Performing for diverse crowds often means juggling both English and Spanish in his sets, sometimes in the same show. “There are people at my shows that don’t speak any English, and there are people that don’t speak any Spanish,” he said. “I got to cater to them, and that’s a hurdle.” However, he sees this as a motivator. He’s now working on doing more stand-up in Spanish, aiming to build a space where more Latinos feel represented.

For Gadiel, connecting with his audience is much more than just making them laugh; it’s about inspiring pride in their identity. “If I’m enthusiastic and proud of who I am, it will attract people who feel the same. A lot of times, we’re not seen,” he shared, reflecting on how he sees himself as a voice for Latinos who often feel overlooked. “I see Mexican women coming up to me in San Diego, and they’re like, ‘Thank you for the work that you do’”

From YouTube screens to live stages, Gadiel Del Orbe’s path continues to evolve. He continues to perform and find new ways to share his humor while showing his pride of his roots. Through it all, Gadiel keeps it simple: “What you see is what you get.”