A stand-up comedian whose sharp storytelling and culturally rooted humor blend personal experiences with social commentary, created a voice that was both relatable and thought-provoking for diverse audiences.
As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know late comedian Henry Cruz. Over the weekend, Henry would see his life unexpectedly cut short due to a hit-and-run automobile accident.
Best known for his “Kill Tony” appearance, the untimely passing of Henry Cruz is a profound loss to the Texas comedy community, cutting short a rising voice whose sharp wit and authentic storytelling resonated deeply with audiences and fellow performers alike.
In honor of Henry’s life and talent for laughter, WOTL will share some of the Dallas, TX native’s favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explain how he always owned the laughs.
Name: Henry Cruz
Hometown: Born in Houston, but lived in Dallas a lot of my life.
Instagram/Twitter/Tik-Tok: @hennycruz14
Years in Comedy: 3
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Kill Tony
Comedic Influences: Sam Morril, Ralph Barbosa, Brian Simpson, & Dan Soder
Favorite City to Perform In: Houston, but Dallas is home
Favorite Topics to Joke About: My height and flaws
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: I loved performing for the Salvadoran community, but any audience is a privilege.
Favorite Comedy Club: Sharks Comedy Club in Dallas, TX
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I was writing jokes when I was incarcerated, and I just decided to do an open mic on a whim.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
My friends were telling me how much I sucked.
How would you describe your comedic style:
I stay authentic to myself on and off stage, I’m silly and lighthearted, and never punch down.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I draw my inspiration from being on stage and practicing as much as possible.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Very supportive and diverse, with minimal gatekeeping, plenty of opportunities for stage time, and a friendly, warm, and familiar environment.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
I feel successful when I am able to make an impact on an audience member.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
My comedy big bro Panda Chacon
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
When I went to Austin to sign up for Kill Tony, I made it on the list.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Just keep getting on stage and trusting the process.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They were supportive towards me and I gained a lot more opportunities.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
A lot of hard work, a lot of practice at mics, and connecting with the community.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Just keep persevering.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
My friends say I should call it “Diary of a Short King”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Getting roasted by the panel on Kill Tony.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
In a comedy club not much bigger than the size of a walk in closet, it ended up getting shut down one month later.
A Henry Cruz Fun Fact:
I use to make music, I played piano in the church and I can make my own beats.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Just keep making people happy and put smiles on everyone’s faces.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Keep writing and don’t be scared to experiment and don’t be afraid to fail and laugh at yourself.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
I would love to perform at my home club, Sharks Comedy Club in downtown Dallas and there are too many great comics for me to choose.
What’s next for you:
Making the lord laugh now.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
It’s the best way to stay hopeful no matter what you’re going through.
We Own The Laughs would like to send our thoughts and prayers to Henry Cruz’s family and close friends as they deal with his untimely passing. Donations will be generously accepted on behalf of Henry Cruz’s family and funeral arrangements via GoFundMe link: HERE
