Julio Torres

Julio Torres used his wholly unique viewpoint to quickly rise to the top of the comedy scene in the United States. A native of El Salvador, he moved to New York to attend college at The New School in Manhattan. He was drawn into the city's comedy scene while sharing an apartment with performer Spike "Lena" Einbinder. The duo began making short films that they would post online, including "Mermaid Intern" (2013). Torres began making stand-up appearances around New York and quickly gained attention for his offbeat, stream-of-consciousness style. In the U.S. on a student visa, he was forced to work around potential deportation if he couldn't secure a job that would provide him with a work visa. He continued building an online presence, working with Einbinder again for the webseries "The Special Without Brett Davis" (2015-18) and joining a group of other rising comedians for "Boy Band" (2016). Towards the end of the 41st season of "Saturday Night Live" (NBC, 1975- ) in 2016, Torres was brought on as a writer. He joined the staff full-time the following season and found his footing with well received pre-recorded sketches. Among his best known were a series of inner monologues featuring Cecily Strong's Melania Trump impression and one featuring guest host Ryan Gosling obsessing over the font used for the title of James Cameron's "Avatar" (2009). On-screen, he began logging appearances on "The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon" (NBC, 2014- ), frequently showing up as a "monologue correspondent." Along with fellow comedian Ana Fabrega, whom he had worked with on "Boy Band," he was tapped by former "SNL" star Fred Armisen to help create a Spanish-language comedy. The result was "Los Espookys" (HBO, 2019- ) about a group of friends who make a living creating horror experiences, with the three creators in starring roles. Torres played Andres, the heir to a chocolate fortune with a deep connection to the paranormal. He was then given the opportunity to star in his first stand-up special. "My Favorite Shapes by Julio Torres" (HBO, 2019) featured the comedian riffing on a variety of inanimate objects.