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Comedian

Comedian Freddy Soto died July 10 in Los Angeles of unknown causes. He was 35.

Soto had finished performing at The Laugh Factory comedy club just a few hours before, receiving a standing ovation.

A native of El Paso, Texas, he moved to L.A. 15 years ago to break into comedy and started out as a limo driver for Richard Pryor. He drove Pryor to the Laugh Factory, where he met owner Jamie Masada, who encouraged his standup career.

As one of the Three Amigos — with Latino comics Pablo Francisco and Carlos Mencia — Soto toured the U.S. in 2001 and 2002. A DVD of the concert tour was released by Miramax in May.

Eventually he headlined comedy clubs, opened for singer Marc Anthony on a 30-city tour, made sitcom pilots for UPN and CBS, and appeared on late-night talk shows and in cable specials.

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He had a part in the 2004 film “Spanglish,” serving as a translator for the housekeeper.

He is survived by his wife Cory and a daughter.

Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 5:00 at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, Faith Chapel. The service will be followed by a memorial at 7:30 p.m. at the Comedy Store, 8433 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles.

Donations may be made to The Soto Family Fund, #662-25301-18, c/o Smith Barney Cashier, 633 W. 5th Street, 34th Fl.,Los Angeles, CA 90071.

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