Preston Gitlin: a gringo in love with Colombia who came to make comedy

Most Colombians who inhabit the national territory are thinking of emigrating to the United States, Canada, France, Australia or Spain. However, to the surprise of some, there are citizens of these countries who choose to make a life in Colombia.

Such is the case of Preston Gitlin, an American comedian who decided to put aside his real estate businesses and investments, to pursue his dream of making a laugh he had since he was young, when he tried to prove to his parents that he had comedian's' wood ', but failed in the attempt.

Although it took a long time, Gitlin understood that he had a talent for humor, but he had to develop the profession if he wanted to succeed: he had to write material, try it several times and discard it, if necessary.

“Not only did I stop doing comedy, I went to Costa Rica to do business in real estate and participate in social projects. I also learned Spanish there, launched my business, gave away 10% of my company and, before leaving, I gave away a school for children. Then I went to Peru, did another business that was a disaster and made me lose all my money,” he added.

The reunion between Preston Gitlin and comedy took place through the creation of his third business, an online comedy platform called Comedywire that became the largest comedic writers' room in the world, including Emmy award-winning professionals with credits on SNL, The Tonight Show, The Daily Show and Seinfeld.

So then, this New Yorker began performing in several clubs and theaters in his hometown, including those with a Latin audience, where he had the opportunity to meet the Colombian actor Antonio Sanint, who spoke wonders about his land and, of course, invited him to meet her.

Encouraged by so many good things he heard from the fellow comedian, Preston Gitlin began his trip to Colombia and was amazed by the climate of some cities, as well as their gastronomy, especially the arepa paisa.

His return to Latin America was united with his desire to continue doing comedy in Spanish, since he admits that he has never seen in the United States such a warm and lively audience as the one he has found in this region.

Similarly, Gitlin has served as a fundamental support to Sanint, in his project of making humorous routines in English, since it is key to remember that Bogotá has been based in North America for several years.

For now, the gringo comedian plans to stay for a while in Colombia, where he has met and shared with comedians such as Diego Camargo, Catalina Guzmán, Ibrahim Salem and many others.

KEEP READING