ENMU grad returns to comedy roots

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Steven Michael Quezada, a former ENMU student, said his comedy act is about family.

ENMU Communication Services

Former Eastern New Mexico University student Steven Michael Quezada is returning to the Portales campus for a comedy act at 7 p.m. Monday in the ENMU Theater.

The actor is known for his role as Steven Gomez on the Emmy-Award winning series “Breaking Bad.”

“The show was not bad for me. It was like ‘Breaking Good’ for me,” the father of four said with a laugh. “I didn’t get into the entertainment business to get rich or famous. I had achieved a lot before ‘Breaking Bad.’

“I was providing for my family. In 2005, after years of going on comedy tours, I wanted to get back into acting. I wanted to stay home a bit more and be with my family,” he said. “It worked and I’m happy.”

The comedian recently finished a three-day tour with George Lopez. Quezada is looking forward to bringing the same type of comedy show to ENMU.

“Comedy is best with a live audience. I love making people laugh,” said Quezada, who was voted “Best Local Actor” in 2012 by “Albuquerque the Magazine.” “The act is about family. I try to be honest as a comedian. I’m excited to go back to Eastern.”

“I spent three years as a student at ENMU. It was a great experience with great people and great professors. It was a good introduction to life,” said the five-time recipient of the New Mexico Hispanic Entertainers Association Comedian of the Year award. “I learned a lot and increased my skill set. I became a writer, which made my transition to stand-up comedy easier.

“I suggest ENMU to people. You don’t get lost like you do at larger universities. You’re going to get a quality education without owing a lot of money,” said Quezada. “I had plenty of support there.

“I want everyone to know that no matter what university you go to, it’s about what you do with the education you get there. ENMU helped me get to the point where I wanted to be in this business,” said Quezada.

Quezada was elected to the Albuquerque school board for the District 5 seat on the city’s west side in February 2013.

“I sit on the board to prepare students for higher education,” said the director of “Actor’s Core,” a Youth Development Incorporated (YDI) program that teaches children about the film and television trade.

“I’m very involved in every aspect of my life,” said Quezada, who participated in a celebrity charity softball game that raised over $10,000 for YDI in 2011. “It’s who I am.”

Quezada’s comedy show will be presented by the ENMU Department of Multicultural Affairs as the kickoff event for Hispanic Heritage Month. The show is co-sponsored by the ENMU Theater and ENMU Alumni Association.

Admission is free. Seating will be on a first-come basis.

Quezada will be available for a meet-and-greet in the Campus Union Building Lobby from noon to 12:30 p.m. on Monday.