Part Taino, part European and part Mmmhmm!

Referred to by the media as a “Modern day Renaissance woman”, Denise Vasquez is an award winning, multi-talented artist, comedian, actress (SAG-AFTRA), writer, singer, guitarist (ASCAP), author, and photographer. Known for her captivating, energetic and thought provoking performances, she has been making waves in the entertainment industry receiving rave reviews from the press, and winning numerous awards. As an entertainer, Denise has been part of the live performance scene doing Improv, Sketch Comedy, Acting, Dance, and Music for over 50 years! Denise was born in Manhattan, is the youngest of two sisters who spent her childhood in the Bronx, and her teenage years on Roosevelt Island. After moving from the Bronx to a tiny little island between Manhattan and Queens, she was constantly mistaken for being a gang member, for wearing her sassy attitude and favorite pleather coat, standing out everywhere she went. Making people laugh kept her from having to fight bullies, so she started performing improv, sketch comedy, and stand up instead. Inspired by George Carlin, Robin Williams, and Eddie Murphy, Denise realized there is power in how you act, what you say, and that words matter. Denise got her first taste of performing live comedy in the 90's when she auditioned and got cast as a member of Joy Newman’s Grown Ups Playground, doing Improv at The New York Comedy Club. Her stand up comedy journey began in 2013, and she quickly started getting noticed and booked on shows and festivals:

*Ventura Comedy Festival 2015

*Shaq’s Next Allstar 2015

*Glendale Laughs Fest 2016

*Mt Shasta Comedy Fest March 6th & 7th 2026

Denise has also hosted, produced and performed in her WO+MEN 4 APPLAUSE comedy and music variety shows at TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, and Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank, until her momentum in comedy was put on hold after an accident landed her in a wheelchair for 3 years. She is back and Standing UP again, literally covering topics on disability, womanhood, stereotypes and relationships. Denise has 3 musical albums, and has been working on new material, with many goals including her 4th album and comedy special featuring her funny songs and comedy. Visit about page to read full bio…