Freddy Soto started out as a limousine driver for Richard Pryor. After making $5 from his first paying stand-up gig at St. Mark's Jazz Club in Venice, Soto became the doorman at the Comedy Store in West Hollywood and made $25 a night. He eventually headlined comedy clubs, opened for singer Marc Anthony on a 30-city tour, and appeared on late-night talk shows.

Soto toured the nation in 2001 and 2002 as one of the Three Amigos including Hispanic comics Pablo Francisco and Carlos Mencia and a DVD of the concert tour was released by Miramax in May.

In addition to several television pilots for UPN and CBS, Soto landed a part in the 2004 film "Spanglish," serving as a translator for the housekeeper.

Soto is survived by wife, Cory, and 3-year-old daughter, Cruz.