Checking in with comedian Alec Mapa

Name: Alec Mapa
Career: Actor/Comedian
Home: Los Angeles
Hails from: San Francisco
Relationship Status: Married, and parent of an adopted son
Next project: Headlining FORTLaughs Comedy Night at Fortitude Weekend, Ft. Lauderdale (Also starring Judy Gold and Joe Posa)

Now that you’re a parent, how has that changed your comedy?
Well, I’m stuck between trying to set a good example and making a living. My act has never been appropriate for children, so let’s just say he’s not allowed to watch my comedy specials. I have like 5 minutes of appropriate material, and I blew that wad when I was on “The View.”

People may recognize you from your supporting role on “Ugly Betty,” or your work hosting shows on Logo. But you were also one of the biggest comedians on the gay cruise circuit.
I did 12 gay cruises in 2 years and saw the entire world. I had a blast. The great thing about the gay cruises is you don’t have to go ashore to find prostitutes. But I’m a parent now, and I’m hosting a talk show. No more gay cruises for me.

What was your favorite port city?
All the ports Mexican and Caribbean follow a familiar pattern. They’re all sleepy beach towns in a very poor country. There’s usually a gorgeous beach, a couple of beach front restaurants and a souvenir stand. The memorable ones for me were San Juan and Puerto Vallarta because there was an actual town. I loved old town Puerto Rico because of the cobblestones and history and Puerto Vallarta had a million pharmacies and very good places to eat.

When your son is older, will you go back to working on the ships?
I’ll go back anywhere I’m welcome that pays. Until I win the lottery, there’s that frickin’  mortgage every month.

We hear wild stories of what happens on those gay cruises. What’s the craziest thing you saw when you were on board?
I had a neighbor across the hall who was often naked on all fours with the door open. I thought that was super-friendly.

If Broadway was to launch “Ugly Betty-The Musical,” who would play the characters?
I think it would be fun if the entire original cast came back, but we did the musical with the existing “Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark” sets and costumes. Wouldn’t you love to see Vanessa Williams repelling overhead in all that Green Goblin drag? I would.

Rep. Chris Lee from New York just got busted for cruising Craig’s List for an adulterous affair with a new ladyfriend. Have you ever had a scandalous romantic tryst that was ripe for blackmail?
It’s never happened to me. Life isn’t fair. I did shake President Obama’s hand at a town hall meeting and got so excited I shot out a drop of pee, but that’s it.

Who are you rooting for on “RuPaul’s Drag Race?”
Shangela is one of my son’s favorite babysitters, so I’m predisposed to like her a great deal. [Shangela and Alec Mapa are long-time friends, both live in L.A.]

What are some of your favorite pastimes when you visit Ft. Lauderdale and Miami?
I love both places. I really do. I love that it’s tropical AND sanitary. You don’t always get that in one place. Thank God for Florida. I love the Cuban food in Miami and all any kind of gay brunch with the Ft. Lauderdale gays is a slice of heaven.

Will you arrive to the Ft. Lauderdale show in a Lady Gaga egg?
Wasn’t that bananas? Last year she was wrapped in bacon, this time it was an egg. She’s two red carpets away from being a Denny’s grand slam.

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