Gabriel Iglesias to Perform at Millikin University, 3/5

Millikin University's Kirkland Fine Arts Center will welcome one of America's most successful stand-up comedians Gabriel Iglesias on Thursday, March 5, 2015, at 8 p.m. The performance is Millikin University's 2015 Goodheart Event.

Born in Chula Vista, Calif., Gabriel Iglesias is the youngest of six children, raised by a single mother. It was during his childhood that he developed a strong sense of humor to deal with the obstacles he faced. In 1997, he set out to hone his comedic skills and performed stand-up anywhere he could find an audience. He never could have foreseen the incredible success he has experienced.

Today, Iglesias performs in sold-out concerts across the United States and internationally. His stand-up comedy is a mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters and sound effects that bring his personal experiences to life. His unique and animated comedy style has made him popular among fans of all ages.

On July 25, 2014, Iglesias's highly anticipated stand-up comedy film, "The Fluffy Movie" (Open Road Films) hit theaters. Following the release of "The Fluffy Movie," Gabriel appeared in 20th Century Fox's animated film "The Book of Life" alongside Zoe Saldana and Channing Tatum. In the Fall of 2014, Comedy Central aired season 3 of Gabriel's hit series "Stand-Up Revolution," which featured comedians that he personally selected.

Gabriel began production on the highly anticipated sequel to the box office hit "Magic Mike," reprising his role as Tobias with Matthew McConaughey and Channing Tatum. "Magic Mike XXL" will be released July 3, 2015.

Comedy Central premiered "Gabriel Iglesias: Aloha Fluffy" in an unprecedented two-night comedy special to over 15 million viewers. This was a great follow-up to his previous DVD specials, "Hot & Fluffy" and "I'm Not Fat...I'm Fluffy," which has sold a combined total of 2 million copies.

Gabriel has recently appeared in "A Haunted House 2" and hit animated films "The Nut Job" and Disney's "Planes." Gabriel was nominated for an ALMA Award; Favorite TV Reality, Variety, or Comedy Personality or Act and was top billed at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festivals in Montreal and Toronto.

Gabriel has also appeared on "The Arsenio Hall Show," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Conan," "Jimmy Kimmel Live," "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson," "Steve Harvey," "Good Morning America," Cartoon Network"s "The Annoying Orange" and FOX TV's "The Family Guy."

The Goodheart Event was created through a gift from Peggy and the late G. William Madden of Decatur in memory of Mrs. Madden's father, the late William R. Goodheart Jr., who founded the Music Corporation of America (MCA) in the 1920s. The gift provides endowment for the William R. Goodheart Fund. The Fund's income is used biennially for a William R. Goodheart Annual Entertainment Event held at Kirkland Fine Arts Center.

Each Goodheart Event features a live concert or performance and is free to Millikin students and staff. Former performers include Jay Leno, Howie Mandel, Tap Dogs, STOMP, David Spade, Wayne Brady, Mo'Nique, and Seth Meyers.

Tickets will go on sale to the public Monday, Feb. 9 at $25 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased through the Kirkland Fine Arts Center Ticket Office, by phone at 217.424.6318 or online at kirklandfinearts.com. Ticket Office hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. A $2.50 fee will be charged for credit card purchases. This is a per transaction fee, not per ticket, and applies to online and Ticket Office orders.

For more information on Kirkland Fine Arts Center, please visit kirklandfinearts.com.