Marissa Sanchez

Marissa Sanchez (born late 1970) is a Filipino comedian, musician, and actress. She first became known as a performer at the Calesa Bar from 1995 to 1999 where she sang and hosted comedy shows. After leaving the bar in 1999 she went on to become a solo performer having also appeared in television.

Early life Marissa Sanchez was born in late 1970 and is a product of rape. Her mother went on to marry another man giving birth to Marissa's five younger siblings. Hailing from Isabela, she admitted to having a difficult childhood and with the family moving frequently to avoid Marissa's father.

She would have a big break as a comedian in 1993 at the Music Room of the Manila Pavilion.

She tried to get into a venue at home in the Philippines. She was rejected in her first audition at the Calesa Bar at the Hyatt Regency Manila by musical director Rudy Francisco with Sanchez remarking how they needed who is "sultry but sang off-key". She was also reportedly rejected for being overweight.

Solo performer and acting career After leaving Calesa, Sanchez went on to do her own performances both locally and abroad and also did appearances in television and films.

Sanchez joined Viva Entertainment in 2019.

She held her last concert in December 2023, intending to focus on her acting career.

Comedy style Sanchez is noted for her self-deprecating humor and has used her large frame as part of her comedy work as encouraged by fellow comedian Robert Em.

Her jokes used to be vulgar and "green" but by 2023 has steered away from that style of comedy. However her first marriage was only annulled in 2001 when she proved that her first husband was already married to another woman.

She met her second husband, Ian Nava while doing a show in Sweden. Their relationship which produced a daughter, lasted from December 2004 to October 2013, when they separated. Their marriage remains legally valid as of 2020.

By 2020, Sanchez professed to be content living as a single woman.