Born in Washington, D.C., he grew up in Mexico and later moved to Massachusetts. He began his career as a stand-up comedian and ventured into writing for shows like "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and "The Chris Rock Show." Gaining prominence for his raw, observational humor, he created and starred in the acclaimed TV series "Louie." He also directed and acted in several films, showcasing a unique blend of comedy and drama, though his career faced challenges due to personal controversies.