Bravo wants Obama to focus on jobs

As Chelsea Handler’s sidekick on E!’s hit show “Chelsea Lately,” Chuy Bravo’s one-liners have become a staple on the late-night program. He also is the host of a nationwide Latino comedy tour and was recently a contestant on the ABC celebrity game show “Splash.” His big-screen work has included “Austin Powers 3: Goldmember,” “The Rundown” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.” 

Bravo is the youngest of seven brothers and sisters, and moved with his family to the United States from Mexico at the age of 15. After graduating from high school, he started his own business, providing janitorial services to local offices, and worked as an electro-mechanic assembling PC boards. In April 2010, Bravo added another hat to his collection — that of published author. His first book, “Little Nuggets of Wisdom,” has shown how anyone can live and love the Chuy Bravo way, thanks to his “bite-sized” advice covering family, finances, friendship, fashion, travel, food, fitness and more. 

{mosads}Bravo’s next adventure is the launch of his signature line of chips and salsa. Known among his friends and family as a fantastic cook, this was something that he was urged to do by those around him. “Every time I’m invited to any kind of party or gathering, I am always asked to make salsa … and of course, to go shirtless,” he quips. 

Bravo is a generous philanthropist and looks to open a rehabilitation center in Mexico to address the growing problem of drug and alcohol addiction. He regularly visits rehab centers both in Los Angeles and in Mexico, and looks to make a difference in the lives of people who hope to beat their addictions. 

ROBIN BRONK: If you had five minutes in the Oval Office with President Obama, what would you discuss with him? What issue would you like him to know about?

CHUY BRAVO: I would discuss with him unemployment and how to create more jobs and equal opportunity for everyone. I want to tell him that Netflix should be free to all Americans and that he should ban valet services, they’re a scam!

RB: If you could ask the president one question, what would that be?

CB: What’s your favorite Mexican dish, and can I invite you over for dinner?

RB: What piece of advice would you give President Obama?

CB: That if he gets tired from so much walking in the big White House, he should get a little scooter like mine.

RB: If you were going to send the president to one of your favorite places in the United States for one day, where would that be? Why?

CB: Pacoima in the San Fernando Valley in LA where I grew up, so he can fix that city.

RB: What CD/piece of music would you recommend that the president add to his collection? Why?

CB: I love La Cucaracha song! It’s a good pick because the dance to the song is very easy.

RB: Would you ever consider a political career?

CB: No. I’m too short and I don’t like when my ties are too tight.

Robin Bronk is CEO of The Creative Coalition — the leading national, nonprofit, nonpartisan public advocacy organization of the entertainment industry. Bronk is a frequent speaker on the role of the entertainment industry in public advocacy campaigns and represents The Creative Coalition and its legislative agenda before members of Congress and the White House. She produced the feature film “Poliwood,” airing on Showtime, and edited the recently published book Art & Soul. Bronk pens this weekly column with assistance from Risa Kotek.