2019 Latina of Influence Cha Cha Sandoval McMahon | Comedian, Founder USA Stuntwomen’s Assoc.
Hispanic Lifestyle is pleased to recognize Comedian, Founder USA Stuntwomen’s Assoc. CHA CHA Sandoval McMahon as a 2019 Latina of Influence. Ms. Sandoval McMahon along with our entire list of 2019 Latinas of Influence are invited to participate in Latina Conference 2019 taking place April 10 and 11, 2019 in Ontario, California.
Multi-talented Cha-Cha McMahon has been working steadily in show business since the 1970’s. Cha Cha is an accomplished comedian, actress, song impressionist, writer, producer, playwright, director, political activist and mother.
She began her career as a classical singer in the 1970’s with the iconic singing group The Young Americans. From there she segued her gymnastics skills into working as Hollywood’s first Latina Stunt women working under the name Tanya Russell.
Stunt work lead to acting jobs and Cha Cha is prominently featured in the hit movie Jerry Maguire.
In between movie/TV gigs Cha Cha worked as a successful stand-up comic. Cha Cha became the first paid Latina female regular at the World Famous Comedy Store and Hollywood Improv. Hand picked by Mitzi Shore and Bud Friedman. She also produced the first Latino Show at the Hollywood Improv and opened for such comics as Jimmy Fallon, Drew Carey, George Lopez, Gabriel Iglesias, and Sam Kennison.
Cha Cha continues to work as a stand-up, actress and as a playwright having her recent production Four Tamales Missing in Action nominated for a NoHo Award.
Some of her other accomplishments include:
- Did stunt work with Director and star Clint Eastwood.
- Variety’s Army Archerd called Tanya Russell “A great physical comedian.”
- 2nd unit director for Jonathon Demme
- Founder of United Stuntwomen’s Association
- Producer of Funny Ladies of Color for the 3 years at The Comedy Store
- Comedic Political Activist known as The Bad Mexican.
- TV and movie credits 75 +.
