Businessman and activist Henry Muñoz III has purchased Funny or Die, the comedy website and production company behind “Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis,” “Drunk History” and other digital and TV shows with big-name stars.
Muñoz, a San Antonio native, will serve as sole owner of the brand, which includes the entire Funny or Die library, current shows and social media.
The deal was announced on Wednesday.
“I never dreamed as a little boy growing up in San Antonio that I would get to do this,” Muñoz said. “And it’s not lost on me that there are so few Latinos that have the opportunity to work at this level in the entertainment industry and creating, quite honestly, the cultural identity of this country.”
Muñoz called the acquisition an opportunity to tell the stories of the many Latinos, African Americans, Asians and LGBTQ citizens who make up the nation. And as much as people love storytelling, he added, everyone also could use a good laugh given the ongoing pandemic, social unrest and other ills in the world.
“Comedy is like a spoonful of sugar,” he said. “You can deliver information in a way that when people laugh it catches them off-guard.”
He bought the company from a group of stakeholders that includes the AMC Networks.
Muñoz’s relationship with Funny or Die grew out of his partnership with the company last year to produce the CBS special “Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event.” Co-hosted by Eva Longoria, the Oct. 26 show spotlighted Latino culture and diversity in America.
Cultural activism has informed many of Muñoz’s endeavors.
An award-winning designer, he championed urban planning and architecture that celebrates the contributions of the Latino community while he headed the firm Muñoz & Co. He also helped establish The American Latino Heritage Fund for monuments and heritage sites across the country. And he has been instrumental in promoting the creation of a National Museum of the American Latino. Congress voted in December to build the museum.
Co-founded by comedy stars including Will Ferrell and Judd Apatow, Funny or Die launched as a website in 2007 with “The Landlord.” The comedy short starred Ferrell as a beleaguered renter who suffers the wrath of a swearing little landlord played by 2-year-old Pearl McKay, daughter of director Adam McKay, another Funny or Die co-founder.
Funny or Die soon grew into a comedy film and television company. In 2008, it debuted “Between Two Ferns,” which stars Galifianakis of “The Hangover” fame as an ill-prepared interviewer who trades insults with real-life celebrities playing themselves.
President Obama appeared on the Funny Or Die series “Between Two Ferns” in 2014.
Associated Press /Funny or DieOther Funny or Die productions include the IFC series “Brockmire,” “American Vandal” and “History of Swear Words” on Netflix, and “Guilty Party,” an upcoming Paramount+ series starring Kate Beckinsale.
Muñoz said Ferrell will still bring the funny as a Funny or Die creative adviser, while Mike Farrah will retain his position as the company’s CEO.
“With his unique background in social activism and business, Henry is the perfect person to guide FOD into the future,” Farah said in a statement. “The company is in great hands with Henry, and he’s brought a new sense of purpose to our mission to empower original, authentic creators in comedy and beyond.”
Muñoz said Funny or Die will retain its identity as a comedy studio but also grow as a platform for young, independent creators “to use their voice.”
rguzman@express-news.net | Twitter: @reneguz
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