LOS ANGELES – Comic Freddy Soto, who came to Hollywood when he was 20 to break into comedy and started out as a limousine driver for Richard Pryor, died in his sleep hours after getting a standing ovation for a Laugh Factory performance. He was 35.

The up-and-coming comedian died in his sleep at the home of a friend, who found his body Sunday morning, Laugh Factory owner Jaime Masada said Wednesday. A cause of death hasn't been determined, coroner's office spokesman Craig Harvey said.

Soto's comedy focused on Hispanic family life and growing up in El Paso, Texas. Masada said Pryor introduced him to Soto.

"He came to the club and he started imitating Richard Pryor, and it was hilarious. I told him, 'You should get on stage.' He had a unique way of looking at things. He was the most hilarious human being," Masada said.

After making $5 from his first paying standup gig at St. Mark's Jazz Club in the Venice section of Los Angeles, Soto became the doorman at the Comedy Store in West Hollywood and made $25 a night. He eventually headlined comedy clubs, opened for singer Marc Anthony on a 30-city tour, and appeared on late-night talk shows.

Soto toured the nation in 2001 and 2002 as one of the Three Amigos – including Hispanic comics Pablo Francisco and Carlos Mencia – and a DVD of the concert tour was released by Miramax in May.

In addition to several television pilots for UPN and CBS, Soto landed a part in the 2004 film "Spanglish," serving as a translator for the housekeeper.

Soto is survived by wife, Cory, and 3-year-old daughter Cruz. A funeral will be held Thursday evening at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, followed by a memorial service at 7:30 p.m. at the Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard.

Comedy shows to benefit Soto's family will be held at Aug. 2 and 3 at the Laugh Factory on Sunset Boulevard.