O-Bitch-Uary: Carmen Ruiz y Laza — she was born this way

TV host and producer has never learned meaning of the word ‘no.’

With her long, blond hair, classic good looks and statuesque frame, it’s easy to imagine Carmen Ruiz y Laza coming from royalty.

But that royal image is quickly shattered, once she lets go with that famous laugh, best described as unrestrained, contagious and just loud enough the queen would be sure to raise an eyebrow or two.

Carmen and her younger sister Rosario led charmed childhoods growing up in Spain in the home of the arch-bishop, who also happened to be their great uncle. It was there, they were surrounded by the arts, including storytelling, music, philosophy and gourmet cooking.

Rosario says even as very young child, Carmen was determined to achieve and excel in everything she attempted and was never one to take, “no” for an answer.

She says just one example of that determination was the time a very young Carmen decided she wanted to go to the movies, but their mamma said no. But, Carmen didn’t seem to have any concept what the word “no,” so she went in search of the cash stash her uncle kept hidden on the top of a closet.

Rosario says Carmen climbed up and took the exact change needed for the movie — nothing extra for popcorn — and then put the basket back. Rosario notes Carmen was busted by their unhappy mother, but not until after she’d seen the movie.

Rosario also remembers Carmen at an even earlier age, walking with a group of her friends when they came across a candy store. The kids had no money, but Carmen wanted candy and was not going to let a little thing like a lack of cash stop them from getting some.

So, Rosario says, they went into the store and each picked a piece of candy and Carmen told the store owner to put it on her uncle’s tab and the arch bishop would come and pay for it later. Rosario remembers. “That was Carmen. Needless to say, our mamma was horrified, again.”

Rosario says even today if someone tries to say no to Carmen, her famous line is, “Let me start from the beginning…”

That never say no attitude helped Carmen after moving to Canada, where she became fluent in English in one year and since then has made communication her life’s work, first as the head of her own PR company and then in broadcasting.

Carmen is also well known for her easygoing, welcoming attitude, but should something – or someone –displease her, she has a lethal weapon, whispered in some circles as, “The Look.” It’s a weapon she’s used regularly when young, handsome men attempt to give her unwanted attention. Just one look and those pretty boys have been known to get lost faster than your luggage at Pearson Airport.

As many can attest to, Carmen is not all about being fabulous and her on-air image. In fact, while she feels no need to advertise it, Carmen’s inner circle is well aware about just how much she gives back to her community, both in Vancouver and her home country of Spain.

For decades, Carmen has participated in fundraising efforts and acted as host for numerous non-profit charities, including Heart for Africa, UNICEF and AIDS Vancouver, which she’s partnered with for years.

But eventually, Carmen had to watch herself at any AIDS Vancouver fundraisers that included drag performers, because anytime she heard someone call out, “Yas Queen,” she’d head for the stage — out-royaling anyone in the room.

Rosario sums up her sister’s determination, resilience and confidence with once sentence, “Carmen? She was born this way.”