Nelson Ascencio was born in Cuba and raised outside of NYC in Tarrytown on the Hudson in New York. Nelson studied acting at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts and at HB Studios in Greenwich Village. Nelson did some stand up while living in Manhattan. He moved to Los Angeles, California from New York, he then joined the Groundlings Theatre where he studied Improv and developed his characters which he later brought to Mad TV and his own live shows. He appeared in Season 5 and became a regular on Season 6. "MADtv" (1995) and has written, produced and performed his own sketches.

Attended the Academy Of Dramatic Arts in New York City.Has an identical twin who also lives in Los Angeles.Is best known on "MADtv" (1995) for his impression of Ricky Martin .