Category Archives: Comedians R by First Name

Comedians R by First Name, Comedians S by Last Name

Rickey Smiley

December 19, 2020 Comedy House

Rickey Smiley is known for having made millions laugh for over 30 years and earned a reputation for delivering to audiences both on and off stage.

With the distinct ability to take everyday observations and turn them into comedic gold, Rickey is one of the few “clean” comics amongst the upper echelon of contemporary comedians.

At any given performance, audiences are treated to such original characters as “Mrs. Bernice Jenkins,” “Lil’Daryl,” “Joe Willie” and “Beauford.”

Rickey is a comedy legend and entertainment mogul. He brings uproarious laughter to the world through his magnetic and sharp style of humor. The powerhouse performer brings his impeccable timing to a number of successful media platforms and has the distinct ability to take everyday observations and turn them into comedic gold. As a beloved comedian, television host, actor and top rated nationally syndicated radio personality; Smiley has become one of the entertainment industry’s most celebrated performers. Through his brilliantly crafted career of bringing humor to the masses, Smiley has established himself as a potent pillar of talent with the capacity to reach a multitude of audiences. Smiley is one of the few “clean” comics amongst the top tier of contemporary great comedians and has amassed a deeply loyal fan base of enthusiasts who gravitate to his quick-witted delivery and captivating energy.

Coming from his humble roots of Birmingham Alabama, Rickey rose to superstardom after igniting his 26-year career serving as opening act for Industry titans such as Steve Harvey, George Wallace, and Carl Strong. Throughout his career trajectory, Rickey has been one of the industry’s most towering forces in building an impressive empire that has landed him preeminent roles on radio, television, film and on-stage performances.

On the fast track to stardom, in 2000 Rickey started his climatic rise to stardom as the headlining host of BET’s “ComicView” and became further distinguished as the only comedian who has had the honor of hosting two consecutive successful seasons catapulting the show to it’s highest ratings in history. After achieving this milestone, BET then quickly signed Rickey to host “The Way We Do It” during the 2001-2002 season, which later became one of the networks top five shows. Smiley also delivered unforgettable appearances on “Showtime At The Apollo,” “Uptown Comedy Club”, HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” and “Snaps.”

Rickey Smiley continued to take the world by storm with his unique blend of comedy and originality as he sought to further master his craft and conquer the world of radio. In 2007 Smiley became the host of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, one of the funniest and most compelling radio programs in the country. Based in Atlanta, in over 61 markets, and growing, the Rickey Smiley Morning Show is a blend of laughter, social issues and celebrity news. Daily millions of fans faithfully tune in and listen to the hysterical show best known for its rib-tickling prank phone calls, as Rickey delivers witty commentary and unpredictable humor. Using radio as an uplifting message vehicle, Rickey’s insightful yet humorous interviews with A-list celebrities raise social and political awareness. Smiley’s down-home southern charm and philosophy to use insight rather than vulgarity to evoke laughter, is one of the many reasons he forged partnership with Radio One the most respected urban broadcasting conglomerates in the world. The Rickey Smiley Morning Show is featured within a wildly popular daily entertainment news television show on Dish Nation. The show is paired with other nationally syndicated radio personalities and airs weeknights on FOX affiliates.

Rickey continued to perform sold out shows where his diverse audiences were drawn to original characters such as “Bernice Jenkins,” “Lil’ Daryl,” “Joe Willie” and “Beauford.” After mastering his signature characters, Rickey headlined The Laugh and Shout Experience tour featuring Rickey as “Minister Joe Willie”. Joined by the Deuteronomaires featuring Gospel artists Earnest Pugh, Zacardi Cortez, and Darlene McCoy is set to resume Fall 2015.

As the wildly popular comedian continued to span his audience and entertain people of all-ages, Rickey then joined forces with Radio One owned television network, TV One as the star, executive producer and namesake of his own top rated sitcom, “The Rickey Smiley Show”. The amusing series features the balancing act of a working comedian with the joys and pains of being a single father of three; a character that parallels his own life. It also profiles Rickey as he masters the riggers of radio with a whimsical spin on office politics, social issues, celebrity appearances, and music – all threaded around rich humor.

Asked about being one of the busiest and most successful comics in the world, Smiley shares, “I love what I do and enjoy getting up every day with the expressed purpose of bringing joy into the lives of others through laughter. The greatest satisfaction I can receive is knowing that my talents are a form of escapism that brings happiness into so many deserving lives. To be blessed with sold out tours, a successful radio show and 2 Television platforms is more than I could ever have dreamed and I am committed to working harder than ever to continue to be a positive influence and all around best entertainer I can be.” Rickey Smiley

Growing up in the church filled with colorful characters and content Smiley drew inspiration and developed his signature characters that have visibly become apart of his comedic trademark. From Bernice and her bizarre church announcements to Coach McClainy and his lack of motivational skills, Rickey’s audiences have developed a fierce loyalty and desire to his impersonations. Smiley’s growing character base have found their way to 8 best selling CDs including iTunes #1 Best Selling Comedy Album, “Rickey Smiley- Prank Calls Number 6.” His additional credits include hosting BET’s comedy concert DVD “Open Casket Sharp”.

Having enjoyed meteoric success on-stage, radio, and in film Rickey has catapulted his wondrous talents onto the big-screen. Continuing to grow his fan base Rickey’s arresting natural talent is best demonstrated in his major feature film roles in urban classics including “All About The Benjamin’s” and “Friday After Next,” along with his most recent starring turn in the hit romantic comedy “Baggage Claim.”

Rickey served as host of the prestigious Trumpet Awards in 2012, the 29th and 30th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, and the 2014 NAACP Image Awards Dinner & Pre-Party, as well as presented at the NAACP Image Awards Ceremony.

Life off-stage, Rickey is dedicated to empowering and enriching the communities in which he serves daily. This performer has a heart of gold reflected in his burning commitment and ongoing desire to champion under-served youth and honor seniors through the support of The Rickey Smiley Foundation and the utilizing of his powerful platforms to be a change agent for the greater good of his community. Rickey Smiley also is an esteemed and honored member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated and cherishes parenting as a devoted father.

Comedians R by First Name, Comedians T by Last Name

Rod Man

December 11, 2020 Comedy House

Best known as the winner of Last Comic Standing Season 8, Comedian Rod Man is truly a gem in the World of Standup Comedy today. His unique delivery and voice capture the attention of audiences. Throw in his laid back style, southern charm, wit, and ability to find the funny in everyday life, and you have the ingredients for a future Comedy Star in the making.

Rod Man got hooked on comedy at a young age. He signed up for “open mic” nights at Atlanta’s Uptown Comedy Club, hosted by the hilarious Earthquake. “Uptown was the place to be on Tuesday nights. The place was packed. You never knew who would stop in and do a guest spot. And you never really knew when you were going to hit the stage, because the list meant absolutely nothing to Earthquake.”

Since those open mic nights, Rod has become an award-winning, quintessential entertainer. He has graced the stage at Caesar’s Palace, The Gibson Amphitheater, and The Apollo Theater. He is currently the host of his own YouTube shows — Time Out with Rod Man and That Good Funny.

Rod Man was seen competing on the “Last Comic Standing” and has made many other television appearances, including “The Bad Boys of Comedy” for HBO, Martin Lawrence’s “First Amendment” for Starz, Nick Cannon’s “Wild ‘N Out” for MTV, “One Mic Stand” for BET, “The Funny Spot” for TV One, and “The World Stands Up” for BBC America. He even co-hosted a morning drive-time show in Los Angeles on Stevie Wonder-owned KJLH Radio 102.3 FM.

Rod Man is also an actor and writer, known for his roles in Funny People (2009) with Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen, The Big Black Comedy Show, Vol. 2 (2005), and The Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show (2013).

Comedians B by First Name, Comedians B by Last Name, Comedians M by Last Name, Comedians R by First Name

Reginald “Bruh-Man” Ballard

January 15, 2020 Comedy House

Reginald Ballard is an American character actor and comedian from Galveston, Texas, who is probably best known as “Bruh-man from the fifth flo'” (he would often hold up four fingers when saying this) in the Fox sitcom Martin.

After graduation from Ball High School, where he was an all district linebacker, Ballard earned a full football scholarship to Southern Methodist University, where he was also a theatre major. Just before his senior year, Ballard transferred to the University of Missouri, where he continued to play football, while continuing to act, appearing in a university production of A Soldier’s Story in the role of C.J. Memphis.

Spurning overtures from pro-football, Ballard headed to Hollywood to pursue his acting career. His film debut was in 1989’s Lock Up. He has appeared in many different television shows, such as Veronica Mars (the episode “Return of the Kane”), The Bernie Mac Show, The Parkers, Sister, Sister, Just Jordan, and the short-lived show, Crumbs. He co-starred in the independent film Big Ain’t Bad as Butch.

Currently, Ballard is performing stand up comedy and making movies in Hollywood.

Comedians G by Last Name, Comedians R by First Name

Ron G

January 4, 2020 Comedy House

Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Ron G. is an accomplished comedian, actor, writer, host, and Emmy winning producer. He has been entertaining audiences all around the world with his “high energy and cleverness – with an urban flair” performances.

After finishing his dual degrees in finance and management at the University of South Carolina, he began his stand up career in Atlanta and was crowned first place winner in the Sierra Mist Late Night Laff Off. He later made the move to Los Angeles where his talent shined as a finalist in both Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes? and Last Comic Standing.

Ron G. has made appearances in Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment, Comics Unleashed, Mulaney, Key & Peele, Chelsea Lately, and Kevin Hart Presents: The Next Level.

Most recently, Ron G. starred as Lewis in Nickelodeon’s Cousins for Life and has appeared in the Lionsgate feature film, 2 Minutes of Fame, starring Jay Pharoah and Katt Williams.

Ron G performing in his hometown!

Comedians P by Last Name, Comedians R by First Name

Rodney Perry

August 21, 2017 Comedy House

The term “gotta laugh to keep from crying” could easily be any comedian’s mantra but for one Louisiana transplant, Comedian Rodney Perry, the tracks of his tears have been a passionate journey to the top of his game which has led him to laugh out loud at all his naysayers. Born in Chicago, Perry would find the infancies of his comedy career. He was a rambunctious seven year old. His teacher noticed Rodney’s funny nature and made a deal with him. If he would “shut up throughout the course of the day” he would be given an 0pportunity to perform for his classmates at the end of the day. Rodney took his teacher up on that deal. This was the beginning.

Although the city of Chicago has shaped the man that is Rodney Perry. Rodney found his early comedy stride while living in Monroe Louisiana. In the halls of Carroll High School he often found himself acting as the host of talent shows and even emceeing basketball games. Rodney Perry arrived in Louisiana as a boy but he would leave a man. As he graduated from high school Rodney was also given the news that his first daughter was on the way. Perry then made a decision that would affect him for years to come, he joined the U. S. Navy. He says “How could I ask my mom to take care of me and my child? I had to grow up, I had to become a man in a hurry”.

That was the beginning of eight years of service. During which time Rodney was honing his skills as a comedian. As his second tour began to wind down, Perry felt it was time to take what he calls a “Leap of Faith”. He exited the Navy with his then small family and moved to Hollywood. Well, actually Inglewood. Immediately, the harsh realisms of life outside of the military were staring Rodney in the face. He did tons of odd jobs to make the ends meet. He looked up and it was two years later and he still wasn’t living the dream that he had in mind when he relocated to Los Angeles. All that changed during a temporary assignment at the Veterans Administration. During his week at the VA Rodney befriended an amputee. One day he asked Perry; “What are you doing here?” and “Why aren’t you doing what you were set on this earth to do?” That was the wake-up call he needed. Rodney began doing any and everything in the world of comedy. He was an audience warm-up, a radio personality, a writer, and mostly a full-fledged Professional Stand-Up Comedian.

Rodney Perry has had the opportunity to learn the business of Comedy from some of the best. His first job in Hollywood was serving as writer/warm-up guy for Kym Whitley’s show “Oh Drama” on BET. Doors continued to open for Rodney as he got opportunities to serve as the opening act for the likes of George Lopez, Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey. It was Oscar Winner Mo’Nique that would introduce Rodney to the world on her late night talk show.

Perry calls Atlanta home when he’s not traveling the country to sold-out audiences or hosting his highly popular online radio show, Rodney Perry Live. His career has opened up many doors for him, from his work as co-host of “Who’s Got Jokes” or BET’s “Mo’Nique Show”, to his starring role as Harold in “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family”. Even though Perry is a sought out Actor/Host, he still remains a comedian at heart. He is currently preparing for his ‘made for TV’ comedy special entitled “No More Mr. Nice Guy” and can also be seen every Tuesday night as the current Host of Bounce TV’s “Off the Chain”!