Category Archives: Comedians W by Last Name

Comedians C by First Name, Comedians W by Last Name

Chaunte’ Wayans

Chaunte’ Wayans is from the famous Wayan’s family, so comedy is in her blood. Seen on tour with Katt Williams and Nick Cannon’s Wild n Out.

Chaunte Wayans @ the Comedy House

At the age of 19, Chaunte’ relocated to Los Angeles with her famous family to pursue her new career. She quickly became a rising stand-up comedian, actress, writer, and founder of Anotha Way Productions. Chaunte’ later landed a job working on the production of the box office hit “Scary Movie 2,” where she gained interest in working in post production. This work drew her attention to and led her to more behind-the-scenes work. Shortly thereafter, Chaunte’ was hired to work as a Production Assistant for ABC’s hit television series “My Wife and Kids.”

Chaunte Wayans

Within two years, Chaunte’ moved her way up from Production Assistant, to Apprentice, and ultimately to Assistant Editor. With more production experience under her belt, Chaunte’ began working for the LA Film Festival as Head Editor of an independent television show called “FesTV.” After enjoying several years in production and editing, Chaunte’ realized that her true gift was in stand-up. Soon after her cousin, Damon Jr., stepped into the stand-up comedy scene, something sparked in Chaunte’ leading her to realize that this too was for her!

Chaunte’ has been performing in large theaters and arenas across the nation. While touring, she also taped a New Year’s Eve special with him at the Nokia Theater. Although Chaunte’ loves touring and performing her stand-up comedy, she remains busy working on several upcoming film and television projects, including “Suicidal,” written and directed by her. Chaunte’ will also be appearing in an upcoming dance film, in TLC’s television show “Trading Spaces” and as a cartoon character in the new animated series Thugaboo.

Comedians K - N, Comedians K by First Name, Comedians V - Z, Comedians W by Last Name

Kym Whitley

Kym Whitley at the Comedy HouseKym Whitley is a comedian and actress. She is best known for her roles on television sitcoms, such as Animal Practice, The Boondocks, Young & Hungry and The Parkers. Whitley was nominated for a 2004 BET Comedy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Box Office Movie for her role as Ormandy in the 2003 comedy film Deliver Us From Eva.

In 1989, Whitley got her big break starring in Shelly Garrett’s popular play Beauty Shop, which started in Los Angeles then later traveled across the U.S. Whitley’s major acting roles include the short-lived sitcoms My Brother and Me and Sparks. She made guest appearances on several television sitcoms, including The Parent ‘Hood, Married… with Children, Moesha, That’s So Raven, The Parkers and Curb Your Enthusiasm. She also hosted the short-lived BET show Oh Drama (2000). Whitley also had a small role in Next Friday as Craig’s aunt Suga. She was one of the group called “The Adults”, who were adult cast members in the earlier seasons of All That. In the early spring of 2010, Whitley was a co-host with R&B musician Brian McKnight on the short-lived talk show The Brian McKnight Show. From 2012 to 2013, Whitley had a recurring role on the BET comedy Let’s Stay Togetheras Charmaine Wax.

Kym’s docu-series entitled Raising Whitley on the Oprah Winfrey Network premiered on April 20, 2013 with a total of 1.2 million viewers, making it the fifth most-widely viewed premiere in the history of the network. OWN ordered a second season, which premiered on January 4, 2014.

Whitley joined the cast of the television sitcom Young & Hungry which premiered on ABC Family (now Freeform) in 2014, where she plays Josh’s housekeeper Yolanda. The show ran for five seasons, ending in 2018.

In 2017, she guest starred in the web series The Bay where she played Big Candi. She received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting or Guest Actress in a Digital Daytime Drama Series.

In 2018, she guest starred in the “Thanksgiving” episode of Master of None as Denise’s aunt Joyce, and sister to Angela Bassett’s character. The episode won an Emmy for Best Writing for Master of None’s actors Aziz Ansari and Lena Waithe.

Comedians A - C, Comedians J by First Name, Comedians V - Z, Comedians W by Last Name

John Witherspoon 1942-2019

John-Witherspoon-1942-2019John Witherspoon was an actor and stand-up comedian best-known for playing Ice Cube’s grouchy father in the “Friday” series of movies. Witherspoon began his movie career in 1980 with “The Jazz Singer,” and made memorable appearances in “Hollywood Shuffle,” “Boomerang,” and “Vampire in Brooklyn.” On television he appeared as Pops in “The Wayans Bros.,” Spoon in “The Tracy Morgan Show,” and voiced Gramps on the animated series “The Boondocks.”

John passed away Tuesday October 29, at his home in Sherman Oaks, California at the age of 77.

The Comedy House family is shocked and deeply saddened by the news. He was always a pleasure to host at our house. Never an “ego” just a true legend and stand-up comedy star. We will miss those delightful weekends at the Comedy House with John.

Our deepest sympathy for his wife  Angela, and sons JD and Alexander.

Below is a great interview with John, conducted by Neek from HOT 103.9/93.9 just 7 months ago here in Columbia.

Comedy House You Tube Channel Link: https://youtu.be/mRglxgp82nM

Comedians K - N, Comedians K by First Name, Comedians S - U, Comedians S by First Name, Comedians V - Z, Comedians W by Last Name

Kendall Ward aka Shorty

Kendall "Shorty" Ward

Born in Raritan, NJ and raised in Paterson, NJ comedian Shorty has been blazing the comedy scene for more than 10 years. Most recently, Shorty has filmed a television pilot for BET called “Busted” (aired April 12, 2008-check BET.com for more details), performed at the 2008 Los Angeles Comedy Festival, filmed an appearance for BET’S NOTARIZED (aired New Year’s Eve 2008) and graced the stages of Talant’s (It’s Just Comedy Tour) and Hot 97’s DJ Cipha Sounds Comedy show at Comix in Manhattan, NY. Shorty is also a regular at the Wendy Williams Comedy Experience and Ed Lover’s and Friends Comedy Show at Carolines. Shorty’s awesome talent was first noticed by Bill Belamy in (1997) at New Jersey’s Peppermint Lounge, Shorty has since molded his craft in to quick-witted, off-the-cuff, make-your-face-hurt kind of comedy enjoyed by all.

Kendall "Shorty" WardAudiences throughout Canada, Bermuda and across the US have been left gasping for air following Shorty’s performances at Carolines (NY), Rascal’s (NJ), Miami Improv (FL), Jokes n’ Notes (IL), LA Improv (CA), Laugh Factory (LA & NY), and the FunnyBone Comedy Club (OH & VA). Working alongside comedians Mike Epps, Michael Blackson, J. Anthony Brown, Bill Bellamy, Talent, Tony Roberts and Andrew Kennedy, just to name a few; Shorty continues to perfect his skill and leave audiences demanding more. Shorty attributes his success not only to his hard work and perseverance but also to the support of his friends and family, who continue to keep him highly motivated and focused on continued success. To contact Shorty or get information on upcoming performances please visit www.laffwithshorty.com.

Comedians S - U, Comedians S by First Name, Comedians V - Z, Comedians W by Last Name, Wall of Comedians

Steve Wilson

Steve WilsonSteve Wilson is one of America’s fastest rising comics, “If you haven’t seen his show live, you’re missing a great time!” The Los Angeles Times says, “We shouldn’t laugh but we couldn’t help ourselves.”

Wilson grew up in Buffalo, New York, in a house full of women, which shaped his warped comedy on life, family, and relationships. Wilson has been seen on several television shows including BET’s Comicview, Showtime at the Apollo, and ABC’s Comics Unleashed. Wilson has also been seen on The World Stands Up on the BBC in London, England, and Sydney, Australia, as well as in three other countries.

Steve Wilson with DL HUGHLEYRecently, he was also on Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham. He has been heard on The Bob & Tom Show, a national radio show heard in over 135 cities, Playboy Radio, and Yo on E!. Comedy House fans will remember Steve opening for Arnez J for several years.

Wilson has been the opening act for singer Brian McKnight and has performed for sold-out crowds around the country. Wilson made it to the semifinals of Last Comic Standing, season six.  He is the co-host of the DL Hughley syndicated afternoon radio show.