On This Day In Comedy… In 2005 The Film ‘Are We There Yet?’ Was Released By Columbia Pictures!
On This Day In Comedy… On January 21, 2005 The Film Are We There Yet? was released by Columbia Pictures!
Originally intended as an Adam Sandler project, Are We There Yet? was produced by Revolution Studios and stars Ice Cube. In this literal road comedy, Cube plays a kid despising suitor determined to make Nia Long his woman. That means getting along with her two kids who do not like suitors. They terrorize all who’ve come around with devious booby-traps and at first Cube is no exception. The traumatizing twosome want to see their recently divorced parents get back together and until then all other men are the enemy. However, after volunteering to take them to their pre-planned destination when their real father wigs out, he wins them over, but not before experiencing the journey from Hell. The adorable little tykes get him beat up at the airport, destroy his prized new truck and run off to be with their dad. Once with pops they discover that guy isn’t thinking about their mother. He’s got a new woman and kid that mathematically is older than their parent’s divorce. Hurt and salty they warm up to Cube. If he went through all they put him through and still wants their mother – that’s okay with them.
Directed by Brian Levant, Are We There Yet? features the talents of Aleisha Allen, Philip Daniel Bolden, Jay Mohr, M C Gainey, C Ernst Harth, Nichelle Nichols, Sean Millington, Henry Simmons and the voice of Tracy Morgan.
Are We There Yet? was not a big hit with critics, but what do critics know when it comes to what the public likes? The film opened #1 at the box office. On a $32 million budget, it grossed $97,918,663 worldwide ($82 million domestically and $15,244,265 internationally) and sold 3.7 million DVDs. It was so popular (sorry critics) it spawned a TBS television series in 2010 starring Terry Crews (in the Ice Cube role and Essence Atkins in the Nia Long role). It was nominated for the 2005 Teen Choice and 2006 Kids’ Choice Award for best Comedy and won the BMI Music Film Award.
On This Day In Comedy… In 1971 Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer, Shawn Wayans Was Born
On this day in comedy on January, 19, 1971 Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer, Shawn Mathis Wayans was born in New York City, New York!
Even though Wayans hailed from a family boasting comedy pedigree, he learned stand-up by playing small venues in the late 1980s in and around Hollywood. He gained his knowledge of film from studying his brother, Keenen Ivory; particularly on the set of I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, where Shawn Wayans had a small part as a pedestrian. So when FOX picked up Keenen’s creation, In Living Color, Shawn was ready to contribute to the groundbreaking sketch show and work alongside brothers Keenen, Damon, Dwayne, Marlon and their sister, Kim. He assumed the role of DJ SW-1 (the show’s spin master) and later became a featured player.
Shawn was as adept behind the camera as he was in front. He and Marlon created their own sitcom, The Wayans Bros which aired on the WB from 1995-1999. It was a popular entry for the new network and gave the brothers clout. Their next move was the big screen. They wrote, executive produced and starred in the 1996 hit Don’t Be A Menace In South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, a spoof of hood flicks.
Film parodies were good for Team Wayans. Following several guest starring appearances on television (including Hangin with Mr. Cooper and voicing the character of Toof for brother, Damon’s animated series, Wayneshead) , Shawn Wayans struck gold with Marlon again as writers and stars of the smash hit, Scary Movie; a spoof of horror films. Keenen directed. They had similar success with the 2001 sequel, Scary Movie 2 and kept the formula going with White Chicks (2004), Little Man (2006) and Dance Flick (2009).
On This Day In Comedy… In 1955 Comedian And Actor Paul Rodriguez Was Born
On this day in comedy on January 19, 1955 Comedian, Actor, Paul Rodriguez is born in Mazatlán, Mexico!
Rodriguez was initially going to be an attorney, but decided on comedy instead (though that’s not much of a stretch). His career took off quickly with appearances in the films D C Cab and Quicksilver. If you missed him in either, no problem – he got his own sitcom, a.k.a. Pablo; an ABC series meant to pull in the Latin viewing audience. It did for seven episodes before it was canceled. So, it was back to movies (The Whoopee Boys, Miracles, Born in East L. A., Made in America, Tortilla Soup, Rat Race, and Ali), TV guest starring roles (Tall Tales and Legends, The Golden Girls, Trial & Error) and album recordings (You’re in America Now, Speak Spanish).
Rodriguez was no one trick pony. In 1988 he hosted the epitome of Americana, The Newlywed Game for a season. He hosted El Show de Paul Rodriguez for Univision from 1990 to 1993. He directed himself in the film A Million to Juan and did voiceover work for King of the Hill, Dora the Explorer and Beverly Hills Chihuahua. His second album, Cheese and Macaroni was released in 1997 and he produced and starred in The Original Latin Kings of Comedy movie in 2002. In 2009 he did the Paul Rodriguez: Comedy Rehab movie and Paul Rodriguez: Just for the Record, a comedy documentary in 2011. From 2010 to 2011 Rodriguez hosted two seasons of Mis Videos Locos as part of MTV’s Latin programming.
Paul Rodriguez’s a businessman as well as a comedian. He is part owner of the Laugh Factory in Hollywood and has farming interests in Central Valley. His activism is renowned: charity shows to benefit causes of the Latin community, his 1995 comedy special shot at San Quentin State Prison, his chairmanship of the California Latino Water Coalition.
Comedy Central ranked Rodriguez #74 on its 2004 list of the 100 Greatest Standups of All Time and he won the NCLR Bravo Awards “Outstanding Performance by a Male in a Variety or Music Series / Special” for his work on Latino Laugh Festival in 1996.
On This Day In Comedy… In 1975 ‘The Jeffersons’ Premiered On CBS!
On this day in comedy on January 18, 1975 The Jeffersons premiered on CBS!
Created by Michael Ross and Bernie West and developed by Norman Lear, The Jeffersons is one of the longest running sitcoms in television history. A spin-off of Lear’s cultural milestone, All in the Family,The Jeffersons centers around George and Louise Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford), an upwardly mobile black couple who worked their way out of the working-class section of Queens, New York as neighbors to the Archie Bunkers and into a deluxe high rise apartment in Manhattan. This was accomplished through George’s expanding dry cleaning business and the show’s success was built on great writing, acting and appealing to the times.
When The Jeffersons premiered America was in its post-Civil Rights period and all things seemed possible for those who that struggle meant to benefit. The Jeffersons showed that if you give a black man the same financial opportunities as a white man he could end up just as petty, bigoted and greedy as his Caucasian counterpart. George Jefferson was basically a black Archie Bunker. His wife, Louise was no dingbat, but embodied the solid wife of unwavering morals despite how much money came into her life. They had a maid, Florence (Marla Gibbs), who was also black and talked back. Their neighbor, Mr. Bentley (Paul Benedict) worked at the UN as a translator and when the bachelor came home he needed George to walk on his back to keep his spine aligned. The Jeffersons also had a son, Lionel, who had a girlfriend, Jenny (Berlinda Tolbert), who had a white father and black mother (Frank Cover and Roxie Roker). Plus, there was a tip happy doorman, Ralph (Ned Wertimer) and George’s mother (Zara Cully) who felt George was too good for everything; especially Louise. Outside of his mother, wife and son, George disapproved of these people and that kept the comedy going for 253 episodes.
The Jeffersons was consistently in the Top 30 of the Nielsen ratings. Even when it was cancelled, the news came as a shock to the cast. Many of them heard about getting the axe through a newspaper article or by a friend telling them. This was particularly upsetting because the end was so much different than the beginning when everybody was so accommodating. Lear had written the part of George Jefferson specifically for Sherman Hemsley and eventually waited until Hemsley finished his theatrical obligations before introducing him as the character on All in the Family. That wait took four seasons.
At one point, another actor was tried, but the chemistry between Carroll O’Connor (Archie Bunker) and actor Avon Long (the “first” George Jefferson) didn’t work; per O’Connor and they put the physical George back on the shelf. Undaunted, Lear slid George Jefferson into the conversation by writing in George’s brother, Henry Jefferson (played by Mel Stewart) and when George Jefferson was finally ready for his close-up, the character of Henry disappeared. The show also had to adjust to a new Lionel when actor Mike Evans left the show after the first season and was replaced by Damon Evans, who was in turn replaced by Mike Evans until Lionel and Jenny were written out of the show (stated reason – marital problems).
The show used the frank language of the 1970s including “nigger” and “honky”. George called Tom and Helen Willis “zebras” and everybody called George “short”. This was not a politically correct sitcom (until the latter seasons). It spawned one spin-off; Checking In starring Marla Gibbs, but it checked out after only 4 episodes and Gibbs was right back in her apron on The Jeffersons. The theme song, Movin on Up was composed by Jeff Barry and Ja’net Dubois, who also sang the theme with a gospel choir.
During its 11-season run The Jeffersons received 13 Emmy Award nominations for acting with a 1981 win for Isabel Sanford for Best Actress. She was only the second black actress to win this honor (the first was Gail Fisher for Mannix in 1970).
The Jeffersons aired its last episode July 2, 1985.
On This Day In Comedy… Comedian, Producer, Author, Darryl Littleton aka D’Militant Was Born
On This Day in Comedy on January, 17 Comedian, Producer, Author, Historian/ Preservationist, Darryl Littleton aka D’Militant is born in Los Angeles, California.
Darryl Littleton began his comedy career writing for The Tom Joyner Morning Show and soon afterwards became a regular at the world famous Comedy Store adopting the stage name, “D’Militant” for his slicing wit and incisive social and political commentary. He was D. L. Hughley’s exclusive writer when Hughley hosted BET’s Comic View and as writer/producer penned material for subsequent hosts Cedric the Entertainer, Sommore and Don DC Curry. His writing extended to columns for Comedy the Magazine and The Humor Mill. Littleton was also a commentator for NPR.
As a stand-up, Darryl Littleton’s on camera credits include The Parent Hood, Townsend Television, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, Comedy Central’s Make Me Laugh, Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment, Telemundo’s Loco Comedy Jam and Byron Allen’s Comic’s Unleashed. He has toured Europe and Asia performing for the US military and as the host of Katt Williams’ Its Pimpin, Pimpin Tour (the highest grossing national comedy tour that year).
Littleton took his love of comedy and wrote books on the subject. His first, Black Comedians on Black Comedy, chronicles the history of African-American comedy. It’s taught in universities and was made into the documentary, Why We Laugh by director, Robert Townsend. Littleton served as executive producer for the project. He has also published Pimp Down: The Rise & Fall of Katt Williams (2011), on 21st Century fame and media scrutiny, Forefathers (2012), the story of the American Revolution told from a black perspective, Comediennes: Laugh Be a Lady (2012), the history of female comedy which he co-wrote with his wife / comedienne, Tuezdae Littleton and How to Be Funny: The Essential Comedy Handbook; a tutorial on the art of laughter.
Darryl Littleton is the first African- American on the advisory board of the Comedy Hall of Fame. He has toured the nation as a public speaker lecturing on the historical and social significance of comedy. To that end, Littleton produced Black & Blue: The Laff Records Collection, a compilation of classic party records from Redd Foxx to Marsha Warfield. As “D’Militant” he’s released two comedy albums (Am I Lying?!, Too Raw For Mainstream), has won numerous comedy awards including the Bay Area Black Comedy Competition and ABC’s America’s Funniest People and was nominated for an Emmy Award for his Comedy Hal of Fame produced documentary, Joan Rivers: Exit Laughing.
WATCH: First Look – The New FOX Game Show ‘BEAT SHAZAM’, Hosted By Jamie Foxx
Below, watch the first promo for the all-new game show BEAT SHAZAM, premiering Thursday, May 25th on FOX. The new interactive game show BEAT SHAZAM, hosted by Grammy-, Golden Globe- and Academy Award-winning actor and musician Jamie Foxx (“Ray,” “Django Unchained”) premieres Thursday, May 25.
Executive-produced by Mark Burnett (“Survivor,” “The Voice”) and Jeff Apploff (“Don’t Forget the Lyrics!”), the series pits teams of two against the clock and each other as they attempt to identify the biggest hit songs of all time.
In the end, the team with the highest score will outlast the competition and go against Shazam, the world’s most popular song identification app, for the chance to win up to a million dollars.
ESSENCE Festival Announces Full Lineup
Time Inc.’s (NYSE: TIME) 2017 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola®, now among the largest consumer live events in the nation, announces the all-star, night-by-night schedule for its concert series, from June 30 to July 2 at the Superdome in New Orleans, LA.
The A-list nighttime concerts will feature more than 40 acts across five stages in the Superdome throughout the weekend on the festival’s renowned Mainstage and in the intimate Superlounges. Festival first-timers Diana Ross and Chance the Rapper will open and close the weekend concert series with unforgettable headlining performances on Friday and Sunday night respectively – along with a special all-female Saturday night lineup, inspired by headliner Mary J. Blige’s forthcoming album Strength of A Woman.
Source: Radio Facts
The 2017 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola® night-by-night musical lineup is as follows:
Commentary: Comedic Legend Michael Colyar’s One-Man Show Tour, “Michael Coylar’s Momma” Showcases Pain And Laughter
Legendary comedian Michael Colyar showed that he prevailed over his obstacles, stood with courage as he closed his one-man show. (Photo Courtesy of Michael Colyar)
Colyar gets Candid about his Personal and Professional Journey in Hollywood.
Film, television and comedian, Michael Colyar presents “Michael Coylar’s Momma,” A Fool Telling His Truths In Two Acts. Directed by writer and actor Iona Morris, the one-man show will debut at the ACME Comedy theater located in Hollywood at 135 N. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 and will debut on the weekends of April 7- 9th at 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm as well as April 14 – 16th from 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
The tour is not a comedy, but a dramatic stage production dealing with the life of Michael Corlyar. “The play tells my story,” he said. “Michael Coylar’s Momma,” showcases a timeline of ups and downs of the comedian, chronicling his admiration for his mother, childhood, life and career in Hollywood.
A Chicago native, Colyar always wanted to be an actor and go to Hollywood. He admits it wasn’t always easy getting and staying there. His journey of himself going through his personal and professional turmoil presents itself in the play. Colyer is transparent in the show, staging an honest dialogue for his fans and peers to witness.
“The show is about how my life has transcended,” stated Colyar.
“I peeled my skin off and gave it to them rough,” Colyar referencing to how he hones in on a raw performance for the production.
He had a special relationship with his mother. Influenced by his mother’s love and support, the one-man show is not just about himself but a dedication to his mother.
Colyar is full of joyful tears. (Courtesy Photo)
He had strong drive to go far ‘West’ towards Hollywood. As a child he knew his calling was to become a performer. “I always wanted to go to Hollywood. I remember being 6 or 7 years old wanting to run away to Hollywood, wanting to run West.” Colyar recalls his eagerness to entertain the world as comedic actor, starring in high school plays. He journeyed from Chicago to Tinseltown, hoping to conquer Hollywood. In “Michael Colyar’sMomma,” this real-life excerpt expresses his desire to become an entertainer and make people laugh.
Although, he made it to Hollywood, he dealt with money woes, stating, “I have been rich twice and have been broke seventeen times,” he jokes.
Colyar captures his truth; sharing his struggle with substance abuse in the play. He battled an intense drug addiction to crack cocaine and recovered and is happy to announce that on March 6, 2017 marked another year of sobriety for himself. He suggests that the connection between artists and substance abuse can be a common thread in the entertainment industry. With the help of his mother, wife Kelly and spiritual journey, helped him to overcome his addiction.
After his mother died, he believes his mother sent Kelly to him. He credits her for supporting him through his struggle.
“Michael Colyar’s Momma” captures personal bouts and his career in Hollywood.
Honored by the success of the play as well as earning the praises of his peers, Colyar reveals how special it was that Louis Gossett Jr., Angela Bassett and Jenifer Lewis raved about his performance in the show. Tina Knowles came to the play with husband and actor Richard Lawson. Knowles was impressed by his jokes, that she used them on her Instagram account the next day. “I love to inspire others,” said Colyar.
Colyar braves the audience as he reflects back to his days as drug addict on crack. (Courtesy Photo)
“If you like your momma, you’re going to love this show. If you like me and your momma, you’re going to love this show,” Colyar reveals in his comedy style.
Despite a rollercoaster life in and out of the spotlight, Colyar has been entertaining fans with his talents forever while working alongside some of the hottest actors. Colyar received his first big break, co-starring with Robert Townsend and Keenen Ivory Wayans in “Hollywood Shuffle,” Angela Bassett in “What’s Love Got to Do With It”, director John Singleton’s “Poetic Justice” and Ice Cube and KeKe Palmer in “Long Shots.”
His film credits extend to being a voiceover artist in “The Princess and the Frog” and “The Cleveland Show” as well as popular sitcoms “Martin,” The Bernie Mac Show,” “Def Jam,” “Comic View,” “The Parkers,” “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Black-ish.”
Considering his obstacles, he has led a long career, stating, “I am celebrating 30 years in the game.”
Michael Colyar’s charming and funny personality warm the crowd. (Photo Courtesy by Michael Colyar)
Colyar has achieved success in the business, however, he is still proud of being the King of Venice Beach, where he would entertain the crowd performing comedy skits for 9 years.
An author to poetry book for adult children, “Miss Innocent goes to Kool Skool and Other Silly Stuff,” ‘Michael Goes Motivational,” “A Funny Thing Happen on the Way to the White House” detailing former President Barack Obama accomplishments, Colyar is currently working his 2nd book.
Beyond a triple threat, Colyar is a radio personality to The Michael Colyar Morning Show, I Get Up Late!
A man of many feats attributes that his faith in God got him back on the right track, sober and continuing to do what he loves to do. The veteran has used his tragedy and triumph to become a motivational speaker.
On the secret to longevity and continued success, “don’t give up,” he answers. Colyar states you have to be passionate about what you do in life. “I don’t perform for money, but I get plenty of it.” You have to love what you do and do it the best!”
Colyar receives a standing ovation from the audience. (Photo Courtesy of Michael Colyar)
Go to brownpapertickets.com/event/2901841 to purchase tickets for “Michael Colyar’s Momma,” as he shares his pain and laughter with the world in his one-man show.
Colyar in character as he smiles for the audience. (Photo Courtesy of Michael Colyar)
By Shonassee Shaver, Contributing Writer/lasentinel.net
WATCH: ‘Martin Lawrence Presents: 1st Amendment Stand Up’ Featuring Alex Thomas!
Watch a portion of Martin Lawrence Presents: 1st Amendment Stand Up – which was hosted by Deon Cole, as this clip of this episode features comedian Alex Thomas below!
‘Get Out’ Leads First-Ever MTV Movie And TV Awards With Six Nominations
COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES
The annual MTV Movie Awards have a makeover coming this year as for the first time ever, movie and television categories will both be represented on the show.
Nominees were unveiled Thursday. Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” led the pack with six mentions. Additionally, the actor and actress categories have been combined into non-gendered fields for movies and TV shows.
Two more categories will be announced closer to the ceremony. Voting is open now at MTV.com.
The MTV Movie & TV Awards will be held on May 7. Full list of nominees below.
Movie of the Year “Beauty and the Beast”
“The Edge of Seventeen”
“Get Out”
“Logan”
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”
Best Actor in a Movie Daniel Kaluuya – “Get Out”
Emma Watson – “Beauty and the Beast”
Hailee Steinfeld – “The Edge of Seventeen”
Hugh Jackman – “Logan”
James McAvoy – “Split”
Taraji P. Henson – “Hidden Figures”
Show of the Year “Atlanta”
“Game of Thrones”
“Insecure”
“Pretty Little Liars”
“Stranger Things”
“This Is Us”
Best Actor in a Show Donald Glover – “Atlanta”
Emilia Clarke – “Game of Thrones”
Gina Rodriguez – “Jane the Virgin”
Jeffrey Dean Morgan – “The Walking Dead”
Mandy Moore – “This Is Us”
Millie Bobby Brown – “Stranger Things”
Best Kiss Ashton Sanders and Jharrel Jerome – “Moonlight”
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling – “La La Land”
Emma Watson and Dan Stevens – “Beauty and the Beast”
Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard – “Empire”
Zac Efron and Anna Kendrick – “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates”
Best Villain Allison Williams – “Get Out”
Demogorgon – “Stranger Things”
Jared Leto – “Suicide Squad”
Jeffrey Dean Morgan – “The Walking Dead”
Wes Bentley – “American Horror Story”
Best Host Ellen DeGeneres – “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
John Oliver – “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver”
RuPaul – “RuPaul’s Drag Race”
Samantha Bee – “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee”
Trevor Noah – “The Daily Show”
Best Documentary “13TH”
“I Am Not Your Negro”
“O.J.: Made in America”
“This Is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous”
“TIME: The Kalief Browder Story”
Best Reality Competition “America’s Got Talent”
“MasterChef Junior”
“RuPaul’s Drag Race”
“The Bachelor”
“The Voice”
Best Comedic Performance Adam Devine – “Workaholics”
Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson – “Broad City”
Lil Rel Howery – “Get Out”
Seth MacFarlane – “Family Guy”
Seth Rogen – “Sausage Party”
Will Arnett – “The LEGO Batman Movie”
Best Hero Felicity Jones – “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”
Grant Gustin – “The Flash”
Mike Colter – “Luke Cage”
Millie Bobby Brown – “Stranger Things”
Stephen Amell – “Arrow”
Taraji P. Henson – “Hidden Figures”
Tearjerker “Game of Thrones” – Hodor’s (Kristian Nairn) Death
“Grey’s Anatomy” – Meredith tells her children about Derek’s death (Ellen Pompeo)
“Me Before You” – Will (Sam Claflin) tells Louisa (Emilia Clarke) he can’t stay with her
“Moonlight” – Paula (Naomie Harris) tells Chiron (Trevante Rhodes) that she loves him
“This Is Us” – Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and Randall (Lonnie Chavis) at karate
Next Generation Chrissy Metz
Daniel Kaluuya
Issa Rae
Riz Ahmed
Yara Shahidi
Best Duo Adam Levine and Blake Shelton – “The Voice”
Daniel Kaluuya and Lil Rel Howery – “Get Out”
Brian Tyree Henry and Lakeith Stanfield – “Atlanta”
Hugh Jackman and Dafne Keen – “Logan”
Josh Gad and Luke Evans – “Beauty and the Beast”
Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg – “Martha and Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party”
Best American Story “Black-ish”
“Fresh Off the Boat”
“Jane the Virgin”
“Moonlight”
“Transparent”
Best Fight Against the System “Get Out”
“Hidden Figures”
“Loving”
“Luke Cage”
“Mr. Robot”
Watch a portion of Martin Lawrence Presents: 1st Amendment Stand Up – which was hosted by Deon Cole, as this clip of this episode features comedian Alex Thomas below!