Comedian. Television host. Movie Star. Top-rated syndicated Radio Personality. Father of 6. For over 20 years. Rickey Smiley is one of the most beloved performers in American media, earning a reputation for delivering boundless laughter on-air, on-stage, and on-screen. Every morning, millions of Americans in nearly 60 cities listen to Rickey Smiley and his 6 outrageous cast members on “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show.” His interviews with major celebrities, social political awareness and trademark prank phone calls have made Smiley one of the most listened to radio personalities in history. Rickey Smiley’s down home southern humor, opting to use insight rather than vulgarity to get laughs, is at the core of his success. His audiences are treated to such original characters as “Mrs. Bernice Jenkins”, “Lil’ Darrl,” “Joe Willie” and “Beauford.” Smiley is known for his clean comedic style and his reputation to sell out venues across the country. To movie audiences, Smiley is best known for “All About The Benjamins” and “Friday After Next”. He’s recorded 8 best selling CDs including iTunes #1 Best Selling Comedy Album, “Rickey Smiley- Prank Calls Number 6”. On television he”s hosted BET’s “Open Casket Sharp” and “Comic View”, appeared on “Showtime At The Apollo,” “Uptown Comedy Club”, HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam”and “Snaps”. Smiley graduated from Alabama State University, became KBFB’s (Dallas) morning show personality in 2004, and soon moved his show to WHTA Atlanta. When not performing, Smiley is the ultimate devoted father, single-handedly raising 6 kids, the subject of a soon to be released parenting book. QUOTE: “Success is when preparation meets opportunity” @thersms
Fresh out of prison, Ja Rule is full promotion mode for his new film opposite Adrienne Bailon, I’m in Love With a Church Girl.
During a recent interview with the New York Daily News, the rapper claimed he gave his life to Jesus as a result of making the movie.
“I actually just got saved,” he said. “When I read the script, I saw the similarities between myself and Miles, and I really felt that this might be a good vehicle for me.”
He went on to say that he hopes the Steve Race-directed project will bring other people Christ, the same way it did for him.
“That’s the beauty of the movie, we’re going to touch people who do not come from a church background, and it brings a certain level of cool to it,” he explained.
Although he’s the leading man of the new faith-based film, the former Murder Inc star said he will remain faithful to his hip-hop roots.
“I don’t want people to get confused,” he added, laughing. “I’m not going to be putting out a gospel album!”
Check out I’m in Love With a Church Girl in theaters now, and tell us if you think Ja’s this-movie-helped-me-find-Jesus talk is fact or just a publicity stunt.