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
Cedric the Entertainer with his mother on her birthday
Rosetta Kyles, mother of St. Louis native Cedric the Entertainer and namesake of the the Rosetta Boyce Kyles Women’s Pavilion at St. Mary’s Health Center, has died.
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Kyles’ nephew, Patrick Reginal Hubbard of St. Louis, confirms the news.
She died on June 1, 2015 after a long battle with cancer.
Ms. Kyles moved to the St. Louis area in the mid-1970s, where she would remain for the rest of her life.
In addition to raising her two children, Ms. Kyles was an educator who spent more than 30 years in the field before retiring as a highly regarded reading specialist.
The St. Mary’s hospital pavilion that cared for her is named for the comedian’s mother, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2009. In 20014, Cedric dedicated his signature event to the hospital that was named after his mom.
“My mother’s exceptional care at SSM St. Mary’s Health Center has inspired me to give back,” Cedric the Entertainer said.
