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
Former child star Danny Pintauro, who played the young son on the hit 80s sitcom Who’s The Boss’ revealed a bombshell secret on the latest episode of Oprah: Where Are They Now?
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The actor, now 39, told Oprah he has been HIV-positive for the last 12 years. He said he wanted to tell Oprah and the world “a long time ago” but that he wasn’t ready. But now, he’s ready to be a role model for both the gay community and those infected with HIV.
“It’s just a big deal. It’s not something that people are talking about right now really,” he said.
According to the Washington Post, Pintauro contracted the virus in 2003 while using crystal meth.
“Crystal meth takes away your inhibitions,” he said. “You have no limits. And if you want to explore that adventurous side, taking the drug is going to put you there.”
Of his diagnosis, Pintauro said he felt almost a sense of ‘relief’ to hear the news after waiting for his diagnosis.
“It’s backwards. You’ve spent so much time terrified that you’re going to get it, and then you have it. You don’t have to be terrified anymore.”
Pintauro previously came out of the closet in 1997 after The National Enquirer threatened to out him.
On Saturday, he posted a photo of himself with husband Wil Tabares, writing “Last meal as a nobody. First meal as an activist.”
