Rickey Smiley is the host of the nationally syndicated radio program, "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show" and CEO of Breakwind Entertainment.
He is known for having made millions laugh for over 27 years. As a celebrated comedian, television host and top-rated nationally-syndicated radio personality, Rickey has earned a reputation for delivering to audiences both on and off stage. With the distinct ability to take everyday observations and turn them into comedic gold, Rickey is one of the few “clean” comics amongst the upper echelon of contemporary comedians.
At any given performance, audiences are treated to such original characters as Bernice Jenkins, Lil’ Daryl, Joe Willie and Beauford. In addition, his comedy shows often include a live band, which he often accompanies (he is an accomplished pianist and organist).
Rickey has recorded eight best-selling albums, including iTunes #1 best-selling comedy album, “Rickey Smiley: Prank Calls Number 6.” Smiley has hosted BET’s “Open Casket Sharp” and “Comic View,” and has appeared on “Showtime At The Apollo,” “Uptown Comedy Club,” HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” and “Snaps.” In addition to being featured on "Dish Nation," his nationally syndicated morning radio show can be heard in over 50 markets.
Rickey hails from Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Woodlawn High School and went on to attend college at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama.
Rickey joined forces with Radio One-owned television network, TV One as the star, executive producer and namesake of his own top rated docu-series, “Rickey Smiley For Real.” In its fifth season now, the amusing series features the balancing act of a working radio host, comedian, business mogul, and philanthropist with the joys and pains of being a single father.
Continuing to grow his fan base Rickey’s arresting natural talent is best demonstrated in his major feature film roles in urban classics including “All About The Benjamins” and “Friday After Next,” along with his most recent starring turn in the hit romantic comedy “Baggage Claim.”
Life off-stage, Rickey is dedicated to empowering and enriching the communities in which he serves daily. This performer has a heart of gold reflected in his burning commitment and ongoing desire to champion underserved communities through The Rickey Smiley Foundation. A non-profit organization founded to help serve underserved communities.
Rickey also is an esteemed and honored member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and Kappa Kappa Psi National Band fraternity. He is the proud father of six children. Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, will publish Smiley's first book in the fall of 2017 entitled "STAND BY YOUR TRUTH: And Then Run for Your Life," which is already expected to be a best seller. @rickeysmiley
Kid Cudi (real name Scott Mescudi) is no stranger to the acting world, with some of his best-known performances in the HBO series How to Make It in America and the 2015 film Entourage. Cudi even earned executive producer credits with last year’s smash Malcolm & Marie. But the multitalented entertainer will soon add the title of “director” to his growing resume with the new Netflix movie, Teddy.
According to Cudi’s Twitter page, he’s been working on Teddy for nearly a decade and will star in the flick as well. “I always wanted to write my own movie, so I said f*** it and started doing it,” he posted Tuesday afternoon. “The road has been long, from it being a tv show for years to finally being a film. So it means so f***** much to finally be able to bring it to the screen next year, and I cant wait for u all to meet Teddy, his friends, his family and take a walk in his world for a bit.”
This will be Cudi’s second major project with Netflix; in July 2019, the streaming service announced the rapper and Kenya Barris (creator of the Black-ish franchise) were joining forces to produce an animated series called Entergalactic, titled after Cudi’s upcoming album of the same name.
Cudi was succinctly vague when it came to his synopsis of Teddy. “If I could sum up what the movie is about in one sentence, I’d say this: It’s as if I took the song ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ and wrote a movie about it,” he continued in the post. “I added a lot of my own personal struggles and experiences in it, so this film is very close to my heart.”
The film will be co-produced by Jeymes Samuel and Jay-Z, both of whom collaborated on the African American Film Critics Association’s choice as best film of 2021, The Harder They Fall. Cudi’s entertainment company Mad Solar will also share production duties on Teddy, alongside BRON Studios.
No timeframe was given for the movie’s release, but Cudi did say to expect it sometime in 2023. “I know, that deep down, this movie will help people in the same ways my music has,” he wrote. “I’m continuing my mission. Now this is a comedy, but it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t sprinkle some real shit in there. It’s trippy, it’s fun, it’s sad, it’s life.”
