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
It’s time to make room for the reboot of yet another classic film.
This time around, it’s the classic 1992 basketball movie, White Man Can’t Jump, which originally starred Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes as the two slide around town and hustle all the basketball players in the greater Los Angeles Area. Sidney Dean, played by Snipes, runs up a bet and picks unassuming white player Billy Hoyle played by Harrelson and proceeds to give everyone a beat down via 2-on-2 games. First, however, all that money needs to go to Hoyle, who owes the mob a bag as he tries to stay on the good side of his girlfriend, Rosie Perez.
Some 30 years later, casting for the reboot is underway, and the newest celebrities named in the cast are Teyana Taylor, Lance Reddick, and Laura Harrier. While we already know that rapper Jack Harlow will star as Hoyle and Sinqua Walls as Dean, it hasn’t been revealed who Taylor will play, but hopefully, she fulfills the role once played by fellow New Yorker Rosie Perez.
The film celebrated its 30th anniversary back in March, with the three costars marking the occasion by taking the stage together at the Academy Awards to present the Best Cinematography category. Perez was asked about the reunion by Daily Show host Trevor Noah.
“I was pissed off at them, though!I said to them, ‘I have a train, just pick it up, fluff it, let it go, and let me walk out,’” Perez answered. “And then I see on the playback they were holding it the whole time, cracking up. They were high off their asses.”
Stay tuned as we await a release date for the remake as we hope it does the original justice.
