Rickey Smiley

In November of 2002, Rickey joined fellow heavyweight comedians D. L. Hughley, J. Anthony Brown, Bruce Bruce, Earthquake, and Sommore on the Latham Entertainment Presents Tour. This multi-city mega-stadium tour, produced by Walter Latham of the Kings and Queens of Comedy, was a huge success. Rickey also made his mark in the feature film arena, appearing in New Line Cinema's "Friday After Next", which was released on November 22, 2002.

Best known as host of the 2000 season of BET's "ComicView," Rickey led the show to its highest jump in ratings in the show's ten-year history. BET then quickly signed him to host "The Way We Do It" during the 2001-2002 season, and that show went on to become one of the top five shows on the network. It's his genuine love of performing that has brought Rickey many accolades on stage, on camera and off. He was a guest presenter on the 2001 NAACP Image Awards and hosted the special awards banquet for the 2002 Stellar Gospel Music Awards. He can currently be heard every weekday on Dallas' 97.9 The Beat Hip Hop radio station from 6 am to 10 am. In his personal life, he finds time to devote to church, to charities, to the Big Brother Program and to family.

Smiley's characters have become his comedic trademark. From Bernice and her church announcements to Coach McClainy and his lack of motivational skills, Rickey's audiences can't seem to get enough of him. He has released five comedy CDs. They are "The Best of Comedian Rickey Smiley: Volume I," "Rickey Smiley Prank Phone Calls Volume II," "Rickey Smiley: Volume III," "Rickey Smiley: Off the Hook Volume IV" and "Rickey Smiley Prank Phone Calls Volume V." These CDs are sold daily to several of his fans via phone and the Internet at his website www.rickeysmiley.com.

One of the most diverse entertainers today, Rickey's fan base covers a broad range -- from the very young to the very old. Grandparents often show up at Rickey's shows, knowing they will not be embarrassed by the material. When Rickey headlines a large venue, it is not unusual to find parents bringing their children to watch him perform. His style of comedy is recognizable, approachable, and best of all hilarious. He is inspired by the support of his fans on the road. He makes it a habit to personally greet his audiences as they are leaving the shows. The top comedy club chains in the country consider Rickey a high commodity. The Improv, The Funny Bone, Zanies, The Comedy House Theatre, Carolines on Broadway and many other clubs list Rickey as one of their favorite comics to work with because of his "laid back" personality.