Game Changers of Comedy: “Moms” Mabley
This game changer was the first female to play the Apollo and perhaps the original female comedian. She was definitely one of few black comedians in her time, and she was most definitely the first openly gay comedian. She was light years ahead of anyone. This game changer was Jackie “Moms” Mabley. Born 1894 in […]
Game Changers of Comedy: Phyllis Diller
This week’s game changer was a mother of five, a concert pianist, and an author. She was a film, TV, and stage actress. She was a philanthropist and a gay icon. Her big break was more about finding a way to support her family rather than just achieving fame. If Joan Rivers invented the game […]
Game Changers of Comedy: Whoopi Goldberg
According to Wikipedia, only 12 people have reached EGOT status. EGOT is an acronym for winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. This week’s game changer is one of them. In 1991, she became the second black woman to receive an Oscar. In 1994, this week’s game changer was the first woman to host the […]
Game Changers of Comedy: Paul Mooney
Abrasive. Controversial. Confrontational. Heavy words can be used to describe this game changer, Paul Mooney. He is a social critic. He speculates over equality and American politics. He voices society’s problems while simultaneously creating roaring audiences. Widely known as Richard Pryor’s right hand, Mooney has had quite the career of his own. He has written […]
Game Changers of Comedy: Steven Wright
Comedy has had quite the history of who’s funny now and why. Since humor can be based on observations, a lot of it is contextual of what is directly happening in society. In the 1940s, comedians were making jokes about their mother-in-laws. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, comedians were making quips about civil rights. Many […]
Game Changers of Comedy: Patrice O’Neal
A comedy game changer can be an antihero. This game changer pushed audiences to their limits, tested their boundaries, and won them over. He was a noted misogynist, racist, and diabetic. He made discomfort his biggest weapon on stage, on TV, on radio, and in life. This comedian controlled the game, thus giving him all […]
Game Changers of Comedy: Nipsey Russell
A game changer creates a way to stand out. Nipsey Russell did just that with the use of limericks and rhymes. He was known as the poet laureate of Harlem, TV, and heck, all of comedy. He became the most successful black comedian of the 1950s by setting the standard as being the first of […]
Game Changers of Comedy: Cristela Alonzo
Cristela Alonzo has taken the game and expanded its viability especially for Latinas. She has proven that dreams are attainable, and she is just getting started. The stand-up is the first Mexican American woman to create, produce, write, and star in US network television show. Alonzo is proactively changing the opportunities for women and latinos […]
Game Changers of Comedy: Brian Regan
Very few stand-up comedians reach great success without the Hollywood credits via starring in a television series or a movie. Brian Regan is one of the exceptional few. He tours year round and plays to sold out theaters across the nation. Through his “Everyman” persona and his high energy delivery, Regan has built a following […]
Game Changers of Comedy: Elaine May
Elaine May has proven to take on every aspect of the comedy game. She is an award winning screenwriter, director, and actress. As a comedian, she has influenced other greats like Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin. Elaine May is a game changer. May was born in Philadelphia. She grew up travelling with her parents doing […]