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: Andy Kaufman
Andy Kaufman was so skillful at his craft that 30 plus years after his death, some think the comic is still alive. Kaufman was known to be a bit of prankster. Many times, he would not let the audience in on the joke, often times leaving room filled with confusion and hatred. He thought of […]
Game Changers of Comedy: Dick Gregory
Dick Gregory is a trailblazing machine. He has ran for mayor. He has ran for president. He is an entrepreneur with his own line of health drinks. He beat cancer without chemotherapy. Instead, he created a special vegetarian diet with the help of cancer specialists, and he no longer has any signs of lymphoma. He […]
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: Alexei Sayle
This game changer is the comedy equivalent of the Sex Pistols. He’s British. He’s punk. He has had a lot to say about the Queen and UK politics. Like the band, he had his own sound, and he set the standard. This game changer is Alexei Sayle. Sayle was born in 1952 Liverpool. His parents […]
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: Margaret Cho
Margaret Cho is a game changer. She brought Asian Americans to the forefront of TV. She has had Grammy and Emmy nominations. She has won countless awards for her work in the LGBT community. She has been of voice for those who can’t on and off stage. Cho was raised in San Francisco by her […]
Game Changers of Comedy: Jeff Foxworthy
Jeff Foxworthy has proven his talent by successfully encompassing many outlets of comedy. He is one of the top selling comedy-recording artists ever. He has authored over 26 books. He has hosted and starred on television shows. He did all of this by convincing America that everyone is a little bit of a redneck. Jeff […]