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Ever picked the brain
of a 'funnyman?' If not, you're in luck! We got
Rickey Smiley to spill about his humorous comedic
career.
Class Clown Confessions
By Feona Sharhran
Huff
March 2001
The CollegeBound Network NewsClick --
He's that 'makes-ya'-wanna-holla' comedian and
host of BET's seven plus-million-viewer comedy
show, "Comic View." The CollegeBound
Network NewsClick recently caught up with
the Smiley to get the scoop on a comedian's life.
Think of it as a look at the "Class Clown,"
all grown up! Here's what he had to say:
NewsClick
(NC): Did you ever think you'd make people
laugh for a living?
Rickey
Smiley (RC): Oh no! I never wanted to be a
comedian. I majored in elementary education because
I really love children. I started out hosting
stepshows and talent shows [at which point] I
realized I was funny on stage. But after seeing
my friend, Charles Jenkins, on stage at this comedy
club I attended while in college, I wanted to
become a comedian. So, I called up the club owner
and set myself up for open mic' night.
NC:
Besides being funny, what does it take to make
it as a comedian?
RS:
It takes four things: Patience, dedication, perserverance,
and a good attitude. Also, don't expect to blow
up overnight. It's not realistic.
NC:
How do you prepare yourself for a performance?
RS:
I play with my basketball backstage. I try not
to focus on the show at all. I'm already anxious.
NC:
How did you handle the first time you bombed onstage?
RS:
I actually bombed recently at a show in Baltimore,
MD. I could tell they weren't feeling me when
I walked onto the stage. Here I come talking about
church when the comedians before me were talking
about [sex]. I was supposed to be on stage for
30 minutes, but I only stayed on for 10. But,
I don't care. I know what I'm capable of and I'm
confidant in myself.
NC:
If you weren't doing comedy, what would be your
second choice career?
RS:
Probably promoting shows or doing music. Music
is my first love. I play the piano, trumpet, baritone,
french horn, and some other instruments.
NC:
What's
your salary range?
RS:
I make no less than $10,000 per show.
NC:
What's cooking for you in the future?
RS:
I'm going to be attending the NAACP Image Awards
and in July, I'll be performing at Caroline's
[comedy club] in New York. Check with my manager
for the rest....
Yes,
Smiley's quite the busy bee -- busy racking in
the performance shows and tickling our funny bones
to no end!
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