Rickey Smiley
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Rickey Smiley

Biographies & Memoirs | Religion & Spirituality
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Comedy legend and entertainment mogul Rickey Smiley brings uproarious laughter to the world through his magnetic and sharp style of humor. As a beloved comedian, television host, actor, and top-rated nationally syndicated radio personality, Rickey has become one of the entertainment industry’s most celebrated performers as well as one of the few “clean” comics among the top tier of contemporary comedians. With his distinct ability to take everyday observations and turn them into comedic gold, Rickey has established his capacity to reach a multitude of audiences. Coming from his humble roots of Birmingham, Alabama, Rickey began rising to superstardom after serving as the opening act for industry titans such as Steve Harvey, George Wallace, and Carl Strong. In 2000, Rickey became the headlining host of BET’s “ComicView” and eventually the only comedian who has had the honor of hosting two consecutive successful seasons, catapulting the show to its highest ratings in history. After achieving this milestone, BET signed Rickey to host “The Way We Do It” during the 2001-2002 season, which later became one of the network’s top-five shows. During this time, Rickey also delivered unforgettable appearances on "Showtime At The Apollo," "Uptown Comedy Club," HBO's "Def Comedy Jam” and "Snaps." In 2007, he became the host of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show. Based in Atlanta, in over 61 markets and growing with millions of faithful listeners tuning in every day, the Rickey Smiley Morning Show is a blend of comedy, social issues, and celebrity news. The show is featured in a wildly popular daily entertainment news television program on Dish Nation and is also paired with other nationally syndicated radio personalities, airing weeknights on FOX affiliates. Rickey’s down-home Southern charm and philosophy of using insight rather than vulgarity to evoke laugher is one of the reasons why he was able to forge a partnership with Radio One, one of the world’s most respected urban broadcasting conglomerates. As his popularity continued to grow, Rickey joined forces with TV One, a Radio One-owned television network, as the star, executive producer, and namesake of his own top-rated sitcom, “The Rickey Smiley Show.” The amusing series features the balancing act of a working comedian with the joys and pains of being a single father of three—a character that parallels Rickey’s own life. Having enjoyed meteoric success in radio, in television, and onstage, Rickey catapulted his talents onto the big screen. His major feature film roles in urban classics include "All About The Benjamin’s," "Friday After Next," and the hit romantic comedy “Baggage Claim.” Rickey has continued to perform sold-out shows where his diverse audiences are drawn to original characters such as "Bernice Jenkins,” “Lil Daryl,” “Joe Willie,” and "Beauford." Smiley’s growing character base has found its way to eight bestselling CDs, including the iTunes #1 Bestselling Comedy Album, "Rickey Smiley – Prank Calls Number 6." His additional credits include hosting the prestigious Trumpet Awards in 2012, the 29th and 30th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, and the 2014 NAACP Image Awards Dinner and Pre-Party. He has also presented at the NAACP Image Awards Ceremony. In his personal life, Rickey is dedicated to utilizing his powerful platforms to empower and enrich the communities that he serves daily. This performer has a heart of gold, reflected in his burning commitment and ongoing desire to champion underserved youth and to honor seniors through The Rickey Smiley Foundation. Rickey is also an esteemed member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and cherishes parenting as a devoted father.
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    • Sideshow

    • Living with Loss and Moving Forward with Faith
    • Written by: Rickey Smiley
    • Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
    • Release date: 2024-09-17
    • Language: English
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