Rickey Smiley: From Radio Star To TV Icon & Beyond!
Ever wondered how laughter can rise from the deepest personal tragedies? Rickey Smiley's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, proving that humor can be both a shield and a bridge.
Broderick Dornell Rickey Smiley, born in Birmingham, Alabama, on August 10, 1968, embodies a multifaceted persona. He is a stand-up comedian, television host, actor, pianist, and radio personality, celebrated foremost for his signature prank phone calls. Smiley's career, spanning nearly three decades, is rooted in his ability to connect with audiences through his southern charm, raw humor, and authentic personal narratives. He attended Woodlawn High School, a magnet school in Birmingham, graduating in 1986. He then attended Alabama State University and became a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. The loss of his father, James Smiley, at the tender age of seven, profoundly shaped his life, instilling in him a deep appreciation for family and fatherhood, themes that often resonate in his work.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Broderick Dornell Rickey Smiley |
| Date of Birth | August 10, 1968 |
| Place of Birth | Birmingham, Alabama |
| Occupation | Stand-up Comedian, Television Host, Actor, Pianist, Radio Personality |
| Education | Woodlawn High School, Alabama State University |
| Fraternity | Omega Psi Phi |
| Known For | Prank Phone Calls, Rickey Smiley Morning Show |
| Radio Show | Rickey Smiley Morning Show (nationally syndicated) |
| Children | Four (two biological, two adopted) |
| Marital Status | Single |
| TV Shows | The Rickey Smiley Show, Rickey Smiley For Real |
| Mentors | Cedric the Entertainer |
| Website | Rickey Smiley Official Website |
Smiley's foray into the entertainment industry began with stand-up comedy, where his unique brand of observational humor and relatable storytelling quickly garnered attention. This laid the foundation for his successful transition into radio. He is best known for hosting the nationally syndicated "Rickey Smiley Morning Show," based in Atlanta. The show, broadcast across over 65 radio stations, features a dynamic ensemble, including Headkrack, Gary with da Tea, and Da Brat, alongside Smiley himself. The show is a mix of comedy, current events, and social commentary, flavored with the personalities of its cast.
The "Rickey Smiley Morning Show" isn't Smiley's only claim to fame. His prank phone calls, a staple of his radio show and stand-up routines, have become a cultural phenomenon. These calls involve Smiley masterfully disguising his voice to engage unsuspecting recipients in humorous and often absurd conversations. His talent for mimicry and improvisational skills are on full display, making each call a unique and entertaining experience.
Beyond radio, Smiley has made significant strides in television and film. From 2012 to 2014, he starred in TV One's sitcom, "The Rickey Smiley Show," which was loosely based on his life. The show offered a glimpse into the chaotic and comedic world of a single father navigating the challenges of career and family. The series featured a talented cast, including J. Anthony Brown, Noree Victoria, Demetria McKinney, Lil' JJ, Ajiona Alexus, Gabriel Burgess, Roz Ryan, and Ray J.
In addition to his sitcom, Smiley also starred in "Rickey Smiley For Real," an American reality television series that premiered on TV One on November 10, 2015. This series provided a more intimate look into Smiley's life, showcasing his juggling act between his career, fatherhood, and personal life. The show's two primary settings were Birmingham, Alabama, his hometown, and Atlanta, Georgia, where he hosts his syndicated radio show.
Smiley's presence extends to film, where he has appeared in several movies and television shows. His comedic timing and natural charisma have made him a sought-after talent in the entertainment industry. Jamie Jackson Lambert of the New Pittsburgh Courier hailed him as one of the funniest people in America, noting his clean comedic style, which avoids profanity and sexual innuendo, making his shows accessible to audiences of all ages.
However, Smiley's journey has not been without its share of hardships. He has openly discussed the tragic loss of his father at a young age and the more recent passing of his niece, Micah White, and his nephew, who died by suicide. Despite these profound losses, Smiley has remained a dedicated and loving father, using his experiences to connect with and inspire others. His ability to find humor and hope in the face of adversity is a testament to his resilience and strength of character.
The "Rickey Smiley Morning Show" has become a platform for other talented personalities. Gary with da Tea, known for his celebrity gossip commentary, has been a frequent contributor to the show. Da Brat, another prominent voice on the show, brings her unique perspective and experiences to the airwaves. The show is known for its ability to blend entertainment with discussions of important social and cultural issues.
While the "Rickey Smiley Morning Show" continues to thrive, changes are always on the horizon in the radio industry. At one point, "Headkrack and the Morning Hustle" was expected to replace the "Rickey Smiley Morning Show" as the syndicated Radio One/Reach Media morning show based in Atlanta. The "Smiley Show" had been moved to Classix 102.9 on January 11, 2021. Such shifts are common in the ever-evolving world of radio broadcasting.
Several radio stations across the country carry the "Rickey Smiley Morning Show" as part of their weekday programming. For instance, WCFB in Daytona Beach, Florida, features the syndicated show, along with urban contemporary gospel music and a quiet storm program at night. WSRB, owned by Crawford Broadcasting in Hammond, Indiana, also airs the show. These stations recognize the appeal and popularity of the "Rickey Smiley Morning Show" among their listeners.
Rickey Smiley's influence extends beyond his own shows. He has served as a mentor and inspiration to other comedians and performers. Shirlene King Pearson, known as Ms. Juicy, tours as an opening act with Smiley and Cedric the Entertainer. Her career trajectory, from reality television personality to stand-up comedian, reflects the opportunities and pathways created by Smiley's success.
Tyler Perry, a prolific producer and director, has also collaborated with Smiley on various projects. Perry has produced over 600 television sitcom episodes, including "House of Payne," "Meet the Browns," "The Rickey Smiley Show," "Last Call," and "Mann & Wife." He has also directed television movies such as "Cooking Up Christmas," "Holiday Heist," "Friend Request," "Raising Izzie," "In The Meantime," "Girlfriends Getaway," and "Girlfriends." These collaborations highlight Smiley's impact on the broader entertainment landscape.
Smiley's personal life, including his role as a single father of four children (two biological and two adopted), often serves as inspiration for his comedic material and television shows. His commitment to family and his ability to find humor in everyday situations resonate with audiences. His single status hasn't stopped him from being a dedicated parent, using his platform to advocate for adoption and responsible fatherhood.
In essence, Rickey Smiley's career is a remarkable blend of talent, hard work, and resilience. From his early days as a stand-up comedian to his current role as a nationally syndicated radio host and television personality, Smiley has consistently delivered laughter and inspiration to audiences across the country. His ability to connect with people on a personal level, combined with his comedic genius, has solidified his place as one of America's most beloved entertainers. The "Rickey Smiley Morning Show," in particular, stands as a testament to his enduring appeal and his ability to create a platform for diverse voices and perspectives.
Smiley's contributions to the entertainment industry go beyond mere entertainment. He has used his platform to raise awareness about important social issues, promote positive messages, and inspire others to overcome adversity. His clean comedic style and his focus on family values have made him a role model for many. He's not just a comedian; he's a community leader and a voice for the voiceless.
Moreover, the evolution of the "Rickey Smiley Morning Show" mirrors the changing landscape of radio broadcasting. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a nationally syndicated program, the show has adapted to the tastes and preferences of its listeners. It has embraced new technologies and platforms, expanding its reach and influence. The show's success is a reflection of Smiley's vision and his ability to stay ahead of the curve.
The supporting cast of the "Rickey Smiley Morning Show" has also played a crucial role in its success. Gary with da Tea's celebrity gossip commentary provides a dose of entertainment and intrigue, while Da Brat's unique perspective and experiences add depth and authenticity to the show. Headkrack's contributions bring a fresh and energetic vibe. The chemistry and camaraderie among the cast members are palpable, creating a welcoming and engaging listening experience.
In addition to his work on radio and television, Smiley has also made a name for himself as a philanthropist. He has supported numerous charitable causes and organizations, using his platform to give back to the community. His commitment to service is a reflection of his deep-seated values and his desire to make a positive impact on the world.
As Rickey Smiley continues his journey in the entertainment industry, one thing is certain: he will continue to evolve and innovate. His talent, his passion, and his unwavering commitment to his craft will undoubtedly lead him to even greater heights. Whether he's making audiences laugh with his prank phone calls, inspiring them with his personal stories, or advocating for important social causes, Rickey Smiley remains a force to be reckoned with.
The "Rickey Smiley Morning Show" isn't just a radio show; it's a cultural phenomenon. It's a place where laughter, tears, and conversations collide. It's a place where people from all walks of life can come together to share their experiences and perspectives. It's a place where Rickey Smiley's unique brand of humor and heart shines through.
And so, the story of Rickey Smiley continues, a story of resilience, laughter, and unwavering spirit. A story that inspires us to embrace our own unique talents and to use them to make the world a better place. A story that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always room for laughter and hope. And a story that proves that Rickey Smiley is not just a comedian; he's a true American icon.
The syndicated radio program featuring Rickey Smiley from Atlanta, commonly known as "the rickey smiley morning show," has a dedicated team of radio personalities including standup comic and theatrical star Rickey Smiley, Headkrack, Gary with da Tea and Da Brat. Rickey Smiley is widely known for his prank phone calls that he plays on air. He is also well known for starring on the rickey smiley show.
Rickey Smiley's early life was not without sorrow; James Smiley, his father, passed away when Rickey was only seven years old. This had a profound impact on young Rickey, shaping his perspective on family and fatherhood. It motivated him to become the dedicated and loving father that he is known as today. He is currently single and has four children, two biological and two adopted.
Smiley has made appearances in a number of films and television shows, including his own sitcom, the rickey smiley show, which aired on tv one from 2012 to 2014. Additionally, he can be seen on rickey smiley for real, an american reality television series that premiered on november 10, 2015, also on tv one. The series follows the life of comedian and radio show host rickey smiley as he juggles between his career, fatherhood and personal life, with the two main settings being birmingham, alabama and atlanta, georgia.
In addition to his work on his own shows, Smiley has been featured on bet. The rickey smiley morning show airs weekdays with local djs heard the rest of the day on the station wsrb, which is owned by crawford broadcasting with studios and offices in hammond, indiana. The rickey smiley morning show is also aired weekdays on wcfb, along with an hour of urban contemporary gospel music at 5 a.m., and a quiet storm program at night. The radio station wbls new york also carried the show when it was the flagship station, with coco budda, jj jackson, and rudy rush included as other on air talent.
Outside of performing on the radio and on screen, Smiley has also been known to mentor fellow artists, such as shirlene king pearson, also known as ms. Juicy, who tours as an opening act with her mentors, rickey smiley and cedric the entertainer. Smiley has also appeared in and produced many television sitcoms, such as house of payne, meet the browns, last call and mann & wife.
Comedian rickey smiley has been praised by jamie jackson lambert of the new pittsburgh courier as one of the funniest people in america. A clean comedian, smiley uses no profanity or sexual innuendo in his shows, thus appealing to audiences of all ages. Headkrack and the morning hustle is also another show that is based in atlanta. Radio personality gary with da tea is widely known for being a frequent contributor to the rickey smiley morning show. Additionally, one of the radio personalities on the rickey smiley morning show is also the founder of mpowered fitness, a wellness program geared to women that provides sustainable workouts.
Detail Author:
- Name : Soledad Becker
- Username : kariane.daniel
- Email : bashirian.emmie@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 1971-02-09
- Address : 675 Stephan Grove Port Alexandremouth, SD 85286-8159
- Phone : +1 (678) 570-9936
- Company : Stroman Ltd
- Job : Director Of Talent Acquisition
- Bio : Rerum aut totam maiores est. Saepe qui quaerat molestiae minima facilis sint ad debitis. Aspernatur animi cum deleniti pariatur cupiditate facilis. Sed enim molestiae illo et sunt.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@karsonwilliamson
- username : karsonwilliamson
- bio : Eius officia ullam aspernatur aliquam id nemo quibusdam.
- followers : 587
- following : 1291
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/karson4950
- username : karson4950
- bio : At expedita ipsa quam similique dolorum. Hic ut unde est est laboriosam est.
- followers : 1704
- following : 156
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/karson9006
- username : karson9006
- bio : Et modi suscipit atque quam culpa exercitationem est at. Recusandae amet eum hic similique ex.
- followers : 2091
- following : 1006
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/kwilliamson
- username : kwilliamson
- bio : Ut vel vel blanditiis eum omnis alias.
- followers : 4962
- following : 941
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/kwilliamson
- username : kwilliamson
- bio : Rerum eligendi tenetur repellat itaque reiciendis. Omnis sunt incidunt molestiae et autem.
- followers : 782
- following : 1980
