David Alan Grier
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David Alan Grier (born June 30, 1955 in Detroit, Michigan) is an American actor and comedian most famous for his work on the Emmy Award winning sketch comedy show In Living Color.
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[edit] Early life and career
Grier graduated from Detroit's premier high school, Cass Tech. He received a BA from the University of Michigan, and an MFA from the Yale School of Drama. Immediately after graduating, he landed the role of Jackie Robinson in the short-lived Broadway musical The First, directed by Martin Charnin and written by Joel Siegel. He was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and won the Theatre World Award for The First. He later starred as James "Thunder" Early in the hit Broadway musical Dreamgirls. Grier made his his film debut in 1983 in Streamers, directed by Robert Altman. He won the Golden Lion for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for the film. He also appeared in the Negro Ensemble Company production A Soldier's Play and reprised his role in the film of the same name.
[edit] Comedic work
Although primarily known for his dramatic work, Grier began to shift towards comedy making memorable appearances in the cult films Amazon Women on the Moon and I'm Gonna Git You Sucka. Keenan Ivory Wayans, the director of Sucka, cast Grier in his new variety show In Living Color. It became a ratings hit and won an Emmy for Oustanding Variety Series. Grier became a popular cast member through his characters and impressions. He also began appearing primarily in comedy films such as Boomerang, Blankman, and Jumanji.
After the cancellation of In Living Color, Grier starred in the short-lived sitcoms The Preston Episodes, Damon (with In Living Color co-star Damon Wayans) and DAG. He began doing stand-up comedy and was an instant success. He hosted the Comedy Central series Premium Blend. He also returned to Broadway in the musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. In 2002, Grier joined the cast of the sitcom Life with Bonnie which ran until 2004. During this time, he continued to appear in comedy films but also returned to drama in the films BAADASSSSS! and The Woodsman. He starred in his own Comedy Central stand-up special The Book of David: The Cult Figure's Manifesto. He is also a frequent guest on the Comedy Central show Crank Yankers. Grier is the host of the new NBC show Thank God You're Here. He will also host his own national late night syndicated TV show in early 2007. He is currently starring in the revival production of The Wiz at the La Jolla Playhouse directed by Des McAnuff.
[edit] In Living Color
[edit] Characters
- Al MacAfee
- Antoine Merriweather (Men On Film)
- Calhoun Tubbs
- Cephus (Cepthus & Reesie)
- Clavelle (Funky Finger Productions)
- Doug McPherson (Hemmorhoid Guy)
- Lamont Hightower
- Leon (Snack 'n Shack)
- Lil' Magic's Mom
- Little Kid (Homey D. Clown)
- Lonnie Anderson
- Loomis Simmons
- Mac
- Mr. Brooks
- Sammy (Zodiac Comedy Shack)
- Tiny (Prison Cable Network)
[edit] Impressions
- Al Sharpton
- Clarence Thomas
- Colin Powell
- Dr. Dre
- Gary Coleman
- Ike Turner
- Joe Jackson
- Leonard Nimoy
- Marion Barry
- Maya Angelou
- Michael Jackson
- Michael Winslow
- Muhammad Ali
- Ray Charles
- Rodney King
- Sinbad
[edit] Loveline
He is often referred to as the third host of the radio show Loveline, as he is a frequent and popular guest. Grier's last appearance on Loveline was April 16, 2006[1]. On his MySpace, Grier posted in a blog...
| “ | To all of my loyal fans. It pains me greatly to inform you all that I will probably never be heard on the radio show Loveline again. I have been informed of this sad fact by the one and only Dr. Drew Pinsky. I know not how or why this has happened, but we must ALL move on... | ” |
[edit] Trivia
He is number 94 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time.
Grier is sometimes referred to by his initials: DAG.
He is a friend of Damon Wayans and Adam Carolla.
[edit] Reference
[edit] External links
- David Alan Grier's Myspace
- David Alan Grier at the Internet Movie Database
- David Alan Grier at the Notable Names Database
- David Alan Grier - 'Thank God You're Here' Host
- TV.com information
- Hollywood.com information
- David Alan Grier at the Star Wars Actors Database
Categories: American comedians | American impressionists (entertainers) | American television actors | American stand-up comedians | American character actors | American film actors | American stage actors | University of Michigan alumni | Yale University alumni | African-American actors | People from Detroit | 1955 births | Living people
