Written by | Ray Cornelius
Rickey Smiley is without a doubt one of the funniest men on the planet!
The former stand-up comedian turned-actor turned-radio host has the ability to make you laugh out loud even when he is trying to be serious. I had a chance to sit down and talk to this very proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; best known for his side-splitting prank phone calls that can be heard every week on his very popular Atlanta-based radio program, Rickey Smiley Morning Show.
He was in town as part of the AT&T 28 Days Tour, a five-city promotional event that featured celebrities, motivational types and singers who encouraged consumers to re-envision what they can achieve in their lives during Black History Month. Smiley was joined by female hip hop lyricist Mc Lyte and Grammy-nominated singer, Elle Varner.
After the show, we chopped-it-up about season two of his highly rated TV One sitcom The Rickey Smiley Show, his future movie plans and what keeps him smiling.
RC: Congratulations on the completing the first season of “The Rickey Smiley Show.” What can viewers look forward to in the upcoming season?
RS: Well, it’s gonna be funny as hell. This time, I’m in the writing room. So when you get me in the writing room you get RICKEY SMILEY. The first season, I was just really trying to get my feet wet. But this time I am jumping in. I am part of the writing team and we making it happen.
RC: So many comedians have made successful transitions from TV to film, any chances of us seeing more of you on the big screen?
RS: Yes, I’m actually in David E. Talbert new movie that’s coming out called “Baggage Claim.”
RC: How cool! This is the new romantic comedy starring Paula Patton. So what part are you playing?
RS: I forgot? (LOL) I know, right? I was the sky cap but I can’t remember the character’s name. (LOL)
RC: The film has such a diverse cast…Jill Scott, La La Anthony, Trey Songz…I’m sure there was never a dull moment on the set.
RS: Oh yeah man. It was a lot of fun. I went out to the set and shot all of my parts in one day and was outta there. But it was great. They are going to break up my parts and put them throughout the entire movie. So I am really excited and looking forward to it coming out.
RC: You have mentioned in the past that you have been influenced by a number of comedic greats. Any chances of us seeing you play one of your idols in a film project?
RS: I am working on something right now. We’re trying to get the rights to a certain movie but I don’t want to say it yet. (LOL) Well, let me just say “Richard.” I’ll just say that. Not playing him but one film that he had a lot to do with, so I am really looking forward to that one. We’re working real hard now to get the rights so that we can shoot it quickly.
RC: Every time I see you, you’re always smiling and genuinely in good spirits. What keeps you motivated?
RS: I’m just a happy kid. I was raised by my grandparents and that’s enough to keep you motivated for the rest of your life. I have that old school home training. I’m just motivated because I want to work and make things happen and not let my family down, you know “uplifting other people as you climb.” I have a lot to be thankful for and it makes no sense to get up with a sad face when you’ve been blessed as I have.
RC & Rickey Smiley
