Rickey Smiley Returns With 'Fool-ish', First Comedy Special in Over a Decade
- Aaris Grant
- 41 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Beloved comedian, radio host, and Christian entertainer Rickey Smiley has returned to the stage with a long-awaited comedy special, 'Fool-ish', his first in over ten years. Filmed at the Lyric Theater in Smiley's hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, the special brings his signature mix of humor and heart.
Rickey Smiley has been making the saints laugh for years. With characters like Bernice Jenkins and comedic segments like "Church Announcements," Smiley has a pulse on Christian humor. 'Fool-ish', premiering May 30 on Hulu, is his first special since 'Open Casket Sharp,' which debuted in 2011. It is also the first ever for director David E. Talbert, who worked with Smiley on films 'Baggage Claim' and First Sunday.
“I knew after over ten years I had to offer something that would satisfy my fans,” Smiley said of the special. “I’ve been through a lot of transformation and trauma these past few years... I think that I will have a deeper connection with my audience from my experiences. We can find humor in so much of life."
That transformation includes the heartbreaking loss of his son Brandon, who passed away in January 2023. Smiley has been transparent about the grief that followed and has leaned heavily on his faith during the journey.
While hosting the 39th Annual Stellar Awards, he spoke candidly about the role Gospel music played in his healing process, highlighting Jonathan McReynolds' song 'God is Good' as a source of strength and comfort during his darkest moments.
Gospel greats like Ricky Dillard, Vasahwn Mitchell, and Pastor Mike Jr. attended a private Fool-ish screening at Regal Atlantic Station in Atlanta. Check out the pics below:
After the screening journalist FreddyO asked Smiley how he wanted fans to feel after watching the special. Smiley responded, "stomach hurting, peed on theyself."
Formerly the host of BET's Comic View and the star of the reality series Rickey Smiley For Real, Smiley has anchored Atlanta's The Rickey Smiley Morning Show for 20 years. In addition to his work as an entertainer, he's the author of Sideshow: Living with Loss and Moving Forward with Faith. Published in Fall 2024, the book draws from Rickey Smiley's experience of losing his eldest son to a drug overdose.
Through his platform and writing, Smiley has consistently used his voice to uplift, entertain, and encourage others to maintain hope, even in the midst of personal tragedy.
He advises up-and-coming comedians to "keep doing it, keep pressing, [and] keep it clean. Ain't nothing wrong with being physical on stage. Make it happen."
