The Gary Owen Issue

Volume 7 Issue 1 March 2012

With The New Film A New Special Shaq’s Comedy Jam Is Now An

Red Carpet Photos Of

Inside!

Staff

Founder / Publisher Frank Holder Chief Financial Officer Kevin Layne Editor-At- Large Sacre Wills Graphics Art Editor Bernadette Holder

Fashion & Style Director Antonia Andullerro Manager Of Operations Shaquandra Jamison Photo Editor Melissa Bring Columnists Bernadette Holder Tony Spires Peppur Chambers Darryl Littleton Lea Ayers Antonia Andullerro Movie Reviews Michael DeQuina Photographers This Issue Frank Holder Tim Alexander Kevin Kwan Wire Image

The content of this Magazine is copy written (2009-’10) by The Humor Mill Magazine, DBA Holder Publishing, LLC. and may not be reprinted or retransmitted or reproduced without proper credit given to its origin.

Pictured here is Gary Owen during our cover photo shoot.

Photo- Tim Alexander

humormillmag.com http://humormillmag.blogspot.com http://www.youtube.com/TheHumorMilll

Credits

Gary Owen Photo Shoot Photographer: Tim Alexander Asst: Jesse Carter Video & Edited By: Tim Alexander Make Up- Dusty Kuskie

Special Thanks

Pictured here is Gary Owen during our cover photo shoot.

Photo- Tim Alexander

Gary Owen Alison Leslie Tim Alexander Jesse Carter Kevin Kwan Richard Gumbs Brein Kelley Jeff Clanagan Tamra Goins Cheryl Stabler Capone LeAndre Bell Jennifer Johnson Rosandra Jordan

Contents Comedy News

We have the latest news from the past several weeks from the news about Martin Lawrence, Nick Cannon, Chris Tucker to the newest information about the new films coming from Screen Gems! Plus there is news from Earthquake, Jay Pharaoh, Marlon Wayans and Jamie Foxx! Looks like they are going with more comedy news!

Urban Hollywood

This issue we have the latest news on the new projects from Tyler Perry and his latest deals. Plus we have the latest news about the deaths that shook a black nation as we lost two icons in the industry.

Gary Owen Is Now An All Star!

With a brand new film about to drop, a new comedy special about to drop, plus several other new projects with the Comedy Shaq brand, it looks like its about time for comedian Gary Owen to be an All Star! After years of being in the industry and having several pilots about to air, its really about time! If you agree or disagree, read the article first and check out what Owen has lined up!

Pictured here is comedians Jay Pharoah and Capone at the Shaq Comedy All Star Jam during NBA All Star Weekend in Orlando.

Photo : Frank Holder

Departments Humor Mail

As usual, here are some of the letters and emails we have gotten from you in the last couple of weeks.

Take a look at some of the reader’s thoughts and see if some of them mirror your own.

Star Spotlight~ Thandie Newton

By Antonia Andullerro

Thandie Newton has a new film about to drop with Tyler Perry and she has done several other pivotal roles over the years, but none look as good as this role coming up! We take a look at her newest role and her career as she is this month’s Star that we are going to Spotlight!

NEW Article My Sex Life

By Lea Ayers

Our new writer gives you a very interesting take on sex, and all of the trials and tribulations that has come from the sex life. DO you think you know everything there is to know about sex?

Are there any questions you have about sex?

Maybe the answers are here in this article. Get to know the writer and read the article- it’s not what you think!

Pictured here is comedian Mike Epps backstage during rehearsals at the BET Hip Hop Awards 2011.

Photo: Kevin Kwan

Departments Cornelius Loses His Soul?

By Sacre Wills

This article is written by our staff writer who takes a look at the life, and the unexpected death of Soul Train founder and producer Don Cornelius. With the questions raised, we walk away thinking that these are some very good points from what happened to what really did happen.

A Letter To Whitney Houston

By Sacre Wills

When the death of Whitney Houston became public, it shook the world to its core. There are many fans who would love to have said some things to Houston, and our writer expresses her feelings to one of the greatest singers of all time.

Pimp Down- An Insider Look Into The Rise & Fall Of Katt Williams

By Darryl Littleton Always willing to stir up a little

Pictured here is actress Ja’ Net DuBois of Good Times fame on the red carpet of the new Screen Gems film Think Like A Man in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

controversy, our writer opens up and delivers you a new chapter/excerpt from his new book detailing all of the things that went on behind the scenes while on the road with comedian Katt Williams. Here is an intimate look at things that were never before mentioned and discussed, as we see more that we ever could while falling behind the pimp of comedy.

Departments Still Believin’ The Hype

By Tony Spires The Comedy Doctor

As usual, another article from the Doctor! This article takes a very curious look at what is going on everywhere in our lives on television and in Hollywood when it comes to black presentation. This issue the Comedy Doctor takes a look the media, television and more with a thought to what we should believe- and not believe. Check out the article!

Movie Reviews

By Michael Dequina

This week our writer reviews the films Sex and The City 2 Get Him to The Greek.

After receiving many reviews we set out our writer to tell us what’s what; Are the films worth the money?

Is Puffy’s performance worth it? If not why not? There are a lot of questions, especially with the rising ticket prices that have hit the market. Well you have to read the article for the review.

Pictured here is Executive Producer and Owner of Rain Forrest Films Will Packer on the red carpet of his new film Think Like A Man in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

Departments The Gum Smacker

By Peppur Chambers

As usual, our writer takes you on a journey in her travels. This issue our writer is at the doctor’s office, and, well, you have to read it because we are sure many of you can relate..

Signs Your Church Is Ghetto

By Adrian Dukes

What can we say here? Our writer gives you some very funny references on why you should see the signs on your Church being ghetto- and if it really isn’t. Either way, check out the article and bring the check list with you the next time you go to Church to see if your Church is on this list!

Pictured here is actress Wendy Raquel Robinson of The BET show The Game on the red carpet of the new Screen Gems film Think Like A Man in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

Editor’s Page To All Of Our Readers, Another long pause between issues and we know you are wondering ‘what is going on’? So much has happened in the last several months for our growth that it’s not even worth mentioning.

What is also happening is a quickening pace and growth, even faster that I can comprehend. After taking up several Economics classes, I completely understand the ‘supply and demand’ cycle which had me baffled in college.

Anyway, we are striving to be back, stay monthly, and grow and a steady pace. We are now preparing to drop our own Radio Station on Itunes Radio, which will be a 24 hour urban comedy station, to go along with our Iphone/Android App and our channel on DISH. We are trying to keep up with all of the social economics and growth, while continuing to stay afloat. You should pray for us, as right about now is when most businesses fail, but we are still here! We send out prayers to you, and we hope you enjoy this new issue!

Frank Holder Publisher Humor Mill Magazine

Pictured here is Actor/ Rapper Ne-Yo on the red carpet of the new Screen Gems film Think Like A Man in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

Mail Humor Mill Magazine; Who doesn’t love Kevin Hart? I know I do! I loved Laugh At My Pain and I loved your new issue about Kevin!

It was a great read and a great conversation to know that he was so confident. He is so crazy that I never knew his confidence level was so high. It was also some great insight on his background that wasn’t covered in the Laugh At My Pain DVD, as to me, he seemed to get very personal. I don’t know how you guys over there at HM even got him to be so serious, but all I can say is I loved the issue, I loved the article, and keep up the good work!

Patricia Dawson Raleigh, NC Ed NOTE: Thanks for the great compliments! Getting Kevin to act serious is a task, but he is also serious about his brand so it was easy to get him to express his thoughts about where he wants to go with his comedy.

Humor Mill Magazine; It looks like Kevin Hart is about to pop up everywhere!

After dropping that special that was bananas, and seeing him on other magazines, I guess he’s the hot man on campus now, huh?

UNKNOWN!

Pictured here is actor Morris Chestnut on the red carpet of the new Screen Gems film Think Like A Man in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder

Pictured here is actors Meagan Good, Kevin Hart and Bill Duke all being interviewed on the red carpet of the new Screen Gems film Think Like A Man in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder

Mail Humor Mill Magazine; I can’t say that is was a huge surprise to see Kevin Hart on your cover when I opened up my email this morning.

Especially since his new special is all over the place. I can say that I was a little bit surprised to see him speak so candidly about his career. I wish you had asked him about his marriage that seemed to fall apart. Hart seems to glaze over that part, and you know we want to know how a woman could leave a man like that? He seems like the dream, as he’s very funny, and has a great personality. What more can a woman want?

Nicole Chester New York, NY ED NOTE: We didn’t ask Hart about his marriage because that is a touchy subject- and we don’t want to cause any waves between them bothsince we know them both.

Believe me, the reasons behind the separation is not uncommon in any marriage, as a couple can tend to grow apart if they both are pulling in different directions. Remember, all that glitters is not gold!

Humor Mill Magazine: Great issue Humor Mill! I love Kevin Hart! I look forward to his new special, tour and new films! Than man always has me in stitches!

UNKNOWN

Pictured here is the red carpet of the new Screen Gems film Think Like A Man in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

Humor Mill Magazine; I am not the biggest Kevin Hart fan, and to be honest, I can’t seem to understand why he is taking over the country. Is the comedy that bad that HE IS the new hot comedian? To me Katt Williams was the SH*T and a much better comedian! He always had me on the floor, and I loved his specials.

Maybe its just me, but is Kevin Hart really as funny as Katt Williams?

Tank Baltimore, MD Ed NOTE: Well, to be honest, comedy is very subjective. Just because you may think Katt is funnier than Kevin, maybe many folks don’t. Maybe, many folks look at what it is; two different styles of comedians. It is a good question that you purposed, but to us, they can’t be compared because their styles are completely different.

Humor Mill Magazine: Is there anybody in this country who doesn’t love Kevin Hart? Thanks for giving us an insight to his world, and what he thinks about his career. It made me look at him in a different light.

UNKNOWN Ed NOTE: Thanks!

Mail Humor Mill Magazine; Alright! Alright! Alright! Kevin Hart is in the building! That little dude is a beast! I love your latest issue and I was sad that your story was so short! You guys over there need to give his fans more information, and figure out a way to make these stories longer! If I was paying for it I would be disappointed. But I guess since the Humor Mill is free, I can’t really complain because it is one of the best things I get for free. ď Š Keep up the good work, and I look forward to the next issue!

UNKNOWN Ed NOTE: Well, not sure if that was a back handed compliment or not, but we are very glad that you liked the latest issue- tell a friend!

Pictured here is Eddie Murphy, Brett Ratner and Jonah Hill behind the scenes of filming Tower Heist in New York. Photo: Unknown

Pictured here is actor Trae Ireland and comedian Eddie Griffin on stage performing in A Fool & His Money; the new DVD from David E . Talbert, in Los Angeles. Photo: Diondre Jones

Mail Humor Mill Magazine; You know what is really surprising about Hollywood? To me thy seem to pick and choose when its going to be your time to shine, and they also decide on how many chances you are going to get. Why do I say that?

Well, I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure that if a regular actor had made Soul Plane they wouldn’t have gotten another chance after that bomb dropped in the box office. So, why did Hart get another chance? Plus he’s been around for YEARS and now all of a sudden he’s the ‘it’ guy? I am at a loss for words.

UNKNOWN Ed NOTE: Well, lets be fair to Hart about Soul Plane. I am pretty sure that the studio recognized that fact that Soul Plane was on the streets WEEKS before it was released and even though there are no numbers to prove otherwise, I am willing to bet that that film was the MOST bootlegged film of all time. The quality of the bootleg was great and it had every hot black actor in the film at the time. Why did Hart get another chance? Maybe because he is well liked and very funny?

Humor Mill Magazine; Another great issue from The Humor Mill crew! I loved the flicks that Kevin Hart was in!

Great job and keep it coming!

UNKNOWN

Pictured here is comedian Lil Duval on stage at the Shaq Comedy All Star Jam during NBA All Star Weekend in Orlando.

Photo : Frank Holder

Mail The Humor Mill Magazine; Kevin Hart has come along way from that kid I saw on stage in Philly back in the 90’s.

This kid has grown tremendously as a comic and he really should be a testament to all of the comedians out there that if you put in all of the work and you are funny (gotta say that part!) then you too can be very successful. Hart has plugged away for many years and I can’t say that I have ever seen a more determined comedian. I even remember that stint of a show he had on ABC, and I thought when that bombed and Soul Plane bombed, I thought he was done. But he’s like the little train that could… He keeps coming! Much success to him, his family and here’s hoping he’s going to be around for a very long time!

Michael Trent Philadelphia, PA ED NOTE: Well, said, and we are pretty sure he’s going to be around for a very long time to come. We appreciate your comments!

CORRECTIONS FROM LAST ISSUE! There were too many to name in every issue, but thanks to your letters we know about all of them!  Hey, what can we say? We are doing the best that we can, especially without a full time Editor!

Anyway, If you want to send us an email about the articles or your thoughts, all you have to do is send us an email to info@humormillmag.com for all of your comments. Some of these emails and other correspondence may be printed right here in these pages!

Pictured here is former video vixen and actress Melyssa Ford on the red carpet of the new Screen Gems film Think Like A Man in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

Winter 2012

Martin Lawrence As we previously reported several months ago, it looks like CBS has finally approved of the Martin Lawrence new comedy project set for the fall. As you all already know, this isn't a new project for Lawrence, as he has a previous show titled Martin in the earl 90's which was on the new FOX network. This new comedy is still be put together and a lot of rumors are flying around but we will confirm several of them by Monday.

We just discovered from our sources that Earthquake, who just shot his comedy special during NBA All Star Weekend and who is currently headlining the 40 city Royal Comedy Tour, is possibly about to land his own radio show! That's right! We hear that the new nationally syndicated show is in the negotiations stages and we hear that Earthquake is gearing up to take over the radio airwaves that comedian Steve Harvey is about to leave vacant when he gives up his radio show for day time television. As of this writing, we are not sure which nationally syndicated company will broadcast the show, but we hear that Earthquake & Friends is going live real soon! Stay tuned as this story develops!

Brandon T. Jackson

Logan Lerman

Earthquake

As we reported several months ago, there will be a sequel to Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief with actor Brandon T. Jackson returning. What we discovered, courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter, is that comedic actress Yvette Nicole Brown (of Community and Tropic Thunder fame) has joined the cast of the new film titled Percy Jackson & The Olympians: Sea of Monsters! Brown is joined by Mary Birdsong, while Thor Freudenthal is directing the sequel, which will hit theaters in 2013. Logan Lerman is returning in the role Yvette Nicole Brown of Percy, and Alexandra Daddario is also returning.

The first film in the franchise, Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, grossed $226.5 million at the worldwide box office in 2010. Chris Columbus, who directed Lightning Thief, is producing with Karen Rosenfelt.

Alexandra Daddario

Pictured here is actresses Taraji P. Henson and Gabrielle Union on the red carpet of the new Screen Gems film Think Like A Man in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder

George Lopez

It looks like comedian George Lopez is about to come back to television! We hear that Lopez has landed a major distribution deal, and he will not only star in the new series, but he will also produce. George Lopez has closed a deal in principal with Lionsgate TV subsidiary DebmarMercury to co-create and star in a new multi-camera comedy about a Latino family. Lopez will executive produce the series with his manager, 3 Arts’ Michael Rotenberg. The project will be developed and produced under Debmar-Mercury’s 10-90 model, in which the company sells sitcoms to cable networks with an initial 10-episode straight-to-series order, which, if meeting a ratings target, triggers a multi-season order as big as 90 episodes. The goal is for Debmar-Mercury to quickly amass enough episodes for the sitcom’s launch in broadcast syndication, area where Lopez has been successful. While never a major hit in its original run on ABC, George Lopez has enjoyed a strong afterlife in syndication. A decade after its ABC premiere, the show continues to do well in primetime on cable, Nick at Nite and a Spanish-language version on MTV’s Tr3s, and in the afternoon in broadcast syndication. The George Lopez sitcom follows in the footsteps of Debmar-Mercury’s previous successes under its model, all minority family sitcoms: Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne and Meet The Browns and Ice Cube’s Are We There Yet?. All three went beyond the initial 10-episode orders on TBS, with the first already above the syndication threshold. DebmarMercury’s first non-ethnic sitcom, the upcoming Charlie Sheen comedy series Anger Management for FX, is written/executive produced by Bruce Helford, who co-created and ran George Lopez.

Jay Pharoah

We discovered over the weekend during NBA All Star in Orlando that comedian Jay Pharoah has just landed two new films! That's right, the new Saturday Night Live comedian has landed two new films that will be shooting this summer, and we were told that Pharoah will be using his strengths in both roles- the characters! Stay tuned as we will broadcast the interview that Jay told us EXCLUSIVELY about his new films and his other hot new projects that are NOT affiliated to Saturday Night Live.

Pictured here is actor/comedian Kevin Hart and his girlfriend on the red carpet of the new Screen Gems film Think Like A Man in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

Mike Epps

Malcolm Jamal Warner

Tracee Ellis Ross

Nick Cannon

Kiesha Knight Pulliam

Several weeks ago, the comedy world was shook in Hollywood! Why do you ask? Well, comedian Mike Epps landed his first ever NAACP Image Award for Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for the film Jumping The Broom. Epps was joined in the winner circles in comedy by Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Tracee Ellis Ross for Reed Between the Lines, Nick Cannon for Up All Night and Keshia Knight Pulliam for Tyler Perry's House of Payne. That was good for Epps, as it was his first ever Award.

Marlon Wayans

According to Variety, word is that Marlon Wayans and Essence Atkins are both set to star in the new film titled Smart Ass. The big news here is that Wayans will make his directorial debut-with Mike Tiddes- for the film. Variety states that the comedy film is "described as a spoof of a various found-footage pics like "Paranormal Activity" and "The Devil Inside Me." Rick Alvarez and Lisa Blum are producing the pic, which is currently filming in L.A." As you all probably already know, Atkins previously worked with Wayans on Paramount's Dance Flick, which should make this interesting. Another key point here is that this film is taking place at the same time the Richard Pryor biopic was scheduled to be filming. Looks like that gets pushed back even further. Interesting...

Several days ago our sources discovered that actor/comedian Jamie Foxx, who just wrapped filming Dejango Unchained, is preparing to drop a new comedy special this fall! We discovered that Foxx is going to drop the comedy special and may even tour with the special. No official word has yet has been released from his camp, but we have heard that preparations are already in motion for the special that will be taped right after filming Dejango. We even heard that the special may be taped for HBO, but as of this writing it’s too early to tell.

Jamie Foxx

Pictured here is actress Regina Hall on the red carpet of the Pictured here is actor Morris Chestnut on the new Screen Gems film Think red carpet of the new Screen Gems film Think Like A Man in Hollywood.

Like A Man in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder Photo: Frank Holder

Ice Cube

Chris Tucker

We have just recently discovered from our sources that comedian Chris Tucker, who has been rumored to be in the new Friday Installment with Ice Cube, will NOT be in the film. Our sources have stated to us that Tucker is not in the film and that there isnt even a production schedule for the film yet, which is strange considering the fact that Ice Cube did mention that the film was coming. In case you missed that report, several months ago, Ice Cube mentioned to several media outlets that they are planning to film another Friday, and talks were going to begin to bring back the entire cast for the film from Katt Williams to Mike Epps.

Regardless of that fact, we did discover that Tucker is not in the film and that it’s not even on the calendar yet to start. So, we will see where this story goes.

We just discovered from our sources that comedic actor Flex Alexander, probably best known for the UPN hit TV show One On One and the film Snakes On A Plane, has just recently signed on to star in the new upcoming season of Single Ladies. We hear that Flex will star as Lauren London’s boyfriend and his role is probably best described as a black politician who could be compared to President Obama.

Anyway Flex is currently filming his role and is supposedly set to air in several episodes as a recurring role. On the other news front from Flex, we heard that he is going behind the camera again as an Executive Producer for a Mama Jones spin-off show titled Mama’s House. As of this writing, we heard that there are several key networks interested in the new spin-off, but no deal has yet to be finalized. We can say that you should check back because that may change in a week or so.

The new season of Single Ladies is set to debut this fall on VH1.

Walter Latham

Flex Alexander

Lauren London

Weeks ago, we conducted an interview with Producer Walter Latham, who is probably best known as the founder and Producer of the Kings Of Comedy and The Queens of Comedy, which still stands as one of the most successful comedy franchises ever to tour and ever filmed for theatrical distribution. Since he began the Kings franchise, Latham has been ground breaking in comedy as he launched those franchises and transcended the brands and the careers of Steve Harvey, Cedric The Entertainer, Bernie Mac, and D.L. Hughley. Not to be outdone in the urban space, Latham even ventured out into the Latino space with his Latin Kings Of Comedy, and proved that he could be successful there too as the Latin Kings has also broken box office records in total receipts sold to the Latin community. Now it seems Latham is back at it again; he is now launching his new franchise titled Comedy After Dark on his new YouTube channel under Latham Entertainment. His new shows will be about 7 minutes in length and feature one comedian per episode. During our recent interview we discovered that he decided to try his hand at directing as he directed each episode!

Pictured here is actress and reality star La La Vazquez on the red carpet of the new Screen Gems film Think Like A Man in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder

Nick Cannon Several weeks ago, we discovered from our friends over at MTV concerning Nick Cannon and his newly discovered health concerns. According to them, Cannon has quit his radio show and is about to scale back on other ventures. Here is the article; Amid new health concerns, Nick Cannon has announced that he will step down as host of his morning show on 92.3 Now. The DJ/rapper made the announcement early Friday morning (February 17).

"Under doctor's orders, I have been asked to put my health first and cut back on some of my professional commitments in order to allow my body to get the rest that it needs to keep up with the demands of my multi-tasking schedule," he said in a statement.

"It has been an absolute pleasure working with CBS Radio and the 92.3 NOW morning show team and I would like to thank them for their unwavering support," he said, adding that while he will no longer host his daily show, he will still host his weekly countdown show. "I will continue to host my syndicated 'Cannon's Countdown' weekend show and look forward to contributing to 92.3 NOW whenever possible. Even Superman has to sleep."

The station has announced that for the time being, DJ Lil Cee will replace Cannon. "We respect and understand Nick's decision to step down from his day-to-day position as host of Morning Drive on 92.3 NOW, and fully support him as he takes on a less demanding role with the station in order to address his health," they said. "Everyone at the station and all of the CBS RADIO family wish him well, and look forward to his continuing contributions to 92.3 NOW." The news comes after Cannon revealed he had been hospitalized last week for a slew of new health issues. "It's my first day back since Friday, and not many people have known this but, uh ...

I've been in the hospital since Friday," he said on his radio show on Wednesday. "I was having a lot of pain in my back ... I learned that I had blood clots in my lungs ... an enlarged ventricle in the right side of my heart."

On Friday morning, he took to Twitter as he prepped to say goodbye to his morning show. "A bitter sweet morning. I have to stop my radio show. Doctors orders," he tweeted. "The Doctors found blood clots in my lungs and said if I don't slow down and stop working so hard then it's a wrap!"

Cannon had been hospitalized over the holidays for kidney failure but seemed to be doing better.

In an interview with MTV News weeks after the incident, he shared what was believed to have contributed to the hospitalization.

"I always considered myself as someone who was in great shape, but I was doing too much [to my body] so my immune system got confused and just started attacking my kidneys," Cannon said in mid-January, pledging to focus on a healthier lifestyle. "You look at my Twitter picture and I look like I'm in shape, but I was putting the wrong stuff into my body, speeding all the time, not sleeping and eating properly. It's all about taking time and really caring about yourself and how you fuel yourself."

Pictured here is actor Jerry Ferrara of HBO’s Entourage Fame on the red carpet of the new Screen Gems film Think Like A Man in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

Don Cornelius

Tyler Perry

Several weeks ago, on February 1, 2012, we all discovered some very sad news; we heard that Soul Train Founder Don Cornelius took his own life with a gunshot wound to the head in an apparent suicide in his home in Sherman Oaks, California. Well, several weeks after that incident our sources confirmed the reasoning behind Cornelius’ actions. We heard that Don was having a very bad bout with cancer, and while this was going on, he was in a bitter dispute with his wife over the insurance money that would be delegated to her upon his death from the deadly disease. Our sources stated that Don wanted the money to be given to his son Tony, but because of his marriage and his failing health, the insurance was to be given to his wife. Don made the decision to take his own life since his doctor stated he had weeks left to live. Truly a very sad story.

Eugene Levy

Romeo Miller

Denise Richards

We are not sure how many of these films Tyler Perry can produce, but we hear that he is about to begin filming ANOTHER Madea film, which is now supposedly in production. Word has it that the film takes place after the last Madea film titled Madea's Big Happy Family. This new film titled Madea's Witness Protection will again be released by Lionsgate. According to reports, Eugene Levy, Romeo Miller and Denise Richards will also star alongside Perry in the hit filmmaker’s latest film project, titled Madea’s Witness Protection. The movie features Perry as the gun-toting, sassymouthed character, will be distributed by Lionsgate. Levy will play a man who, after his investment company goes belly up due to embezzling, is put in witness protection with his family, which is forced to move from a wealthy Connecticut neighborhood to Madea’s home in the South.

Richards is set to play Levy’s wife. Miller will play a man who believes Levy is responsible for his church’s investments being wiped out and wants to take the law into his own hands. Also in the cast are Doris Roberts, Devan Leos, Tom Arnold and Danielle Campbell. Perry, who wrote the script and is directing, produces with Paul Hall and Ozzie Areu.

Pictured here is actor and host Terrance J and guest on the red carpet of the new Screen Gems film Think Like A Man in Pictured here is actor Morris Chestnut and comedian Kevin Hart Hollywood. before his performance in London England. Photo: Kevin Kwan Photo: Frank Holder

A Letter to Whitney Houston Dear Whitney, I write this letter to you with hopes that your spirit will receive it. I’ve never written to a person who has passed, but I had to attempt to reach you. I cannot do this without crying because I’m so sad over losing you. You see, I have been a fan of yours for years. The news of your death was so shocking and out of the blue. I haven’t been quite able to process it and as I write it becomes more real.

I don’t quite know where to start. You’ve given the world so much. What I remember most is that you were such a beautiful black woman - brown skinned, gorgeous smile, fabulous wigs, and stylish. You made even white men know that dark women are pretty. Over the years you became the epitome of a true black diva and for me that was whether you were on or off of drugs. Of course, I wished you were not on the drugs because I wanted the best for you. I have actually cried over you several times before now because I was so worried. When I saw you looking so thin and frail it broke my heart, but I just kept on praying. And when you married Bobby Brown, I didn’t think he was good enough for you. It took me a couple of years to get over it, but I figured if you loved him, I would love him too. If he was making you happy, then it wasn’t for me to judge. And see, you came out of it with a treasure in Bobbi Kristina.

Whitney, I don’t know how you died, but I can’t help feeling that we didn’t have you long enough. God has his reasons for everything and there is a message for all of us in losing you. Girl, right now my nose is so snotty. I think God wants us to love ourselves and take care of ourselves and that is no easy task. Your problems were not much different than mines. On a day to day I struggle. We have overeaters, hoarders, sex addicts. I struggle to have faith. I struggle not to be afraid. I struggle to be strong. It’s tough! We haven’t realized the danger of prescription drugs. Doctors give them to patients easily because they don’t know what else to do - and we see how devastating they can be. We lost Michael Jackson and Gerald Levert to prescription drugs. But, how many of us are perfectly “normal” people?

Whitney, I want to thank you for many things. Thank you for giving us the story of a black Cinderella with a beautiful black fairy Godmother. Thank you for giving us one of the most talented black female voices that we will ever hear. Thank you for showing us that, with hard work, dreams can come true. Thank you that in all your fame and glory you were still a home girl from the hard streets of New Jersey. Whitney no Christmas movie has ever topped “The Preacher’s Wife,” where you presented such a positive image of black people. And hell, I didn’t mind if you fell in love with a white man in “The Bodyguard,” it just gave us new dimension. I wonder if before you died you were still waiting to exhale or had you breathed out that free air?

I’m really going to miss you, but in my heart you still live. Please send the angels down to take care of those who are still having a hard time in this world. My life wouldn’t have been the same without you.

Hopefully, we will meet again. I’m sure that where ever your spirit is right now, you are making the place brighter. It’s tearing me up to bid to you my final good-bye. This is hard. Rest in peace Whitney, my sister.

You’re free now with no human burdens. You will never be forgotten. Love you!

Sacre Wills (p.s. Can you ask God to help my swollen crying eyes?)

Pictured here is R&B Singer Chili of the group TLC on the red carpet of the new Screen Gems film Think Like A Man in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder

Pictured here is actor Romany Malco on the red carpet of the new Screen Gems film Think Like A Man in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder

With A New Film ‘Think Like A Man’ A New Comedy Special Titled ‘True Story’ & Shaq’s Comedy Jam…

In case you think you have seen comedian Gary Owen before, let us help you out; you have. In case you were thinking that maybe you may have seen him in a film; you have. In case you were thinking that you have seen him on a comedy show; you have. After being in the comedy game since the 90’s its pretty hard to say that you haven’t seen Owen. From hosting the old Comic View on BET to making small appearances in such films like Little Man, Owen has hit every stage and been on every comedy show made for television. The question would then be what took him so long to become a comedy superstar?

Well, all we can say is that there is no time table on who has next and who will reach superstar status, but we can say that after Owen has done so many pilots for television and so many films, it looks like this is finally his turn with this new film and new Comedy Special.

With a new starring role in the new film Think Like A Man and a new comedy special produced by Codeblack Entertainment titled True Story about to drop it looks like the ball is now in his court- and from the looks of it, it looks like Owen is about to slam dunk!

We got a chance to sit down with Owen and discuss his journey to Hollywood and his comedy career and how he fell into acting. Here is an excerpt of the conversation; Humor Mill: Humor Mill Magazine sitting down with actor and comedian Gary Owen. Gary how are you?

Gary Owen: I like the sound of that: actor AND comedian.

Humor Mill: We had to say actor and comedian because you have been in a lot of films. A lot of people see you doing stand up all across the country and have been for years, but tell us how did you get your start in the acting side of things?

Gary Owen: I think it’s a natural progression. You do stand up and hopefully somebody sees you and they put you in something, cause I have been lucky enough that the movies I have been in… I did audition for a few, but the last couple were just offered.

HM: We saw you in Little Man, and you had a real brief cameo and now you are in another upcoming film. Can you tell us about that film?

GO: I am in a movie called Think Like A Man, and its going to be out March 9th (ED. Note- it was pushed back to April 19th) and its got Michael Ealy, Romany Malco, Terrance J, Jerry Ferrara, Kevin Hart, Tariji Henson, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, La La… basically 86% black

Story: Frank Holder | Photos: Tim Alexander | Location: Modani Showroom

“…Nobody should ever be satisfied with where you are at, even if you won an Oscar, you should want another Oscar. Like a singer, if you won a Grammy, you should want another Grammy. You are always looking for the next project.”

People, and me and Jerry.

HM: Hilarious! Well, lets skip ahead to ask how did you even get into acting to even get into that film? We know you are in that film- and it sounds like a pretty good film- but people nationally haven’t seen you in television the way we want to see you, especially your fans, so how did that progression happen? From stand up to actually landing in Think Like A Man? GO: How I landed in Think Like A Man is kinda a weird but good story. Will Packer the Producer, we have been friends for a couple of years, and I actually met him on the Tom Joyner Cruise. I didn’t know who he was, and he came up to me and said, ‘hey I Like your set,’ and we started talking and he never did tell me who he was. Literally, I didn’t know, and I went to Atlanta and I called him and we went to have a drink and that’s when people told me who he was. I didn’t know when I first met him. I didn’t even know who the producer was and what he looked like. Then we stayed in touch, and every time I went to Atlanta, I would call him and we would hang out a little bit, and then he came to see me when I was in Atlanta last March. I was at the Uptown Comedy Corner, and he came out and he said ‘I have this flick that I am gonna do and there is this part that I am gonna do for a happily married guy,’… So he basically sold me to Screen Gems and Sony because they weren’t familiar with me. They were like, ‘ We don’t know,’ and Will was like ‘No, this is the guy’. With the characters in the movie its like life imitating art. Kevin is playing a going through a divorce guy, and he was going through a divorce at the time of filming. I’m happily married and I’m happily married in real life. What Will wanted me to bring to the part was – so I thought- to make some off colored comments. Racial comments that you can say with your boys, that you wouldn’t be able to get a way with otherwise. Like when I go on stage. I get away with a lot of stuff.

HM: Speaking of going on stage, where are you in your career and how do you feel things have been since you have been in Hollywood? Are you happy with where you are or…?

GO: I don’t think you are ever happy. Nobody should ever be satisfied with where you are at, even if you won an Oscar, you should want another Oscar. Like a singer, if you won a Grammy, you should want another Grammy. You are always looking for the next project.

HM: But after Little Man did you think your career would move faster along?

To hear and see the response, go to the site at http://www.humormillmag.com to see the complete interview!

“…What Will (Packer) wanted me to bring to the part was – so I thought- to make some off colored comments.

Racial comments that you can say with your boys, that you wouldn’t be able to get a way with otherwise. Like when I go on stage. I get away with a lot of stuff.”

Excerpt From Chapter 1 The Night The Lights Went Out It was Atlanta, Georgia, October 2008. This was to be Katt Williams’ third outing as host of the very popular and profitable BET Hip Hop Awards. He'd raised his price based on his previous success manning of this annual event whose stats he could quote in his sleep. With Katt Williams at the helm the show got that rare boost of garnering more viewers in reruns than in initial airing. He was break room conversation. If you missed him the first time your friends and co-workers recited his highlights with such zeal that you'd correct your gross oversight and catch him the second time around. The man knew his worth when it came to this show - maybe a bit too much.

Success is the first cousin to hubris and Katt was getting acquainted with his new relative. The star studded line-up even included the addition of one of his own Kattpack label artist, Lady of Rage just to keep him happy. All systems were a go for another grand slam performance. Katt just had to show up, read the teleprompter and be funny. The second and third parts he had down to a science. It was the first part that he seemed to have trouble finessing.

The 3rd Annual awards show felt different than the other two. I'd come aboard for the first one as little more than an after-thought. Katt had his birthday party at his home in Woodland Hills and invited myself a string of comedians to share in the festivities. Earthquake was there along with Katt's touring mates, Luenell and Melanie Comarcho. We smoked weed, drank liquor, ate cake and listened to Katt lay out his plans for an all-out takeover of comedy. He was going to go back on tour with the girls and Red Grant. He was going to mount another tour simultaneously with Earthquake as the headliner. He was going to record a comedy DVD and a rap CD. And he was going to use me as his writer. I liked the plan.

All the big guns were at that show: Snoop, Kanye, Jim Jones, Lil Wayne, etc. Katt knew 'em all and talked like he'd known them all his life. Then again that's how everybody treated Katt. Fame makes you get friendly real quick and Katt was famous; the comic with an honorary hip hop pass. I didn't know at the time he'd also stepped on a few rappers toes in the process, but even if I did it wouldn't have mattered. In reality this was just another writing gig.

To most egotistical comedians writing for another one of the ilk can be a thankless position; that is unless you have your own identity. Paul Mooney will forever be known as Richard Pryor's writer, but he's also known as Paul Mooney. Well, I was Katt's writer AND D'Militant. That part meant I could lose my laminated credentials and still circulate around the venue. It also didn't hurt that I used to work at BET. The trip to Atlanta also gave me a chance to reacquaint myself with Katt. I figured the only reason he'd hired me was because I'd written for other name comedians and a book on comedy so maybe I knew what I was doing. I definitely earned my pay. While Katt played video games I wrote. While Katt relaxed and got high – I wrote. While Katt enjoyed his time with son, Micah – I wrote even more.

Then we had the rehearsal and most of what I wrote was scrapped. This is no big deal for a writer in such circumstance if you understand jokes are not like songs; repetition kills the fondness. The jokes that are funny the first 5 times are never funny the 6th so most of writing is re-writing. That night we all re-wrote - Katt, Red, Melanie, Luenell and I. Luenell was in the opening skit so she bowed out after a couple of hours and retired to her room. Everybody else nodded out in their chairs, but Katt and I stayed awake; hyped up on Nelly's Crunk energy drink.

On the night of taping everything worked. The opening went off without a hitch.

Katt's monologue was hilarious and a perfect example of crowd manipulation, for it was more of a rousing sermon lauding the hip hop community for its contribution to the nation and its influence over the culture. That's called padding your bet.

How you going to miss telling a hall full of egomaniacs that they have swagger?

The response was deafening. The show was a success.

T he following year Katt beefed up his writing crew with Josh and Nyima Funk, as well as Willis Turner. Like the first one, the 2nd Annual BET Hip Hop Awards found Katt waiting until the last minute to get focused. He'd second guessed all the components of the show. His take was simple. It was him out there. If the show stunk that meant he stunk so saying he was slightly concerned would be an understatement. Regardless, it worked.

The third one felt nothing like the other two (not that Katt didn't have a good writing crew). He'd asked me to bring in some people I'd wanted to work with for a while. The Funks had long since departed; weary of Katt's inconsistency and erratic work habits and Willis was on punishment for getting head from one of the female 'employees' Katt had desired. So it was me and my hand picked crew which consisted of Deon Cole, Geoff Brown and Joe Blount.

Deon Cole was a native of Chicago. I'd met him back when I was producing BETs “Comic View” and we became quick friends. That was in the days when Deon was a cannabis connoisseur; a bond many of us shared, but puffing wasn't the reason I chose Deon. He'd given up weed years before so his selection was based on his funny. The man was not only a comedian, but a film maker as well and his style of observation mixed with an impish deadpan delivery made him one of my personal favorites. I'd always wanted to work with him and now was my chance. At least I got him before he went on to become the first black writer for “The Tonight Show” under Conan O'Brien, who Deon remained with after Conan's well-publicized departure from NBC and re-emergence on TBS. Geoff Brown was also an old friend who first got my attention when he did a version of a ghetto opera on “Showtime at the Apollo”. Geoff brought down the house and I became a fan. We worked together at various venues over the years and then he did the first season of “Last Comic Standing” where he was beaten by novice comedian, Dat Phan. The loss meant nothing in my book. I'd done TV long enough to know how rigging takes place and ratings are key. Dat was the underdog and Geoff was just another black comic. A black comic with a biting wit and I wanted him on the team.

(Please see the book for the chapter in its entirety.)

This Weeks Star Spotlight focuses on Thandie Newton, born November 6, 1972 in London. She is of Zimbabwean descent and a mirrors image of variety. Many of us thrive to be the best, in ways of versatility and grace but not many succeed. The mind of a determined actress and an eye for variation sums up Ms. Newton.

In her earlier years she never really felt like she belonged, having attended all white Catholic Schools it was challenging and lonely.

Feeling like she was from nowhere but claiming both the English side and the Zimbabwean side displayed respect and admiration for her parents. She was proud to be different and struggled silently with racism during her childhood. In Hollywood ethnically ambiguous or mixed race actors are looked at as an asset because it’s difficult to determine their nationality. She’s a black woman with a British accent so she’s more desirable. The beauty in her exudes a sense that ugly can be pretty that poor can have a rich soul.

Before acting there was dance. After a back injury that hindered her from continuing, there was some acting but a concentration on a degree in anthropology. In her first movie Flirting, she became involved with the movie’s director and later regretted the affair. While pursuing her degree and studying the slave trade she was offered a role as a slave, which gave her the drive and interest to work in movies. In the film Beloved, Newton was considered brilliant and bold. Her performance was mesmerizing following it with playing a medical student in Besieged. Next was Interview with the Vampire, Mission Impossible 2, Charlie’s Angels, Crash, Pursuit of Happyness and For Colored Girls just to name a few. Her roles consist of a lot of emotion and heart. Struggling with an eating disorder, a failed relationship, a stressful childhood and a need to still be proud makes her the strong actor we all give credit to. These obstacles created strength rather than weakness and prepared this combination of beauty and resilience into perfection. Newton’s roles are so honest and raw that we see the character’s depth and inner pain. We see the slave, the mother, the wife, the daughter and we can relate. She’s the real deal and Hollywood has portrayed her in a multipurpose facet.

Her latest endeavor is Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds opposite Tyler Perry, Gabrielle Union, Phylicia Rashad and a whole All Star Cast. Thandie Newton is a treasure that’s roots travel back to African soil and whose heritage is as rich as its weight in gold. On behalf of myself and the Humor mill Magazine we hope to see more of Thandie in the future but in the meantime check out Good Deeds, I know it’s going to be a smash.

Pictured here is comedian Eddie Griffin on stage performing in A Fool & His Money; the new DVD from David E . Talbert, in Los Angeles. Photo: Diondre Jones

The title alone makes you stop in your tracks, an oxymoron at its best. The age-old debate where Men are from Mars Women are From Venus continued. A man gives women insight on how to obtain the perfect relationship with step by step instructions, but the men also want in and make the pairing of the relationships of the main characters seem too good to be true. Each couple or couple to be are in for the ride of their lives, as each chapter of their self help guide sets them up for their next play. From the outside looking in you can’t help but wonder how their story will end.

Whether you are single, married, divorced or in doubt that there is a suitable mate out there for you, you will relate to either one of the four couples and/or see them in a friend of family members’ relationship that you know. Timelines, socio-economical statuses and the checklist for the “dream” person that will “complete” them get them ‘caught up’, waiting or getting back in a relationship they once felt was unfulfilling. If you are expecting the norm from Kevin Hart, Gabrielle Union and Taraji P Hensen to name a few, you are in for a pleasant surprise. I am not alone when I say I can’t wait for the sequel. I give Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man four thumbs up, five stars for successfully bridging the gap to a universal theme, sealed by a dynamic cast consisting of: Kevin Hart, Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good, Taraji P. Henson, Terrance J, Regina Hall, Romany Malco, LaLa Vasquez, Gary Owen and Jerry Ferrara. Steve Harvey’s movie Act Like A Lady, Think A Man based on his best-selling book, produced by Will Packer and directed by Tim Story, premieres nationwide on April 20, 2012. Grade: A

Comedian TK Kirkland Photographer: Krysta Jabczenski

Brown Bettie Knows Best ~I may not be funny, but I sure know what is.

I was at a dinner party the other night. I was a little nervous because, well, 1) I was the “only one” at the party and 2) I hadn’t made time to get a mani/pedi; I felt self-conscious about shaking hands confidently with my nails un-did when I knew I was going to be surrounded by women with their nails did and 3) I had a HUGE cold sore hanging off my lip like an adult tarantula. Therefore, it was only natural that when I sat down at my assigned table full of already-seated guests, that my knees expertly knocked into the table which caused not a little, but a massive tidal wave. Six water glasses clinked, swayed, then overflowed and thoroughly soaked the table cloth, napkins and the pretty *paper* menus neatly tucked under each plate. “Helloooo!” Luckily, I’m funny, so I quickly quipped up something like, “Oh, I think we just had an earthquake. At our table, only.” Hardee-har-har. It broke the ice, and perhaps made all of us feel at ease, I’m sure. But, I was still mortified as I quickly plucked at my water-logged napkin, laid it on my lap and swiftly sat on my hands…all while smiling my winningest smile and willing the tarantula on my lip to fall the f**k off.

We exchanged pleasantries and as we were mostly strangers, began to introduce our lives to one another. All had children and I laughingly mentioned that I didn’t have any children, but that I had a cat. Saying that used to make me feel better, but this time, it didn’t. One of the women said to me, “Having children isn’t for everyone”…I was like, “Wait, wait, I do want them. I do!” Don’t I? I guess I’m a late bloomer; I didn’t have the love-of-my-life boyfriend at 18, 22, 25, 35 or … now… who would have activated a family with me like Wonder Twin power. Plus, I’ve been very very busy being a big time Entertainment Professional; have been for over 20 years – it says so on my Linked In profile – so it must be true. So. I sat there with a damp lap, looked at these people and started thinking about choices. …the choices we make that propel our lives forward, backwards, sideways, etc. and how the time lapse involved makes those choices more or less weighty. It’s like having chosen the Blue Pill over the Red Pill, but it is a time-release capsule and now you have to wait and see what the effect of your choice will be. You feel me?

We laughed and talked about the funny things kids do; I thought about how my seventeen-month old nephew likes to play dead when he doesn’t get his way. To show how unhappy he is, he literally loses his spine, crumples his legs and with no sound, no focus in the eyes, simply tumbles to the ground. He rolls over and lays spread eagle on the sidewalk, carpet, grass, doesn’t matter. And just lays there. Staring. Between the tidal wave, raggedy nails, tarantula and having a cat as my kid, I wanted to do the same. Just slump out of my chair, topple onto the floor and lay spread eagle while staring into nothingness.

At Easter dinner my sister-in-law told us about a friend who was having whatever that amnio-testing stuff is done and how the expectant mother was so nervous because, you know, EVERYTHING CAN GO WRONG WHEN YOU HAVE KIDS AFTER AGE THIRTY-FIVE. There was a brief pause as (I felt) my family kinda hold their breaths as they looked at the 40 year-old white elephant at the table. I just put my head down and looked really closely at my broccoli and cheddar casserole hoping that I wouldn’t catch a side glance from any of them trying to look into my eyes to see how that comment affected me. It took a moment before I could/would look up again….

You know, technically, I’m pretty happy I chose the Blue Pill. I have alotta bounce to my 40-ounce and have enjoyed my life thoroughly thus far. I’m admitting that the time-release capsule is giving me a purple haze, though. I’d like to have a family and all that stuff (you know, so can I have even more bounce to my ounce) and maybe, probably I will. But, in the meantime, I guess, I’ll have to be confident knowing there is a place for me at the table, too. I’ll be the girl who bumps the table and makes others feel comfortable through her weirdo internal awkwardness all while joining in on the laughter called “Life”.

Peppur (www.peppurchambers.com) is an actor, writer and creator/ performer of Harlem’s Night Cabaret performed by the sultry, sassy, sophisticated and sometimes funny, Brown Betties. She is currently working on, “The Brown Betties Guide: How to Look for Love In All The Wrong Places.” www.brownbetties.com Email her at peppur@brownbetties.com.

Are you just about tired of all the hype that comes out of Hollywood about seemingly every single thing?

I sure am. It never ceases to amaze me how easily our people, in and out of entertainment, can be, in the words of Malcolm: “Bamboozled, run amok, led astray…” The culprits can be anybody, including: “jack-legged” preachers, to “bootleg” politicians and even “shade tree” mechanics. The victims of these excessive hype salesman/women come from every walk of life, too.

When you have a people that are as beaten up as we are, with hundreds of years of systemic bad breaks and institutionalized heartbreaks, you just want something in life to be good and true. We want it so bad, in fact, that sometimes we not only close our eyes to what’s real (“Can we talk about what’s real?” Shot out to my man E.L.), but we actually go as far as to ostracize the bearer of bad tidings i.e. we “kill the messenger.” I don’t want anybody killing me but I’m going to try to illustrate my point by using Hollywood as my backdrop.

IN LIVING COLOR A very important and groundbreaking show in the history of television and a key component in the development of Urban Comedy is Keenan Ivory Wayans’ “In Living Color.” Well, unless you’ve been living under a rock… or not in L.A., you know that it’s coming back to Fox, the then fledgling, new network that was itself built on the backs of shows like “In Living Color,” “Martin” and “Rock.” It’s kind of what America did on the Blacks, I mean backs of African Americans in this country both during and after slavery. I digress but after all, it is Black History Month!

Anyway, I’ve never seen such a feeding frenzy with so little actual red meat being thrown out to the piranhas. It seems like everybody who’s ever told three jokes in a row thinks they have a shot at getting on. The chatter has been something like this: “They want character reels.” “Wait! Now, they want to do a stand up showcase at The Comedy Store.” “Wait! The showcase is cancelled.” “No, wait! It’s back on, down the street at The Laugh Factory!” “So and so is casting it. Oooops, they’re not casting it anymore. It’s back at the network. Oooops, it’s with another casting person now.” Yada, yada, yada. Is it just me, or is it really that deep? Some may argue that it is. Maybe it’s the only show in town.

I hope the show does well. I hope deserving performers get chosen. All I’m saying is that bowlers have a better chance of making it into the NBA. And also, all revival shows don’t always work, e.g. the almost forgotten attempted “rebooting” of Def Comedy Jam and Comic View. They just weren’t able to restore their former glory or catch lightening in a bottle a second time. Maybe we need to create more shows that lead to more opportunities. I’m not hatin’. I’m just sayin’.

RED TAILS The Red Tails hype should still be super fresh in everyone’s mind. First of all, historical Black Heroes and their accomplishments should be celebrated and remembered. It’s about time! Their contributions should be taught in our schools. Shot out to George Lucas for doing what we should’ve gotten together and done.

Red Tails was going to single-handedly right all of the past wrongs we’ve endured at the hand of Hollywood, change the innately racist nature of the film industry and start an avalanche-a veritable cavalcade of historical Black films coming out of Hollywood. There may not be enough actors and competent directors to handle all of the demand. All we as Black people had to do was go out and see the movie in the first weekend, get everybody we know to do the same, and put it over the $100 million dollar mark. Really?

Relatively very few movies have ever made $100,000,000 in their first month of release, if at all. According to Boxofficemojo.com only 19 movies in the history of cinema have made $100,000,000 in their first weekend.

None of them have been with a majority Black cast. Most mainstream films never reach that plateau nationally or even internationally. I guess if we were able to pull off miracles like that at the box office, the least Hollywood could do is give us a chance to do it again. I’m not trying to be overly dramatic or insensitive, but does anybody remember Jim Jones, Jonestown and that whole spiked Kool-Aid thing? I’m just saying…

THE HELP In the interest of full disclosure, I saw the film and thoroughly enjoyed the performances and the overall execution. It definitely harkened back to those disturbing times. I was there. Bottom line: it was a good movie. I’m happy for Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, who put their feet in their respective roles and handled them with the skill, dedication to craft, dignity and grace of Sidney Poitier in “The Lillies Of The Field,” Morgan Freeman in “Driving Miss Daisy” or Denzel, Andre Braugher and Morgan Freeman again, in “Glory.” In my humble opinion, their Academy Award nominations and Ms. Spencer’s Best Supporting Oscar, were well deserved!

It’s always baffled me why Danny Glover didn’t get more play from his chilling portrayal of “Mister” in “The Color Purple” (I think Whoopi got nominated) or why Angela Bassett and Larry Fishburne didn’t get more acclaim from Hollywood-across the board-for their stellar performances in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It” (Angela got nominated). I wonder if a few statements are being made here. One I’m hearing is that Hollywood and “mainstream” audiences never tire of seeing us serve them-even if it is mostly make believe.

Another message I’m reading loud and clear is that if we keep our noses clean and not only embrace these roles but excel in them, there’s more of that where that came from.

OPRAH, TYLER PERRY AND THE PRESIDENT Oh, so I’m crazy now? I don’t think so! All I’m sayin’ is, is don’t be so quick to believe the hype and if you can, start some of your own! ### Tony Spires is a filmmaker, poet, musician, award-winning playwright acclaimed director, event producer, personal manager, and featured columnist for The Humor Mill Magazine. He is also co-founder of Full Vision Arts Foundation and artistic director of Vision’s Kids Performing Arts Ensemble. Known as The Comedy Doctor in comedy circles, he is perhaps best known as the founder of the nationally reputed Bay Area Black Comedy Competition & Festival: http://www.BlackComedyCompetition.com and as writer/director/producer of the acclaimed feature film, “Tears Of A Clown” available on DVD. Email Tony at: ComedyDoctor@BlackComedyCompetition.com.

Visit his youth Arts Organization at: http://www.FullVisionArts.org.