The Humor Mill Magazine

Volume 3 Issue 14 Sept 21 -Sept 27, 2008

Debuting Her Her Debuting st Ever 1st 1 Ever Stand-Up Stand-Up DVD This This DVD Queen Really Really Queen Stands Alone Alone Stands

Staff

Founder / Publisher Frank Holder Chief Operations Officer Pookie Wigington Chief Financial Officer Kevin Layne Editor-At- Large Sacre Wills Layout, Design & Graphic Art Editor Bernadette Holder PresidentTelevision Division Ray Murphy, Jr. TV Segment Producer Harlan Endelman Sr. Fashion Editor Melinda Brown Columnists Tony Spires David Arnold Jackie Fabulous Rodney Perry Joey Wells Publicist Jackie Thomas Movie Reviews Aarona Browning PhotographersThis Issue Patrick Mckenzie Frank Holder Jamil Halloway Kevin Campbell Head ShotsWire Image Photos The content of this Magazine is copy written (2007-’08) 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.

www.humormillmag.com www.youtube.com/TheHumorMilll www.myspace.com/humormillcomedynewsletter

Credits

Special Thanks This Issue Sommore Wayne Baxley Patrick McKenzie Allen Zakie Vanessa Graddick Tamra-Marie Johnson Jackie Mgido Crystal Marie

Sommore Photo Shoot

Photographer - Patrick McKenzie Hair & Make Up- Sheika Daley Stylist- Wayne Baxley

Vanessa Graddick Photo Shoot Photographer- Frank Holder Make Up- Tamra-Marie Johnson

Magazine Digitized By Digipageit.com

Contents Comedy News

Arsenio Hall pulls back his new late night talk show to make way for DL Hughley’s, plus news on Bernie Mac’s new show coming back with an all new cast, and news from Cedric The Entertainer in a new romantic comedy, all of that and more here.

Urban Hollywood

Ghostbusters is making its way back on the big screen, plus some news from Denzel Washington, Darrin Henson, Tyler Perry and more. We also hear Vin Diesel is making moves and we are NOT talking about Fast and the Furious, and Regina King makes a comeback to TV.

Are You Ready For Sommore?

After many offers put on the table for Sommore to produce a Stand-Up DVD, Sommore finally drops her DVD in the market. We talk about her decision to finally produce the DVD, and her exploits behind the scenes as a businesswoman, including a new found love for documentaries.

Plus we talk about more roles behind the scenes in her very near distant future and what we can expect, as this Queen Stands Alone.

Humor Mail

Departments

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~ Kerry Washington

By Jackie Fabulous

From I think I Love My Wife to her new dramatic role in Lakeview Terrace, Washington is in our Spotlight this week. We look at her career and in an interview, we see what she thinks about her role ion her new film and a couple of other potential projects coming out.

Would You Give Away A Million Dollars To Your Friends?

By Sydney Castillo

Our writer this week gives us a very thoughtful question as we have all day dreamed about having so much money in the back, but the question remains, what would you do with it all to the people around you?

How much would you give away? Most importantly, would you be like Oprah and give Gail a million dollars?

Read what our writer would do for his family and friends.

Comedian Vanessa Graddick featured in our Style With‌ section. Photo: Frank Holder

Departments

Comedian Of The Week~ One On One With…

Lady Roz G

Another one of New Jersey’s finest is comedian Lady Roz G, who, with a commanding voice, sets her tune to what its gonna be! Move out of her way, cause this Queen has much to do and many stages to grace! We get a chance to kick it with Roz as she tells us what’s going on in her life and what to expect in the future.

Style With…

Vanessa Graddick Comedian Eric Blake backstage at The Laugh Factory during The Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show in Hollywood. Photo: Kevin Campbell.

This week, we introduce you to another aspiring comedian, Vanessa Graddick, and all we can say is move over Tyra Banks!

Columns It’s So Obvious People

By Joey Wells

A look at today’s economy from a comedian’s perspective has our eyes glued to what our writer has to say next. This week he was glued to MSNBC. We wonder what he has to say now, but you can find out now.

Our Favorite Black Sitcoms Part Three

By Lamont Ferrell

A finale on our favorite shows that has continued on from last issue as we are preparing you, our reader, for something special we have planned in the very near future. To do this, we give you a continuation of our alphabetical listing of the history of Black sitcoms on TV. Make sure you check out our list as we give you something to think about!

Actress Tatiana Ali at a reception

for the American Black Film Festival in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder.

Departments That’s What I’m Talking About

By Tony Spires The Comedy Doctor

This week the Comedy Doctor talks about something completely different; his taste in music. As usual, its an insightful look at the current state of music and where his taste lies.

Check out what he has to say about the music of today, and about the Oakland Art & Soul Festival event.

Movie Review

By Aarona Browning

This week we review Tropic Thunder, Pineapple Express and The Longshots. You know what we always say, is it worth its weight in your pocket? After all that’s what its all about.

The Rock Remedy

By Tony Rock

There is Dear Abby and now there is our very own writer, comedian Tony Rock- who dishes out advice- of course, with his very own comedic advice. Ready for so inyour-face advice? Here it is, but its not for the weak hearted or for folks who are not ready for a man’s point of view.

Actor Gregory Alan Williams at a reception for the American Black Film Festival in Hollywood.

Photo: Kevin Campbell.

Editor’s Page To All Of Our Readers, First of all, thanks for all of the emails about our last issue that was dedicated to Bernie Mac, and how nice you thought our issue was. A lot of hard work went into that issue, and it was an experience writing about someone who recently passed away, all the while trying to keep a positive outlook on it. That was very difficult. Oh yeah, to all of you who asked about a printed copy of that issue, we are working on it.

Anyway, this issue is dedicated to one of the Queens of Comedy, Sommore, a comedian who we also interviewed several years ago. As you will see, things have changed dramatically for her, especially since her career has changed lanes and her presence on TV is being felt. Not to mention Sommore FINALLY is putting a DVD out, so we are seeing a new look from her. We are also expanding our issue with a couple of new things, from our new column with Tony Rock to a couple of few surprises.

With all of the new things we are doing we hope to bring you along for the ride. Our focus is comedy but we want to try a couple of new things by incorporating a couple of different elements. We have learned a lot over the past four years, so you will slowly see what we discovered in our pages.

Anyway, a fact in the comedy world is this; this is a billion dollar industry that is not being tapped in Hollywood. SO we are going to try to open as many doors as we can to get this cash flow thru!

Frank Holder Publisher Humor Mill Magazine

Comedian Mike Britt behind-the-scenes at the taping of the new Comic View taping of One Mic Stand in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder.

Mail Humor Mill; After seeing the great Bernie Mac on your cover my heart immediately went out to his family and friends. I still can’t shake the feeling that he is still here with us. He was so great at what he did, as a comedian, as a star and most importantly as a father. That type of person is what will truly be missed. We love and will always miss you Bernie.

Patricia Stephens Baltimore, MD Ed. NOTE: As we said last issue, it was one of the hardest issues we have ever done. But he’s in a better place right now. We miss you Bernie!

Humor Mill: After reading your issue and all of the great articles that you published I was touched and I am not even a part of the Mac family! But I was privileged enough to see Bernie Mac grow from a Def Jam comic to a super star in Hollywood. Not too many folks can say that they did that! He gave hope to a lot of comedians, all I ask is that they respect his craft, and the craft of comedy all together.

What the Mac Man did was masterful!

Michelle Dumas Torrance, CA. Ed. NOTE: Well said, and we couldn’t agree more.

Comedian David Arnold behind the scenes at the taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand in Hollywood. Photo: Kevin Campbell.

Mail The Humor Mill: I opened up your e-zine for the first time and I loved what you are trying to accomplish over there. Also, that dedication of your entire issue to Bernie Mac was very moving and after my review I wrote all of the other publications in the black industry and stressed the fact that they should do the same. It’s sad that they will use him when they are pushing a film to sell some magazines, but when he passed he was a blip on page 12.

John Starks Ontario Canada Ed. NOTE: Being a magazine dedicated to comedy we felt that it was our duty to give the Mac Man his due. After all he will go down in the Comedy Hall Of Fame as one of the greatest of all time.

Humor Mill: Still can’t believe the Mac Man is gone. I sat there watching the news of this on CNN and later on that night I flipped the channel and he was on cable in Oceans 13 looking healthy as ever. Is this the alarm we need for us to go get our physicals on a regular basis? That’s the only good thing that I can see coming out of that.

UNKNOWN

Comedian Tyshon Barrett at the taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand in Hollywood.

Photo: Kevin Campbell.

Ed. NOTE: Maybe, but reports did surface that he was slightly under the weather when he filmed that, too.

Mail The Humor Mill: Looking back at the career of Bernie mac and his infamous statement “I aint scared of you mutha f*ckers!” to his role in Transformers as a shady car salesman, to his role as a dealer in the Oceans films show his comedy ability that I am sure many of today’s comedians strive for. Personally I think the comedy scene is saturated with tons of comics, and not that much talent. So when we see a true comedy genius we really do have to recognize his greatness, so when something like his untimely death happens, we would have appreciated it (his talent) when he was alive. I just think lots of people got on his boat late and missed out on greatness.

Tina Marino Birmingham, AL

Executive Producer Bob Sumner at the taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand in Hollywood.

Photo: Kevin Campbell.

Comedian Kenny Johnson behind the scenes at the taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand in Hollywood. Photo: Kevin Campbell.

Mail The Humor Mill Magazine; I thought it was very touching to see a lot of the comics in the industry say something in your publication about Bernie.

It was moving and it really felt like it meant something. I was watching Access Hollywood or some other show, and most of those people didn’t even really show too much emotions when speaking about Bernie which just showed me that he wasn’t really in that community too much. But in the comedy world you can tell he was a legend.

Temeca Rollins Philadelphia, PA Ed. NOTE: Well, you might be right. You really have to take into consideration that Bernie was in the comedy game since the late 70s and was around it long before he was known in Hollywood.

Most of those folks just got to know him. As many people stated in our last issue he was a legend in the industry for a very long time.

Humor Mill Magazine; Damn! My n*ggaz gone. Now all of those who be staelin’ his joke aint gonna ever get caught!

Bernie RIP to you and the fam!

Mike Biz Strong Island, NY

Comedian Jasper Redd behind the scenes at the taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand in Hollywood.

Photo: Kevin Campbell.

Mail The Humor Mill Magazine; I loved you whole issue! Now I am going to send it to all of my friends and family. By the way, I think the Bernie Mac issue was really touching, as I was moved. Great articles.

Comedian Rayzor after an episode taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand in Hollywood.

Photo: Kevin Campbell.

Theresa Bradley Encino, CA Ed. NOTE: Thanks for the compliments.

The Humor Mill Magazine; I am writing because I have been a reader for a couple of months and I enjoy every issue. I do wish I could take home a printed version so I can read this on the way to work or maybe at the office. But you guys are doing great work over there. By the way, I loved that fashion spread of that comedian you guys did. The two of them made such a nice couple.

Ed. NOTE: Thanks for the compliments on the magazine. As we have stated we are working hard to bring to the audience a printed version. We are also going to try our hands in a couple of other projects, so stay tuned.

CORRECTIONS FROM LAST ISSUE! We already know by now that we mixed up the names of the Wayans brothers for the new GI Joe film. Yes we made a correction that you will see in the following pages. So PLEASE stop sending us emails about that!

We got it! Besides the minor typos we had, there we really too many to name. â˜ş 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!

Comedians Cocoa Brown and Shang during a taping of an episode taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand in Hollywood. Photo: Kevin Campbell.

Mail To The Humor Mill; I wanted to write because I always look forward to reading your next issue, and I am hooked on some of your writers. I think adding Lamont Ferrell and Sydney Castillo to your cast of characters is great because they can really put some words on paper. I look forward to more!

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention Joey Wells, the only person to ever make me bust out laughing at my desk and almost got me written up. Keep up the great work over there.

Daniel Abbott Boston, MA To The Humor Mill; Great articles! Do you think we can see more articles in some upcoming issue? The Comedy Doctor doesn’t miss a beat.

UNKNOWN Ed. NOTE: We are expanding every day so as we get more columnists, you will see more articles.

To The Humor Mill; I don’t know who pics the covers, or who picks the articles but I think sometimes you guys are missing out on some big names and issues.

UNKNOWN Ed. NOTE: If you feel that way, you really need to send us an email to explain in further detail what we are missing.

LisaRaye at Big Spike’s Mo Betta Monday’s at The Improv in Hollywood Photo: Frank Holder.

Arsenio Hall

The biggest news of the week is that we have discovered late night host Arsenio Hall will NOT be the only comedian doing a late night show this fall, such as the show Hall has with MynetworkTV. We have recently discovered that comedic actor DL Hughley is also jumping into the game with a talk show too. We can’t say what network, but the plans are under way for the show to start now, and it will be along the lines of HBO’s Real Time With Bill Mayer. But Arsenio Hall’s show set to debut may take a hit because of DL Hughley’s show, and the network is already not taking any chances. So far, the network has already pushed back the debut to Arsenio’s show to an unspecified date later on in the fall.

DL Hughley

A couple of months ago we broke the news about the new Bernie Mac going back to television with his new show titled Starting Under. As we all know due to his untimely death, the show that was originally planned as a starring vehicle for Mac was scrapped. But we just discovered something new about the show, and the word is that the show might be moving forward with a different lead actor in the title role. No official announcement has been made on who will join the cast of Ken Davitian, Andrea Parker, Silvana Arias, and Shelly Desai but we do know the show looks like its moving forward. In case you are not familiar with the premise of the show, we hear that the show is about a recently divorced guy who is forced to move in with his twenty-something year old son, and the comedy begins right after the move. Stay tuned for more news soon.

L-R: Ken Davitian & Andrea Parker, Silvana Arias, and Shelly Desai Marlon Wayans Last issue we made a mistake in some of the news we gave you so let us set the record straight; we reported that Shawn Wayans had joined the cast of next summer’s potential blockbuster film titled GI Joe: Rise Of The Cobra. Well, the person who is in the film is his brother Marlon Wayans, and he will join the huge cast of Brendan Fraser, Channing Tatum, Dennis Quaid, Ray Park, Arnold Voosloo just to name a few.

Comedian Guy Torry and Radio Show Host/Rapper Yoyo behind the scenes at the taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder.

As you probably know by now, comedian Chris Rock, is about to debut his long awaited stand-up special on HBO September 27th titled Kill The Messenger that was filmed in South Africa, London and New York. The word is that the special is one of his best performances.

Chris Rock

JB Smoove

Big things are happening for comedian J.B. Smoove, probably best known and recognized for his role as Leon Black on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm. J.B. Smoove recently joined Fox's new show titled 'Til Death two-thirds of the way through last season as new mainstay Kenny, a recently divorced free spirit with bad advice to burn. Now, the network is looking at Smoove to revive the show that’s doing so-so in the ratings, with what he is probably best know for-improvising. So far, the network execs has said adding Smoove to the cast has been a “wonderful experience” and only time will tell. Til Death also stars Brad Garrett and Joely Fisher.

Last issue we reported that Cedric The Entertainer is about to make a splash on Broadway, and it looks like he has also jumped into a new romantic comedy film. The film, titled All's Faire in Love, is about a drama school grad whose crush on a fellow actress in his Renaissance Faire theater troupe is thwarted by his swashbuckling colleagues. Ced is joining the all star cast of Christina Ricci, Owen Benjamin, (who play the couple in the film) Ann-Margret, Matthew Lillard and Louise Griffiths. Word is Cedric replaces the once-attached Jack Black as Professor Shockworthy, whose appearances bookend the film he narrates in fairy-tale style.

Comedy on the Starz Entertainment Network appears to be doing great, as they have plans to air two bonus episodes of its original stand-up comedy series titled

Cedric The Entertainer

Christina Ricci Bruce Bruce

Doug Williams

Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand-up, hosted by Doug Williams from

now until Oct. 23 exclusively on Starz On Demand. The episodes will feature comedians Bruce Bruce, Meshelle, Gary Owen and Joey Wells, the Berry Boys, Eddie Bryant, Deon Cole, Lavell Crawford, Shang and Jamie Teat.

Meshelle

Brad Garrett

Gary Owen

Comedians Damn Fool and Retha Jones behind the scenes at the taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder.

Frank Caliendo

In network news it looks like Comedy Central is making more news again. It seems Comedy Central and The New York Comedy Festival has announced that they have signed a multi-year partnership. This new deal provides the Festival for the first-time, a national television partner to showcase its prestigious comedy line-up. The Festival, celebrating its Fifth Anniversary, will feature some of today’s biggest names in comedy for its 2008 roster including Frank Caliendo, Louis C.K., Craig Ferguson, Carlos Mencia, Joel McHale, B.J. Novak, Tracy Morgan, Brian Regan, Sarah Silverman, and Katt Williams.

Katt Williams

Louis C.K. Tracy Morgan

Wil Sylvince

Anthony Anderson

Speaking of festivals, the Comedy Short Cutz film festival, founded by comedian Wil Sylvince, is back again, and currently in its third year. Actor and comedian Anthony Anderson hosted their first night in New York to a great reception of attendees. As the staff prepares for the industry event on October 23rd for the finalist’s, we will be sure to have all of the info about the winners and more in upcoming issues.

Annie McKnight

Comedian and actress Annie McKnight is stepping up her game and about to make a a big splash in Hollywood. We hear that Annie, who has previously been seen on shows such as Everybody Hates Chris and has also starred in Hair Show has now landed a role in Jamie Fox's new film titled The Soloist. The film also stars Robert Downey Jr. and Stephen Root and will be released in November. More news coming from Annie’s camp in the very near future about a couple of other projects she has planned, and we will be sure to fill you in.

Robert Downey, Jr.

Jamie Foxx

Comedians Dominique Raquel, Cocoa Brown, and Carmen Barton behind the scenes at the Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show.

Photo: Frank Holder.

L-R: Ghostbusters, Harold Ramis, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, & Ernie Hudson The biggest news we heard in the past week was Columbia Pictures is planning a new installment of its blockbuster Ghostbusters franchise. It is being reported that the films’ Producers are planning to bring back together the original cast of Harold Ramis, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Ivan Reitman possibly to direct, as he directed both the 1984 original and the sequel that was released in 1989. If you remember Ghostbusters was Columbia's highest grossing film ever, until it was beaten by Men in Black and then Spider-Man. Our sources stated to us that an attempt to make a third installment of the franchise was stymied in the deal making stage. It was said that so much gross was pledged to the participants that it was next to impossible for the studio to make any money on a third installment. We have currently discovered that no deals will be made with the original cast until the script is ready, but the gross percentage will certainly be an issue. Stay tuned.

Denzel Washington Oscar winner Denzel Washington is getting back to gritty films as he is set to star in Book of Eli, a postapocalyptic drama that will be directed by Allen and Albert Hughes. Washington will play a lone hero who fights his way across an America devastated by an apocalypse. Joel Silver (Producer of such films at the Matrix Trilogy, V for Vendetta and The Reaping) is producing with Washington, Susan Downey, Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson. Shooting begins in January. The Hughes Brothers (of Dead Presidents fame) are making the project their first drama since 2001's From Hell.

Rick Yune

Allen & Albert Hughes

We have to congratulate actor Rick Yune as he was FINALLY given his own starring vehicle in the film titled Ninja Assassin, after starring in several key films that have been very successful. You may not recognize the name but you would recognize his face as he has starred in films such as Die Another Day and The Fast and The Furious. Ninja Assassin also stars Naomie Harris, who is probably best known for her portrayal as the Witch helping Jack Sparrow (who was played by Johnny Depp) in the films Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. Ninja Assassin is expected to be released early in 2009.

Comedian Jeffrey Ross (Now on Dancing With The Stars) and friend behind the scenes at the Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show.

Photo: Frank Holder.

The British invasion continues in music, television, and now film, as the new film hitting the screens from director Guy Ritchie (director of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch) is titled RocknRolla and stars an all star mostly British cast. Stars such as Idris Elba, Nonso Anozie, Christopher Bridges (Ludacris) and Thandie Newton star in the new film about a Russian mobster who sets up a real estate scam that generates millions of pounds, as various members of London's criminal underworld pursue their share of the fortune. Various shady characters, including Mr One-Two, Stella the accountant, and Johnny Quid, a druggie rock-star, try to claim their slice. The film also stars Gerard Butler (of 300 fame) as the lead and Toby Kebbell and is set to debut in October.

Below L-R: Idris Elba, Nonso Anozie, Christopher Bridges (Ludacris) & Thandie Newton

L-R: Darrin Henson, Charlie Murphy, David Alan Grier, Kym Whitley, John Witherspoon

Actor Darrin Henson continues to make a splash in Hollywood since his days starring as Lem Van Adams in Showtime’s Soul Food. After landing the role as Grant in Stomp The Yard and co-starring in a recurring role on ABC Family’s Lincoln Heights, Henson has gotten into comedy with a new role in the film The Hustle, also starring Charlie Murphy, David Alan Grier, Kym Whitley, John Witherspoon, Tony Cox and David Faustino. But it doesn’t stop there; Henson has jumped into the action genre in the new film titled Tekken as the character Raven (also starring Luke Goss) and in his newest film, the drama The Express: The Ernie Davis Story. The Express hits theaters October 10 and also stars Dennis Quaid, Rob Brown and Charles S. Dutton.

Christel Khalil

Congratulations goes out to actress Christel Khalil of ABC’s Young and The Restless (she plays Lilly Winters) as she was married on Saturday September 20th to her boyfriend (sorry, she did not reveal his name) at a small ceremony that consisted of the cast of Y&R, family, and friends.

Writer, director, producer and our very own Comedy Doctor Tony Spires with comedian Don “DC� Curry behind the scenes at the taping of the new season of Comic View: One Mic Stand in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder.

We hear that comedic actress and Host of ABC’s The View, Whoopi Goldberg has signed on to appear in the NBC holiday special Letters to Santa — A Muppets Christmas. The film will feature songs by Paul Williams, who penned the score to The Muppet Movie, and co-stars Richard Griffiths, Madison Pettis and former Sopranos stars Tony Sirico and Steve Schirripa. As you already guessed, muppet appearances will include Kermit, Fozzie, Gonzo and Miss Piggy, among others. The story is set on Christmas Eve when Kermit and company mistakenly avert three letters en route to Santa Claus, which triggers a race against time to bring a happy Christmas to the kids whose wishes were lost in the mail.

Whoopi Goldberg

Tony Sirico

Tyler Perry and his empire continues to grow as news has surfaced that Perry is building a brand new studio in Atlanta that will rival some studios in Hollywood. It has been recently been confirmed to us he is developing a spin-off sitcom series for TBS based on characters from his play and movie, Meet the Browns. TBS picked up 10 episodes from Debmar-Mercury which will debut in January 2009. Tyler will serve as executive producer and director and occasional writer for this new series, fulfilling similar duties on his other TBS series, House of Payne. David Mann will star in Meet the Browns as Leroy Brown who inherits a wrecked house from his deceased father.

Tyler Perry Good news for actor Megalyn Echikunwoke (formerly of FOX’s “24” as Nicole Palmer) who joined the cast of CBS' CSI: Miami last season in a recurring role; she was just promoted as a series regular on the show. The actor will be introduced in episode 2 as new medical examiner, Dr. Tara Price. The forensic drama will begin its seventh season on Sept. 22nd.

Megalyn Echikunwoke Vin Diesel After several disappointments at the box office, looks like Vin Diesel is going back to his roots as the character Riddick. Diesel told a news outlet that he's expanding the Pitch Black franchise with two more films, despite the box officer failure of its second installment, The Chronicles of Riddick.

"Everyone knows I love the Riddick character and I'm always working on it," said Diesel. When asked why the films are spaced so far apart, he answered: "It just takes five years to make another one because David Twohy and I are so precious about it...Sooner or later we all end up in the Underverse. David Twowy right now is writing the scripts. The only question is whether we take a page from the 'Lord of the Rings' guys and try to shoot the two chapters at the same time. There are two more in mind," he said of Riddick, the Furyan warrior first introduced in the 2000 film Pitch Black.

Actors Kristoff St. John and Bryton McClure backstage at the Young and The Restless Black Media Day Luncheon at CBS Studios in Hollywood.

More on this next issue! Photo: Frank Holder.

The trade magazines are reporting that actress Regina King is returning to television in NBC's pilot LAPD, an ensemble drama that follows a group of police officers in Los Angeles. King will play Lydia, a smart, sympathetic detective in the Hollywood division and also stars Kevin Alejandro and Michael McGrady.

Alejandro (of Shark fame) will play Nate, a detective who is happily married with three kids and another on the way. McGrady (of Daybreak fame) will play Sal, a detective who works mainly on gang-related crimes and is obsessed with his family's safety.

Regina King

Word is that actor Harold Perrineau (of Lost fame) is jumping to the big screen as he has joined the cast of the independent thriller Killing Jar, also starring Michael Madsen and Danny Trejo. Perrineau also is executive producing the Morningstar Films project, with the indie company's John Sachar. Mark Young (of Tooth and Nail fame) is directing a script he penned about a stranger armed with a shotgun who takes seven patrons hostage at a remote roadside diner. As the body count rises, the survivors discover that one of the hostages might be more dangerous than their captor. Perrineau, plays one of the hostages, a traveling salesman named John. The film is currently shooting in North Carolina.

Kevin Alejandro

Michael McGrady

Harold Perrineau

Danny Trejo

As we reported several months ago, we hear that comedian David Alan Grier is coming to the Comedy Central network with a new show titled Chocolate News, which is an outrageous, character-driven sketch magazine series debuting Wednesday, October 15 at 10:30 p.m. Grier is the creator, executive producer and host of Chocolate News, which is a hilarious take on pop culture events. The ten-episode series will regularly air on Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. Word is Chocolate News will take on a variety of contemporary topics from a decidedly African-American perspective and everyone and everything is fair game. The series stars Grier who, in addition to serving as the acerbic, all-knowing, in-studio host, will also portray multiple characters within the series' investigative reports, which will be presented by a cast of three correspondents.

David Alan Grier

Comedians Wil Sylvince and Dominique backstage at the Bernie Mac Tribute at Trippin On Tuesdays at the Comedy Store Hosted by Chris Spencer in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder.

We hear that comedic actor Faizon Love has been cast opposite actors Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau and Jason Bateman in the Universal Pictures comedy Couples Retreat. We are not sure if this is the project that Love told us about when we interviewed him last year but we do know this; he finally got it on the big screen.

Anyway, the script follows four couples who go to a tropical island resort and while one couple is there to work on their marriage, the others are there to play but soon discover that participation in the resort’s couples therapy is not optional. Favreau, who you might recall is the director of this summer’s block buster hit Iron Man (and who also penned the script), takes the acting job before preparing to direct Robert Downey Jr. in the superhero sequel next year. Faizon Love will next be seen in the films G.E.D. and Days of

Jon Favreau

Faizon Love

Vince Vaughn

Wrath.

Comedic actor Brandon T Jackson, hot off of his hit film Tropic Thunder, looks like he is about to make some major career moves. Why do we say that? Well, we hear that Jackson is about to film a yet-to-be-titled project with R&B stars Chris Brown and Rihanna. But up next to hit the screen for Jackson is the film Days of Wrath starring a huge ensemble cast of actors featuring Laurence Fishburne, Wilmer Valderrama (he plays a serious villain!), Ricardo Chavira and Taye Diggs to name a few. We know that the film sets around the lives of rival gang members, a teacher, a TV news crew and other intertwine in the city of Los Angeles. The film is set to be released later this year.

Brandon T. Jackson

Rihanna

Chris Brown

Capone Dominique

Tony Roberts

Always in the ground breaking category, looks like the folks at Def Comedy Jam are at it again. This time, though they plan on expanding their brand globally. If you haven’t heard Def Comedy Jam recently went to Europe to put on a show while looking for new talent. A group of comics who went overseas to perform featured comedians Capone, Tony Roberts, Dominique and Patrice O’Neal. No word yet on their new plans but as soon as we find out we will let you know.

Comedian and Emmy Award Winner Kathy Griffin of E! Networks’ My Life On The D List backstage at the Katt Williams Concert at Universal in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder.

Back in 1990 when Def Comedy Jam exploded on cable television (on HBO) we were introduced to an onslaught of new comedians who came on stage and just ripped the stage to pieces. Def Comedy Jam introduced us to a whole new type of comedian, a comic who spoke his mind and most importantly was someone who we could relate to because they all sounded like we did, with our same slang and catch phrases. Looking back on it, the reason that was is quite obvious; they were from our streets and had our background.

We were introduced to a whole new breed, from comedians like Bernie Mac, Chris Tucker, Bill Bellamy and many, many, more. The women came on real strong too; women such as Adele Givens and Miss Laura Hayes and most importantly our cover story, Sommore.

After capturing audiences back then Sommore (as you all know by now) was one of the new hosts for BET’s Comic View and one of the pivotal choices for Walter Latham’s Queens Of Comedy Tour. Sommore’s demand grew after year as she quickly became one of the hottest comics in the country. Her shows sold out then and to this day still sell out. So the question remained at several years ago, during the height of the DVD explosion when everyone was doing their own stand-up performance what was taking her DVD so long to drop?

After our interview we have to say Sommore has everyone fooled. Yes, we know from her presence on stage that she can keep it “gully” like to rest, and she is no puppet. But we discovered that most importantly she is a very smart businesswoman. Her DVD didn’t drop during the DVD explosion because she planned it that way. Her appearances on television this year on such shows as Celebrity Fit Club and 1 VS 100 were calculated. AND her DVD release of her first ever stand up performance DVD titled The Queen Stands Alone was all planned. How you might ask? Well, we caught up with her for an interview and wanted to know the same things so we asked her, and here is a portion of our interview; The Humor Mill: Sommore, I guess one of the first questions we have to ask you is where have you been?

Sommore: Are you serious? This has been one of my busiest years! I did Dirty Laundry, I did 1 vs. 100 on NBC, I did Celebrity Fit Club. I have been on TV more than I have ever been on TV. That’s crazy!

HM: Ok, you got me! Anyway, let’s take a quick look back in the past. How did you get started in the comedy game?

S: I got started…I was out of college…I had majored in Business Administration and I minored in Mathematics, and I was like everybody else. I was working, and not really unhappy in my career but I knew that I needed more joy in my life. I have always been a businesswoman. At the time when I started doing comedy I had already started my own business and was running it successfully. Comedy made me actually quit my business. I was doing a lot of things, I was owning my own business, I was substitute teaching Algebra, and I was working at an Employment Agency. I was hustlin’ and there was something in me! I had a passion for it (comedy), I said “let me try it’, I tried it, it felt good to my soul and I have been rockin’ and rollin’ ever since.

“I was working, and not really unhappy in my career, but I knew that I needed more joy in my life… I was hustlin’ and there was something in me… I had a passion for it (comedy)… I tried it, it felt good to my soul, and I have been rockin’ and rollin’ ever since.”

HM: What would you say is the difference between you as a comedian now versus you years ago when you first started out in this game and why so long to put out your DVD? S: I can see the maturity in myself now, and I think that the project that I put out now is excellent work; its fifteen years of material but it’s a grown Sommore. This is why I produced it, I directed it, worked on the distribution deal and everything myself. Not only that I have a documentary that I am producing myself right now that I just finished and I am getting ready to start shopping it right now.

HM: Why your own DVD now and this theme, and most importantly why was now a good time?

S: I have stand-up out there and it was in your face, it was raw, it was on point, but I wanted to have my own signature thing. My own special, so I waited, and I am glad that I waited. Business wise, I made a better move and I always knew that I would get more for it if I waited. I always knew that. Plus, I wanted to be able to tour. See, I am a ‘stand up’ comedian meaning that the road is always what I always had. If I had a television deal I would have done a special a long time ago. But because this is where I make my money, why would I go out, do a special give away all of my material, then try to hit the road with the same material?

That’s one thing that’s different about me than a lot of other comedians. I write. I’m a writer by nature, my Dad is an English teacher and a writer. So, I’m a writer by nature. I can out-write the best of them, meaning I will always have my material and I will always blaze the stage. ‘Cause I’m writing.

You are guaranteed to see new material. Not to diss on anybody else, or hate on anybody else, but I have seen comedians rolling through this city for years using the same material. AND they are bragging’ about “I ripped it up”, and if you are doing the same material for three years you should rip it up. You should rip it up and tear it up every single time. You should be ashamed of yourself as a comedian not to even challenge yourself, and to take audiences for granted. You know, people are paying $25-$30 a ticket to see you, and you are using the same material that you have been using all these years? That’s disrespectful to the game. It really is.

“I’m a writer by nature. I can out-write the best of them, meaning I will always have my material, and I will always blaze the stage.

‘Cause I’m writing. You are guaranteed to see new material. ”

Photographer: Patrick McKenzie

Photograph by Patrick McKenzie Humor Mill Magazine - Best Kept Secret | humormillmag.com | Entries to thehumormill.editorial@gmail.com

Model

Nya Johnson This aspiring model and Mass Communications Specialists from Springfield, Massachusetts plans to also own her Athletic/Community center. She is also the co-founder (along with her parents) of The Focus Is Our Children which is a youth mentoring and performing arts and sports program in Pittsfield, Mass.

After introducing her voice to the country on NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2006, and after appearing in Jamie Foxx's Laffapalooza, BET's Comic View and Comedy Central's Premium Blend, comedian Roslane Gholston, known around the globe by her stage name as Roz, is now looking at the comedy industry differently, ready to take on the world. We say that because that’s the first thing you notice about her doing her act, and that’s her voice. After viewing any of her performances you will notice that not only is she very funny, but she is loud. Very loud. So with her voice comes her motto, (which as you know every comic who starts out in the game, usually has one), and her’s "I ain't got jokes, I got problems!" is about to be a national anthem. Anyone who knows her will tell you that the catch phrase stems from a painful past. Roz was once heavy into drugs and alcohol and she's been clean for 19 years.

Fast forward to today and Roz is still setting the country on fire from College campuses, to comedy clubs, to her upcoming projects such as her pilot she shot for HBO, titled Comedy Intervention, about comedians recovering from addiction. She also expects to be in a reality show titled The Fatchelorettes.

Anyway, lets see what this Orange, New Jersey native has to say about her career and her stand-up performances, her special, and more. We interviewed her to ask her about her routine and here is a portion of the interview; Humor Mill: What’s life been like since Last Comic Standing?

Roz: It’s been great…Had a couple of bills, working on some projects now, and almost out of debt. Now I got new debt. (Laughs) HM: How did you get started in the game? How did that all come about?

Roz: Just hanging out at comedy clubs. I was a groupie first, I always used to hang out at this club where Bill Bellamy used to host called the Peppermint Lounge and Club 88, and Bogie’s,and he used to host all the comedy shows in Jersey and I was just a groupie. They always used to tell me I was funny and that I need to do stand-up and one day I just did it. I was Broker’s and they were having this Def Comedy Jam competition and Bob Sumner was there and Tina Graham and I was doing comedy at this mainstream club called Rascals where I had to do runner’s shows where I had to bring people, in order to perform. But I didn’t really count that as my stand up then because I did one show a month and I thought I was a celebrity for that one night.

And that was in 1988.

HM: So you have been doing comedy for a really long time.

Roz: Yeah I been around the game for along time but I been consistently doing it for a little over 10 years.

HM: What would you say your take is on comedy now that you are on this side of the fence?

Roz: Well no matter what side of the fence you are on there are still challenges. On the other side of the fence is the struggle, trying to get a break through, and once you get to the other side and you get a little heat, a little break through then you gotta deal with new haters, new problems. Either you are not good enough for what they want or they don’t think you are good because you want this amount of money, they might be looking for this type of person…One of the things that I made a committement to myself is I would never divert from who I am. I’m Roz and I am always gonna be me no matter what realm I play in.

To hear the rest of this interview please click here: http://humormill.podhoster.com/

Tropic Thunder

Directed By Ben Stiller When 5 egotistical actors struggle to complete a big budget war movie, the director decides to place the actors in real combat to save the film’s integrity. Long story short…”it ain’t nothin to it, but to do it”. This movie was hilarious from Robert Downey Jr. playing a culturally-confused AustralianBlack wannabe to Ben Stiller once again playing the clueless leading man all the way down to Tom Cruise’s cameos as the no-nonsense, filthy-mouthed producer. This film is wicked fun reminiscent of Get Shorty (1995), where a film makes fun of the Hollywood structure and politics. And in the spirit of Robert Downey Jr. for this film, I’d like to do my best white girl impression, “Like, Ohmigod….you should like totally see this movie!” 5 reels

Pineapple Express

Directed By David Gordon Green Weed-smoker Dale Denton (Seth Rogen) is on the run with his dealer, Saul (James Franco), after witnessing a policewoman (Rosie Perez) commit murder. The only link to the crime is the unique dope he smoked while at the scene of the crime—Pineapple Express. This movie was also hilarious and was actually the white-version of Friday (1995). Craig & Smokey were just replaced with Dale & Saul. I liked Craig Robinson in this film because he looked like Mister T. I always love films written

by Judd Apatow (Anchorman- 2004) because they’re extremely quotable like: “This is the dopest dope I ever smoked…it’s so good it tastes like God’s vagina.” Classic, but nothing beats Chris Tucker’s “Dammmmnnnn....you got knocked the f--- out!” 5 reels

The Longshots

Directed By Fred Durst This movie is based on the true story of Jasmine Plummer (Keke Palmer) the 11 yr-old who became the first female to play in a Pop Warner Tournament. And boy was it good! Ice Cube played her uncle, Curtis. Tasha Smith played her mama, Claire Plummer. Jill Marie Jones finally lands a good film after TV-sitcom, Girlfriends, playing her teacher Miss Mercer. Good black cast including funny characters played by both Michael Colyar & Earthquake. The old Limp Bizkit front-man, Fred Durst didn’t do too bad for his directorial debut. And that little Keke Palmer is on her way! Raven Symone better watch out. As long as she keeps playing in these good blockbuster films, she could be the next Halle Berry. Keke, whatever you do stay away from fall-off films such as Like Mike 4 or Dr. Doolittle 6 you be just like Angela Bassett after Vampire in Brooklyn…Hollywood’ll quit calling you for 6 years girl! 5 reels

Comedian Damoli Sullivan behind the scenes at The Savoy, which is hosted by Rodney Perry in Los Angeles.

Photo: Frank Holder.

So, once again I’m up at one o’clock in the morning trying to get this article into the editor. I should’ve finished it last week but I got a little busy. Plus I don’t know what I want to talk about. I’m not complaining about being busy, because in this entertainment game it’s better to be busy than not. Oh before I get started I gotta share this with you all. I booked my first commercial! Yeah for Joey! Okay back to the business at hand.

Whoa, I now know what I wanna talk about. I know when I first started I wanted to educated you, and myself about the jobs in the political arena. This will be my fourth article and I still haven’t interviewed anybody. However, I’m glued to the television, and the radio about this upcoming presidential election. So forget about what I didn’t do and concentrate on what I am doing.

As I sit here watching MSNBC, it looks like our economy is heading farther south. This election should be a slam dunk for the democrats. But for some strange reason, it’s neck and neck. Here are some stats that I got from HARDBALL. Look at me giving y’all some hard core facts; Unemployment in 2001 was 4.2%. it’s now 6.1% We had a surplus of $281 billion in the National Budget in 2001. We now have a $357 billion deficit Our national debt was $5.7 trillion it’s now $9.7 trillion Gas was around $1.50 and now it’s close to $4 Now you would think that people would see these statistics and say, “DAMN! WE GOTTA GET THESE SOB’S OUTTA HERE! WE CAN’T LET THEM RUN THIS COUNTRY!” Listen white people, this country is in trouble and you wanna give the republicans another chance?

Get over the color of his skin. He’s not gonna give all the black people reparations. (But if he did I still want my 40 acres and mule, I already got a spot in Culver City) And to all the black republicans, I need you to look in the mirror, because your candidate Senator McCain and his state of Arizona was the last state to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. birthday as a holiday. What was his excuse? He didn’t have one! Even the South recognized it as a holiday. So what does that tell you about McCain? But if you are in that 2% of America bracket that Obama is going to tax, I understand.

Oh, and before I forget: What the hell was up with that black woman at the Democratic convention slangin snot about Hillary Clinton? Talking about Hillary gave a presidential speech, and she doesn’t know if she’s gonna vote. Now I don’t advocate domestic violence, but I need her husband to take her home, tie her up, place her in front of the television and make her watch that John McCain speech again. Look women, you have gotta get over this whole Hillary Clinton mourning. The country needs you. Blow your noses, and dry your eyes. Do not let the Grim Reaper, and Annie Oklie, get in office and start telling you what to do with YOUR BODY! So in conclusion, I will now stop typing because Bizarre is about to come on. That’s the show where the dude eats all these crazy foods in other countries. He’s about to eat some bull testicles, and scrotums.

Don’t say anything black people.

They still got us eating chitterlings.

www.myspace.com/joeywells5

The comedian known as Food Stamp performing live on stage at the world famous Uptown Comedy Club in Atlanta.

Photo: Jamil Halloway

Comedians Royale Watkins and Jay Phillips behind the scenes at the Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder.

For those of you who are familiar with the nationally syndicated columnist named “Dear Abby” then you will understand this next article we are introducing to the world titled The Rock Remedy. This featured columnist is Tony Rock, whom many of you know from the hit television show All Of Us, and of Three Can Play That Game fame.

Well, as a spin off of that film, we wanted to get a columnist who can answer the every day questions that are floating around in our community, and what better person to ask than a single black man who is dating, and most importantly, single? You want honest answers, Rock is the man to ask! So without further adieu, here is the first couple of questions; To The Rock Remedy; I still have sex with my baby daddy and I cant stop and we are not together anymore…What do you think I should do?

The Rock Remedy: First of all you guys have a kid together so you'll always be together in a way. Why not have sex with each other? That kind of ensures you guys will always be cordial towards one another (a benefit for the kid).

We've all seen those relationships with baby daddy’s and baby mama’s that don't work because there isn't a relationship at all. You’re actually in a better place. You get the benefit of sleeping with your baby daddy and still get to have your own life (as in sleeping with other people). Live it up mama!

To The Rock Remedy; My Ex wont leave me alone and she doesn’t want me to be with anyone else? What should I do?

The Rock Remedy: Man Up!!! If she don't want you to be with nobody else then she has to pay to play. She got a job?? Good!! What brother can't use a 65' inch flat screen with Direct TV?? Tell her that will keep her home and out of "other girls" faces. Of course we know that will help get girls over to the house. Its a win- win. Play on playa!

To The Rock Remedy; What do you suggest a Black Woman should do to meet a single black faithful man?

To The Rock Remedy; Single, Black and Faithful?? Wow, your asking for a lot. If you want a Black man lower your standards. Ask for maybe just single or black. Two out of three aint bad. A man has to decide to be faithful and "a man is as faithful as his options" (a very funny comic said that once). Good luck.

You can catch Tony Rock every other Sunday night at Chocolate Sundaes at The Laugh Factory in Hollywood or during his stand-up performances across the country, and most importantly on his new TV show titled The Tony Rock Project on MynetworkTV. Check out his myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/rockjokes.

Comedian Sexy Marlo before her performance backstage at The Comedy Union in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder.

So I’m sitting at Greenblats having a chicken salad sandwich, and a question is thrown out at the table that made me come home and start writing this article. Everybody has a dream of making it. With making it comes money and if you’re lucky, a surplus of millions will come following you as you continue to be in this industry and succeed. If you’re a Will Smith and you’re making 20 million dollars a movie over the span of years you will have accumulated about a 100 million. Well that brings me to this question. Let’s say you have about…ummmmmm 70 million dollars in the bank, only 70 million. (only 70 million sounds funny) would you give your 2 or 3 best friends a million dollars each without hesitation? Now keep in mind before you answer that, what all comes along with that. You have Uncles and Aunts and nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, grandfathers, your wife, her family, (well no one really cares about her family) and all of these people are going to find out what you did and probably now concern themselves with what your doing. Do you still do it? Do you cut a check for a million each for 2 or 3 of your best friends that have been down with you since you were kids?

Well, as I was having this conversation, I kept thinking to myself, why are thousand-airs having a millionaire conversation? Nevertheless we continued, then I thought about it, would I give my homeboys a million each, and the first thing that came into my mind was obvious; HELL NO! What I look like giving out millions of dollars? I’d buy them a new Hybrid or season tickets to the Cowboys. But a million dollars? No! A guy at the table made a good point, he said I wouldn’t give my friends a million dollars. He said he would set them up where they could make a million dollars and that money could grow and make even more. So I said hmmmm….now that sounds more along the line of what I would think. He continued to say that if you give them a million, you have to do the same for all your immediate family as well. You would have to give your Mother, Father, Brothers, and sisters millions too. And if you didn’t you would have to answer the question of how could you NOT give your blood a million but give your boys a million dollars. Last night I went to bed thinking, yea I would just probably buy them some cars that way no drama would occur with my family and it would just be better that way.

But then I woke up like, wait a minute……..Yes I would give my 2 boys a million dollars each. Yes I would. Without hesitation, I would cut the check. If I’m worth 70 million dollars liquid then what’s 68 million dollars. And the hell with what any of my family would say about it. Because it’s like this, my mom and dad and brother are going to be straight.

My dad is 75 so he doesn’t need a million dollars. He won’t live to spend it. Honestly, he won’t. All he needs is a few thousands and a couple of cigarettes. My mom, I would buy her a new house, new car, and make sure that she’s set up where all she has to do is relax and own her own business. My brother, yes I would make sure he is well taken care of as well. I think it’s shady not to take care of him when, if I haven’t had it he’s always dropped me money in the bank or anything I needed. So when I make it, who am I not to make sure he never has to work again? He has 2 kids, so their college funds would be taken care of. Now we are out of the immediate family and that’s when we are out of favors......so now we have my boys. And this really got me to thinking pretty hard this morning. They don’t need a million dollars. But everyone kind of has a dream of making a million in their lifetime. And since these dudes have been there for me since I was a child, and haven’t asked me for a dime my whole life. I would honestly cut the check without hesitation. I would feel so blessed to be able to write the check to my friends and let them know that this is for no other reason but just to say, I'm doing this because I can. Nothing held over their heads, no strings attached. You’ve been my boy since I was a kid and since I'm being blessed with the opportunity to be able to cut this check that alone would make me happy. And any of my family who had a problem with that would just have a problem with that. But in my eyes, I’ve set up the major players in my life. My mom, my dad, my brother, his kids, and my boys. What they do with that money is their business. But at the end of the day after I set up all those people, what does that drop me down too??? Being only worth 65 million maybe. I think I can live with that.

To keep this conversation going you can read Sydney’s Blog at myspace.com/sydneyisfunny

Comedian Marion Kendrick filling out an Absentee Ballot to vote outside the Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show at The Laugh Factory in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder.

Kerry Washington was born in my hometown (yippie) Bronx, New York and was schooled at Manhattan's posh, all-girls school Spence (Gwyneth Paltrow's alma mater). Ballet, gymnastics and acting lessons attribute to Washington's style and grace. "When I was a kid, I'd say, 'I'm bored,' and my mom would say, 'No, you're not bored. You're boring. You have to take responsibility for creating an exciting and dynamic life. Later in life Washington graduated from The George Washington University's theater program in 1998 and seemingly has not stop working since graduation. This cerebral thespian says, "I don't think I'm even close to fulfilling my potential. And I think also that, unlike a pianist or a flutist, an actor has an instrument that is constantly changing." Kerry Washington has been one of the fastest rising black actresses in Hollywood. She played the role of the wife of legendary musician Ray Charles in Ray and this role took her career to the next level. I just watched Save The Last Dance for the umteenth time and it never really hit me that the black girl playing alongside the lead actors was a superstar whose work would eventually overshadow her costars in quality of work and frequency on our big screens.

One of the first things actress Kerry Washington does when researching a role is study her character's shoes. "You don't have a character until you know how she walks, and shoes are a huge part of that," she says. "In The Dead Girl, I played a prostitute junkie, but I didn't really become her until I walked in those big platform heels." Washington, 31, has worn everything from pumps to "come and do me" high stilettos in the more than 25 films and she is younger then most Hollywood veterans and has a resume just as long.

Washington is the kind of actress that young artists can only hope will choose to teach when she reaches her senior years as she has so much to share in terms of experience being that she has worked with everyone from Jamie Foxx to Samuel L. Jackson in the new file, Lakeview Terrace opening Sept.

19 where Washington plays a Birkenstock-sporting, environmentally conscious designer who happens to be in a loving interracial relationship. The couple's neighbor, is an uptight police officer played by Samuel L. Jackson, who disapproves of the union and begins to harass the couple.

As an undercover assassin, Kerry Washington played shoot ‘em up with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in Mr. & Mrs. Smith and made alot of wives and girlfriends angry as she gave us all reason to be suspicious of our man's "friends' through her way role in I Think I Love My Wife, Chris Rock's comedy about infidelity. Now you can catch her in a very dramatic role in the new film Lakeview Terrace also starring Samuel Jackson. In this role, Washington shows us her versatility as a black woman married to a white man (actor Patrick Wilson) she never skips a beat in her performance. No matter what her she does, she always has a noteworthy performance.

When I watch Ms. Washington I see brilliance, grace, courage and a gift. I don't have too many black female actress in my age group to admire as many do not bless us often with work as diverse and gripping as what Kerry Washington has shared with the world. I only hope her talent and choices in work is emulated by the rest of young black females in Hollywood as all of what is released is permanent, cannot be undone and discretion is needed when choosing what legacy to leave. Kerry Washington has and is still working on building a time capsule full of outstanding films that will serve as an example of what a great artist should aspire to create.

Comedic actor Melanie Comarcho during her performance at The Savoy, which is hosted by Rodney Perry in Los Angeles.

Photo: Frank Holder.

Just Jordan – This series features stand comedian Lil’ JJ as he plays 16year-old Jordan Lewis (Shania Accius) who has moved from Arkansas to Southern California with his over protective mother and annoying little sister (Kristen Combs) to live with his grandfather (Beau Billingslea) and work in his diner.

Kenan & Kel – This popular sitcom was a spin-off to All That starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchel that ran on Nick from 1996 to 2000. The show featured Kenan Rockmore and his orange soda-loving best friend, Kel Kimble.

Life In Bucktown – The show premiered in 2007 and followed the misadventures of three friends, Danny (Danny Norment), Floyd (Floyd Jones), and Pops (Deandre Morman), as they spend their life in a crazy town with crazy people.

Like Family – This series sitcom starred Tanya (Holly Robinson Peete), Ed (Kevin Michael Richardson) and their kids, 16-year-old Danika (Megalyn Echikunwoke) and 12-year-old Bobby (B.J. Mitchell), are a loud but loving middle-class African-American family in suburban New Jersey. It ran from 2003-2004 and was cancelled after only one season.

Living Single – This award winning situation comedy that centered on the lives of a group of six African American friends living in Brooklyn. It starred Queen Latifah as Khadijah James and her sweet but naive cousin Synclaire (Kim Coles), her image-conscious friend Regine Hunter (Kim Fields), and sharp-tongued attorney Maxine Shaw (Erika Alexander). Rounding out the cast was Overton Wakefield Jones (John Henton), a friendly handyman and fashion conscious Kyle Barker (T.C. Carson). The series aired from 1993-1998 and won and NAACP Image Award in ’96 and ’98.

Love, Inc. - Love, Inc. was about a group of savvy matchmakers who work at a full-service dating consulting firm. It starred Clea (Holly Robinson Peete), Denise Johnson (Busy Philipps), Francine (Reagan GomezPreston), Viviana (Ion Overman) and Barry (Vince Vieluf).

Malcolm & Eddie – This 90’s sitcom featured Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Malcolm McGee a sensible 20something who shares a Kansas City apartment and business venture (including there apartment building, a bar and tow truck garage) with his wild and zany friend Eddie Sherman (Eddie Griffin).

Martin – Airing from 1992 – 1997, Martin starred stand-up comedian Martin Lawrence as Martin Payne a radio-and-television personality who juggled his business relationship along with his romantic relationship with girlfriend Gina Waters (Tisha Campbell). Frequently stopping by their apartment to visit were his best friends Tommy Strong (Thomas Mikal Ford), Cole Brown (Carl Anthony Payne II) and her best friend the loud-mouthed and sassy Pam James (Tichina Arnold). Oh, I almost forgot about Sheneneh. “Oh my goodness.”

Method & Red – Cancelled after only one season, this short lived sitcom featured rappers, Method Man and Redman, who moved into a nice suburban neighborhood in New Jersey and tried to put the urban in suburban.

Moesha – This hit sitcom featured Grammy Award Winning artist Brandy Norwood as she played Moesha and followed her as she showed how life was really like in Leimert Park, Los Angeles California. Also starting was her father Frank Mitchell (William Allen Young) and brother Myles Mitchell (Marcus T. Paulk) and new step-mother Dee Mitchell (Sheryl Lee Ralph).

This large cast also featured Mo's friends Kim Parker (Countess VaughnJames), Niecy Jackson (Shar Jackson) and Hakeem Campbell (Lamont Bentley). Later in the series Brandy’s real life brother Ray J became a cast member.

My Brother and Me – This 90’s situation comedy lasted one season and followed the lives of an AfricanAmerican family living in Charlotte, North Carolina. It starred Arthur Reggie III as Alfie Parker, his little brother Dee Dee (Ralph Woolfolk IV), big sister Melanie (Aisling Sistrunk), and their parents, Roger (Jim Coleman) and Jennifer (Karen Fraction).

My Wife & Kids - Damon Wayans stars as Michael Kyle, a loving husband and father who rules his household with a unique and distinct parenting style. The series also starred Tisha Campbell as his wife Janet, George O. Gore II as their son Michael Jr., Jennifer Freeman as their eldest daughter Claire and Parker McKenna Posey as their youngest daughter Kady.

On Our Own – "On Our Own" was another short lived series that was pulled after only one season. The series starred stand up comic Ralph Harris as the eldest sibling of seven orphaned children (the Smollets) that raised his brothers and sisters while keeping authorities from splitting up the family.

One On One – This series featured teenager Breanna Barnes (Kyla Pratt) and her fun-loving ladies man sportscaster dad, Flex (Flex Alexander).

Also starring was Flex’s best friend, Duane (Kelly Perine), her best friend, Spirit (Sicily), and her on again off again boyfriend, Arnaz (Robert Ri'chard).

Out All Night – R&B legend Patti Labelle starred in her own sitcom as she played LA night club owner Chelsea Paige. Working along side her was her daughter Charisse (Vivica A. Fox), and newly college grads Vidal Thomas (Duane Martin), Jeff Carswell (Morris Chestnut) and Angus McEwen (Simon O’Brien).

Richard Pryor Show – This 70’s variety show starred Richard Pryor and several other cast members including Robin Williams, Paul Mooney and Marsha Warfield. After controversial sketches including one where Pryor played a white machine gun toting rocker that killed all of his white fans, the series was cancelled after only four episodes.

Roc – Charles Dutton starred as Roc Emerson, a city garbage collector from Baltimore, who balances the pressures of work with the pressures of his family life including his loving wife, Eleanor (Ella Joyce), his live-in dad, Andrew (Carl Gorden), and his irresponsible brother, Joey (Rocky Carroll). Jamie Foxx had a reoccurring role as Crazy George.

Roll Out – Loosely based on the 1952 movie "Red Ball Express," "Roll Out" was about a military trucking company, whose staff was mostly Black that delivered supplies to French soldiers during World War II. Starring Garret Morris as Wheels Dawson and Ed Begley as Lieutenant Robert Chapman, this 70’s series was cancelled after one season.

Romeo - Real life rapper Lil’ Romeo (Romeo Miller) stars as aspiring rapper and middle school b-ball star that never loses his cool. Well, almost never. The series also stars real-life father and music mogul Master P as his dad.

Sanford & Son – Considered by many as one of the funniest sitcoms of all time, this series was based on the British sitcom, Steptoe and Son. Sanford and Son starred stand-up comedian, Redd Foxx as 65-year old junk collector, Fred G. Sanford. Fred ran his junk collection business from his home located in Los Angeles. His business partner was his son, Lamont (Demond Wilson). “You big dummy!”

LaMont Ferrell is a writer, producer, director, comic and actor. He has written and produced many sitcoms including the Parenthood, Moesha and Girlfriends.

He is currently a writer for Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. lamont@justjokesentertainment.com

323.410.1745 | humormillmag.com | thehumormill.info@gmail.com

Vanessa Graddick

Grooming: Tamra-Marie Johnson Hair & Make-Up: Tamra-Marie Johnson All Photos: Frank Holder

Born and raised in St. Paul, Talented, driven and most importantly, funny, Stand Up Comedian, Vanessa Graddick has been taking comedy by storm. Though she has only been in the comedy game a short time, Vanessa has performed all over the country including Virginia, Washington DC, New York, Pennsylvania, and more. Based in California she is a regular at venues such as The Comedy Union, Icehouse Comedy Club and the World Famous Comedy Store. Recently Vanessa won first place in the Uncle Clyde’s Soup Or Bowl Comedy Finals at the Icehouse Comedy Club in Pasadena, CA. As the winner of this competition, Vanessa competed in the 2007 Boston Comedy Festival. Since then she has also performed at the New York Underground Comedy Festival and The Boston Comedy Festival. Vanessa even has a Patriotic side to her as she has gone overseas and performed in front of thousands of troops to keep morale up, and she kept the laughs rolling in.

Unlike most comedians who start out in this game, Vanessa has accomplished other career goals such as a college degree as she has a BA in Psychology from Hampton University and a Masters of Social Work Degree from the University of Minnesota.

Her accomplishments has now prepared her for what’s in store for comedy and life in general.

This single woman has been able to successfully accomplish all of her career goals, and finally she has her sights set on comedy super stardom.

With her introspective and thought provoking comedy, and having performed all over the world with comedians greats such as Tommy Davidson, Vanessa Graddick is proving quickly to be a name to watch out for, as this up and coming comedienne is surely on her way.

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I’m a big fan of great music. You know-the real stuff; not that adulterated, “dumbed-down” garbage the media conglomerates try to pawn off on us as music. I’m talking about the classic masterpieces of yesteryear and a handful of rare contemporary gems that sound just as good (if not better) live than they do as studio recordings. Don’t you miss that in music? What never ceases to amaze me is the level at which we consumers continue to go for the okey-dokey.

Music aficionados have known for decades that the best music is not necessarily the exhaustively marketed, over-hyped, under-written, juvenile-skewed jingles they force down our throats on “hit” radio. Even worse are the “concerts” that are equally devoid of funk, soul and originality that we’re asked to endure live on stage.

Like most of us from the “old school” and a growing number of enlightened young people, I want my funk, along with my R&B, jazz and yes, even my Hip Hop, uncut. Music should touch you, sooth you, move you.

Unfortunately, new and even established artists are compelled by their labels to record “cookie-cutter” tracks that sound just like the last “cookie-cutter” song on the radio.

I’m excited about what I’m seeing on the Oakland soul, funk and jazz music scene. Nightclubs, alternative entertainment venues and even promoters, who historically allow trends and pop culture to dictate their concert booking strategy, are now re-embracing the kind of music that put Oakland and the entire Bay on the musical map and laid down the foundation for a social, cultural and artistic revolution.

I was fortunate enough to attend Oakland’s Art & Soul Festival on Monday, September 1st. Folks, that’s what I’m talking about! In fact, that heart-pounding, toe-tapping, first-in-a-long-time sensory experience was the inspiration for this story. I witnessed a resurrected and retooled Rose Royce. I grooved with a rejuvenated and resurgent Lenny Williams and I fell in love with the enchanting voice of Stephanie Mills all over again. For a moment, I was transported to the old Funk Festivals at the Coliseum back in the day. I was immensely proud of my people that hot afternoon and elated to know that Oakland still knows how to jam!

Thanks to all of you for reading the column. It’s my pleasure to share these insights with my people. It’s food for thought. If you can’t chew it, don’t swallow it. May God bless you all abundantly. Until next time, be safe, be smart, be successful, be thankful. One Love, for real. Holla at your Doctor!

-#Tony Spires is a Los Angeles-based filmmaker, event producer, personal manager, poet, musician, awardwinning playwright, critically acclaimed director and co-writer of the 2007 NAACP Award nominated, “Ali: The Man, The Myth, The Peoples’ Champion and columnist for The Humor Mill Magazine. He is also cofounder of the newly formed youth arts organization Full Vision Arts Foundation. 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 and as writer/director/producer of the acclaimed feature film, “Tears Of A Clown” now available on DVD. Email Tony at: ComedyDoctor@BlackComedyCompetition.com. Visit his youth Arts Organization at: http://www.FullVisionArts.org.

Comedians Damon Wayans Jr. and Scruncho behind the scenes at the Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show at The Laugh Factory in Hollywood. Photo: Frank Holder.

Hello Humor Mill Magazine! Welcome to the newest and funniest online sketch comedy on the planet, Just Justin TV! Just Justin TV is comprised of the extraordinary comedic talents of Justin Hires. This young and rising star will showcase his talents every issue with a new hilarious sketch for all the viewers of Humor Mill!

Just Justin TV debut sketch is entitled: Blind MMA Fighter. See what happens when a blind mixed martial artist spar against an opponent.

To view the un-edited version of Blind MMA Fighter, or other Just Justin TV hilarious skits, visit the official website: www.JustJustinTV.com . Tell your friends about Just Justin TV…Don’t be greedy with the laughs!!! See you next issue!

Hire Level Entertainment Crew Created by Executive Producer Written and Directed by Edited by Camera Cast Bruce Brown MMA Instructor MMA Student/Referee Male MMA Student 1 Male MMA Student 2 Female MMA Student

Justin Hires Justin Hires and Justin Mitchell Justin Hires Matt Koppel and Justin Hires Matt Koppel Justin Hires Justin Mitchell D’Sean Ross Louis Barnes Rich Paul Bobbi Barbour

To contact Just Justin TV or leave your feedback, hit us up at one of these sites: Official website: www.JustJustinTV.com Email: Hirelevel03@yahoo.com MySpace: www.myspace.com/hirelevel03 YouTube: www.youtube.com/JustinandJustinTV Written by: Justin D. Hires

Comedian Sexy Maserati (formerly Dominique) at the Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show at The Laugh Factory in Hollywood.

Photo: Frank Holder.

Short Films Feature Films Seminars Panels Comedy Performances Comedy Competitions And a lot more‌