What’s In a Name? TALENT
by Diane Alter
When your name is TALENT, you better deliver. Deliver is what comedian TALENT does best.
Often best known as comedy’s “King of New York,” TALENT has an innate ability to bring laughter to any audience thanks to his impromptu humor and dead-on delivery.
TALENT has headlined his own comedy shows and tours as well as making special appearances on such reputable programming as BET’s Comic View, HBO’s SNAPs & Def Comedy Jam and earned the position as host of New York’s 98.7 KISS FM’s Morning Show. He has been cast alongside a number of celebrated actors including Danny Devito, Marisa Tomei, Rosie Perez, John Leguizamo, Vanessa Williams, and more.
TALENT’s theatrical resume has grown to include appearances in movies such as, “Sunset Park,” “Full Court Press”, “A Brother’s Kiss”, “Fulgazi”, “My Brother” and “With or Without You.”
A great deal of TALENT’s success comes from finding humor in the everyday by entertainingly reminding us not to take all this too seriously, because…” IT’S JUST COMEDY!”
This highly sought-after funnyman took time out to answer some questions for This Week on MV ahead of this year’s upcoming MV Comedy Fest.
TW: What did you learn from the recent global pandemic?
TALENT: The thing I learned from the pandemic is that people actually need other people to simply get by day to day and function. Without that depression has skyrocketed through the roof! And also that we need teachers– who the hell knows this new math?
TW: What keeps you motivated?
TALENT: My kids. Thank God I have kids because they have always kept me motivated, that’s why we need teachers.
TW: What is the one thing about which you most often say, “Well, maybe one day?”
TALENT: When asked will I ever get married or loan another person some money.
TW: What is the one book, movie, or performance that changed your life?
TALENT: The book Pryor Convictions. It is the autobiography of Richard Pryor. The movie is The Notebook— about everlasting love. The show is The Watchman. And the performance is Michael Jackson’s 1993 Superbowl performance.
TW: What is the one piece of advice that most changed your life?
TALENT: Uncle Ray Murphy told me never to stop what I do because it is a calling for me!
TW: What is the one trait you consider essential to your success?
TALENT: My No.1 trait is relatable; I am that word. So, when you see me, you never see a guy trying to be someone else. I am relatable …. to all, even a woman with muscles.
TW: What set of items could you buy that would make the cashier the most uncomfortable?
TALENT: I would buy condoms and bleach. That would absolutely mess the cashier’s entire week up trying to figure that one out.
TW: Who do you call in a crisis?
TALENT: In a crisis, I call the police or my damn self ‘cuz I’m probably ‘bout to whoop some ass!!!
TW: What do you know now that you wished you knew when you started your career?
TALENT: I wish I knew all the up-and-coming lottery numbers and that this pandemic was coming so I could save more money.
TW: If you were to buy a one-way ticket anywhere in the world, where would you go?
TALENT: Bermuda—one-way baby!
TW: Favorite cocktail?
TALENT: Since the pandemic, Tequila is #1–preferably Casamigos
TW: Please finish… the thing I love most about Martha’s Vineyard.
TALENT: I have never been to the Vineyard, but I am looking forward to it.
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