Sinbad the Comedian (bio)

About Sinbad

A hardworking funnyman whose clean, family friendly persona and animated antics have endeared him into the hearts of dedicated fans worldwide, Sinbad has worked tirelessly to rise to the top of the standup circuit, finding success in both television and film in addition to his popular stage act.

Putting his faith in God and his ability to make others laugh paid off, and following seven appearances on Star Search the now-established Sinbad was given his television break by comedy legend Redd Foxx. Playing Foxx's son on The New Redd Foxx show in the mid-'80s found the aspiring actor expanding his talents, and though the show didn't last long, it did bring said talents to the attention of yet another comedy legend, Bill Cosby. Following a few other television appearances, Sinbad joined the cast of Cosby Show spin-off A Different World in 1987.

In addition to his constant efforts to bring laughter to the masses, Sinbad has dedicated his free time and personal efforts to such causes as the Children's Defense Fund and the Omega Boys Club. Sinbad also made his bid to increase AIDS awareness with his involvement in the Time Out: The Truth About HIV, AIDS and You video in 1992. His intense dedication to family is evident in his hiring of his brothers and sisters to assist him in his numerous endeavors.

Sinbad made his big screen debut in the 1991 gridiron comedy Necessary Roughness. His other motion picture credits include a starring role in Houseguest and a cameo in Conehead. He was the voice of the canine Riley in Homeward Bound II. On television, he starred in the title role of The Cherokee Kid on HBO; was star and executive producer of his own acclaimed Fox TV sitcom, The Sinbad Show. Sinbad's Summer Jam Weekend aired on HBO.

Sinbad Fast Facts:

• As a teenager, grew to 6' 5" and dreamt of becoming a Harlem Globetrotter or an NBA player. 
• Intended to join the Air Force after high school, but decided against it after he discovered he would have to cut off  
    his Afro. 
• Quit college just one month shy of graduation. 
• Opted not to use vulgar language in his stand-up routine when his dad, a pastor, came to see his show. After the
  performance, he realized he could be funny without cursing.
• TV debut was in 1983 on the talent show Star Search. One of his competitors was a then-unknown comedian
  named Dennis Miller.
• Made silver-screen debut in the 1989 film That's Adequate.
• Starred in the 1993 comedy series The Sinbad Show, which aired for one season on Fox.
• Penned Sinbad's Guide to Life (Because I Know Everything) in 1998.