Ex-assistant sues Wayans Brothers over book

wayansbrothers

Keenan Ivory, Shawn and Marlon Wayans are being sued by former personal assistant, Jared Edwards, who claims the brothers stole his idea for a book and then published “101 Ways to Know You’re a Golddigger” in May.

According to papers filed Thursday in a Manhattan federal court, Edwards quit his job in 2006 after the Wayans brothers told him his book, “You Know You’re a Golddigger When…” didn’t have a chance of being published.

Charlie Murphy’s wife dies of cancer

charliemurphywifetishataylor

After battling cancer for two years, Tisha Taylor Murphy, the wife of actor/comedian Charlie Murphy died in the couple’s New Jersey home.

Charlie Murphy, 50, is best known for his role in the 2003-06 Comedy Central hit series “Chappelle’s Show.” He is also the older brother of Eddie Murphy.

The couple were married in 1997 and have two children together. Charlie Murphy has a third child from a previous relationship.

Shaq’s Comedy Jam is Back

shaquilleoneal

After the success of the “Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam,” which was taped the night before this year’s NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, Shaq is back with a second installment.  Set to air Dec. 5 on Showtime, this time the comedy event will feature host D.L. Hughley, Earthquake, Lavell Crawford, Melanie Comarcho, and Arnez J.  It was taped in South Beach during the American Black Film Festival.

“We have been thrilled with the success of the first All Star Comedy Jam and are pleased to announce the next installment of the special,” said event producer Jeff Clanagan. “This franchise is committed to showcasing the legends of the comedy business while giving an opportunity for up-and-coming comedians to shine.”

A third comedy jam will be filmed at the 2010 NBA All-Star Game in Dallas.


Wanda Sykes joins late night TV

wandasykes

Move over Mo’Nique.  Comedian Wanda Sykes is the next African American female to get her own late night talk show.  “The Wanda Sykes Show” airs Saturday nights beginning Nov. 7 at 10 p.m. central time on FOX.  In a news release, the network said the show will feature comedy segments and panel discussions where “everything from news, politics, sports and pop culture will get examined from a point of view not currently offered on television.”

Chris Rock talks ‘Good Hair’

chrisrockhair2by Allison Horton

It all started when Chris Rock’s then five-year-old daughter asked him, “Daddy, how come I don’t have good hair?”

The question set the comedian on a path to learn more about the importance African American women place on their hair, specifically what they will go through to have straight or relaxed hair. The result is “Good Hair,” an entertaining documentary opening Oct. 23 that takes a look at how women achieve that goal. From visiting beauty shops where perms are applied to traveling to India to see how weaves are created, Rock leaves no stone unturned in his quest.

Continue reading “Chris Rock talks ‘Good Hair’”

Sherri Shepherd gets caught tweeting about cheating on diet

Sherri Shepherd is in trouble with her nutritional coach and trainer.  While getting in shape to pose in a bathing suit on The View Aug. 6, she mentioned on the social networking site, Twitter, that she cheated on her diet by eating fried calamari and buffalo wings.  Unfortunately, her exercise team saw the message, reports People.com.

“Ain’t this a blip! I was planning on fibbing 2 my trainer & nutritional coach about what I ate this weekend – but they follow me,” she tweeted later that day. 

 “You just assume when you tweet that you’re tweeting to people far away, not the person – your neighbor across the hall,” Shepherd said on The View. “I wish my coach would have not tweeted because she’s coming here tomorrow to get on me about what I ate.” 

Comedienne Mo’Nique loses nearly 40 pounds

Nowadays, there is less of comedienne Mo’Nique to love.  A move she told Jet magazine was prompted by her husband, Sidney Hicks.

“It was so gentle and sweet, and he wasn’t judgmental,” Mo’Nique said.  “He said, ‘Baby, that’s too much and I want you for a lifetime. I decided that I had to get some of that off of me.” 

The 5 foot, 6-inch comedienne said she now weighs 224 pounds and plans to keep losing weight until she reaches 200.  The comedienne once weighed 262 pounds.

“This was truly making the commitment to watch what I eat and commit to working out,” she said. “I stopped eating red meat. I want to say to big people, ‘Let’s be healthy big people.’ Everybody can’t be a size 0 or 45, but let’s be healthy.’”

Wanda Sykes is a new mom

On April 27, comedian Wanda Sykes welcomed twin babies, reports People.  Her wife, Alex gave birth to daughter Olivia Lou weighed (6 lbs., 7 oz. and 19-inches long)  and son Lucas Claude (7 lbs., 9 oz., and 20-inches long).

The couple were married last October.  Sykes currently stars in the CBS comedy, “The New Adventures of Old Christine.”

Wanda Sykes becomes late-night host

Comedian Wanda Sykes will host a Saturday late-night show this fall. The Fox hour long show will replace the cancelled comedy, “MadTV.”  The show will feature a panel of guests discussing popular topics as well as field segments. 

Sykes currently co-stars on the CBS series, “The New Adventures of Old Christine.”  The comedian is set to host the 2009 White House Correspondents Association Dinner.