Tommy Davidson’s distinction as one of the country’s most versatile comedians is well earned. That he is also an African-American history buff with mean skills in the kitchen takes his versatility to Renaissance level.
The 47-year old comic-actor-singer with a spot-on impersonation of Sammy Davis Jr. will take the stage at the Miami Improv April 14 – 17.
“I love coming to Miami – beautiful weather and beautiful people,” he said.
Davidson was one of the original performers on Keenan Ivory Wayans’ wildly successful television comedy series In Living Color. The talent pool on the show is evidenced by the success of several of the regulars. Jamie Foxx, Jim Carey and Damon Wayans have gone on to lucrative careers in Hollywood. And although she was merely a dancer on the show, singer-actress Jennifer Lopez had her beginning on ILC.
Davidson’s role on the show led to several movie stints, Showtime comedy specials and the ability to sell-out comedy venues. His latest movie, tentatively titled Chicago Pulanski Jones, was directed by fellow comic-actor Cedric the Entertainer and is pending release.
In an interview from Los Angeles, Davidson said his appearance on ILC was “the best thing that ever happened to me in entertainment. In Living Color was the best sketch comedy show on TV ever.”
If forced to choose from stand-up, acting or singing, Davidson said he wouldn’t be able to do so: “That’s like asking me to choose my favorite child.” And he has seven of them, ages 4 to 23. “I love them all equally, for different reasons,” he said.
Younger fans may recognize Davidson’s voice as Oscar Proud, the over-protective father on the animated series The Proud Family that ran on the Disney Channel from 2001 to 2005. Davidson will get to lend his voice to another animated venture, Will Smith’s upcoming series Youngins.
When he’s not performing, Davidson said, he relaxes by “watching movies, reading, listening to music“ and earnestly tries to “practice what I preach.” To that end, he recently took part in fundraisers to help a woman whose son was murdered and for Japan’s earthquake and tsunami victims.
Davidson’s penchant for history makes its way into his routines. When a white man told him that President Barack Obama’s election meant “a long four years,” Davidson quickly retorted, “Try 400 years.”
Photo: Tommy Davidson
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Tommy Davidson
WHERE: Miami Improv, 3390 Mary St., Coconut Grove
WHEN: 8:30 p.m., Thursday; 8:30 p.m., 10:45 p.m., Friday; 8:30 p.m., 10:45 p.m., Saturday;. 8:30 p.m., Sunday
COST: Ticket prices begin at $20
CONTACT: For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.miamiimprove.com or call 305-441-8200.
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