African Celebrities: American comedian

Thursday, 9 January 2014

Jamie Foxx

Eric Marlon Bishop, known professionally as Jamie Foxx is an American actor, stand-up comedian, singer-songwriter, musician, and talk radio host. He was born on December 13, 1967 in Terrell, Texas. He is the son of Louise Annette Talley Dixon and Darrel Bishop. Shortly after his birth, Jamie Foxx was adopted and raised by his mother's adoptive parents, Esther Marie (Nelson) a domestic worker and nursery operator, and Mark Talley, a yard worker. He has had little contact with his parents, who were not part of his upbringing. Jamie Foxx has two sisters, Deidra Dixon and Diondra Dixon, who has Down Syndrome.

As a teenager, he was a part-time pianist and choir leader in Terrell's New Hope Baptist Church, and had a strict Baptist upbringing.

Jamie Foxx began playing the piano when he was five years old. As a second grader, he was so talented in telling jokes that his teacher used him as a reward. If the class behaved, Jamie Foxx would tell them jokes.

Jamie Foxx attended Terrell High School, where he received top grades. After completing high school, Jamie Foxx received a scholarship to United States International University, where he studied classical music and composition. He made his film debut in the 1992 comedy Toys.

Jamie Foxx has two daughters, Corinne Bishop, born in 1994, and Annalise Bishop, born in August 2009.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx and his daughter Corinne Bishop

Jamie Foxx with his sister Diondra Dixon

Jamie Foxx with his biological mother Louise Dixon

Jamie Foxx with his baby mama and their daughter Annalise Bishop

INTERVIEWS

Monday, 6 January 2014

Chris Rock

Christopher Julius Rock III (Chris Rock) is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, television producer, film producer, and director. He was born on February 7, 1965 in Andrews, South Carolina. His mother, Rosalie Tingman was a teacher and social worker for the mentally handicapped; his father, Julius Rock was a former truct driver and newspaper deliveryman. His father died in 1988 after ulcer surgery. Chris's younger brothers Tony, Kenny and Jordan are also in the entertainment business. His older half-brother, Charles, died in 2006 after a long struggle with alcoholism.

Chris Rock began doing stand-up comedy in 1984 in New York. City's catch a Rising star. Upon seeing his act at a night club, Eddie Murphy befriended and mentored the aspiring comic. He gave him his first role in Beverly Hills Cop II.

Chris Rock has been married to Malaak Compton-Rock since November 23, 1996 she is the founder and excutive director of StyleWorks, a non-profit full service salon that provides free services for women leaving welfare and entering the workforce. Chris Rock and his wife Malaak Compton-Rock have two daughters together, Lola Simone born in 2002 and Zahra Savannah born in 2004.