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In the here today gone yesterday world of urban entertainment one name continues to resurface and resound. The name is Joe Clair. Not familiar? Then you probably can’t count yourself as one of the millions of fans he garnered during his six year stint as host of “Rap City” (BET), a hip-hop video program that helped define the culture. And, you’ve probably missed his multiple appearances on the celebrated “Def Comedy Jam” (HBO), the show that’s launched a thousand stars. It’s also probably safe to say, you’ve never been fortunate enough to catch him live in a club, college or arena when he was in your town; he’s been everywhere from Bakersfield to the Bahamas. And you probably don’t watch “Maad Sports” (BET), the television equivalent of Sports Illustrated meets the Source that airs in millions of households weekly. He was one of the original components of the very popular syndicated radio program “The Russ Parr Morning Show” and also served time as an on-air personality on New York’s Hot 97 (WQHT), one of the most influential radio stations in the country. In case you haven’t noticed Joe Clair is everywhere.
Although recognized mostly for his years of television time, fans will tell you that on stage is where Joe really shines. He’s funny. He’s smart. He’s talented and handsome. With material that runs the gambit of the human experience Joe Clair pontificates on how he observes life on our little planet, with hilarious consequences. From religion to pop-culture to politics to relationships he makes us laugh at what may otherwise be embarrassing or touchy. Are you a little skittish about 9/11 jokes? At a Joe Clair show your not. Don’t like fat jokes? You’ll love ‘em the way Joe tells ‘em. Racial tensions melt away as he talks about the good and the bad in all of us regardless of race. There is even a point in his show where he makes everybody sing old television anthems in unison as an observance of the power of media. This guy is clever and compassionate and makes a point of letting you know it. He explains, “My mother came to see me once early in my career and told me that I was smarter than I was letting on. From that point on I’ve made a conscience effort to stimulate minds while I entertain. It’s harder than it looks.”
Recently moving to the west coast Joe has quickly become a regular among LA’s famed comedy circuit, performing in clubs like the legendary Improv, The Laugh Factory and the Comedy Store. He’s crafted his talent over the years by performing in every comedy venue he could get his foot in. From the juke - joints in tiny towns to headlining Caroline’s on Broadway. He’s seen and done them all. He toured the large concert halls of the country with the “Def Comedy Jam Tour”, and inspires kids in high schools coast to coast as a motivational speaker of sorts… with a comedic twist. With his hectic schedule of television and clubs Joe still finds time to continually perform on college campuses, giving would – be campus clowns a run for their money and giving advice to those who would like to follow in his footsteps.
Whatever the case may be if you have anything to do with urban entertainment Joe Clair is a name to know and recognize. With a boyish charm and a cynical wit , that cleverly seems innocent enough, Clair has become a staple in the ever changing entertainment landscape. Judging by reaction he gets from his audiences to his fans on the street Joe Clair, the man and the name, will be here for a good long while.
FILM
FAMILY REUNION (Independent)
TRAIN RIDE (Independent)
24/7 RADIO (Independent)
TELEVISION
COMIC GROOVE (Featured Comedian) - Comedy Central
DEF COMEDY JAM (Featured Comedian) - HBO
HBO SNAPS (Featured Comedian) - HBO
MAAD SPORTS Host (60 episodes) - BET
RAP CITY Host (400 episodes) - BET
APOLLO COMEDY HOUR (Featured Comedian) - Syndicated
RICKY LAKE SHOW (Panelist) - Syndicated
BET TONIGHT (Guest) - BET
FOX MORNING NEWS (Guest) - FOX
COMEDY CLUBS
CAROLINES - New York
IMPROV - Los Angeles, Miami, Washington
LAUGH FACTORY - Los Angeles
LAFF HOUSE - Philadelphia
UPTOWN COMEDY - Atlanta
TOURS
DEF COMEDY JAM TOUR (National)
RADIO
WQHT-HOT 97 (ON-AIR JOCK) - New York
WKYS (ON-AIR JOCK) - Washington, DC
WPGC (ON-AIR JOCK) - Washington, DC
COMMERCIALS
List Upon Request
TRAINING
Aaron Spieser Acting Workshop (Scene Study) - Los Angeles
Joanna Beckson (Miesner Technique) - New York
Joanna Beckson (Scene Study) - New York
Morgan State University (Drama)
EDUCATION
BA Psychology - Morgan State University
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