18. Don Reed
On Episode 18 of Comedy Anatomy, Masavia and Mike chat with comedian, actor, writer, producer and director Don Reed. Don is a veteran standup comic who worked on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno for many years, appeared on The Cosby Show, A Different World, Robert Townsend’s Hollywood Shuffle, as well as several HBO shows and comedy specials. He also wrote and performed multiple off-Broadway one-man-shows based on his life experiences. Don’s story is an important one, and offers great insights into the realities of the comedy and entertainment business, both then, and now.
Don talks about his very unusual childhood, raised in a strict household as a Jehovah’s Witness by his mother and step-father, then moving in with his father, who was a pimp.
How life in the religion, and its door-to-door preaching requirement, prepared him for every kind of rejection, and molded his early speech and debate skills.
Don maps his successful academic career while dealing with economic uncertainty and homelessness, and his subsequent journey into standup comedy.
After impressing the likes of Robert Townsend, Don discusses Hollywood Shuffle, The Cosby Show, A Different World, and other projects that took him to the next level in the comedy business.
On some of his early career choices, the obstacles and pitfalls he faced down the road as a result, and how he took a turn towards his authentic self by authoring and performing autobiographical material.
We also explore the heartbreaks, betrayals, and triumphs in his life and career.
And more!
Don Reed
Instagram @donreedwow
Twitter @donreedwow
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