One of the 1990s biggest comedy stars, stand-up comedian and actor Joe Torry, recently sat down with hip-hop legend Willie D. to discuss a wide variety of topics, including fighting 2Pac, Janet Jackson’s aids test rumors, Robin Harris beating up other comedians, and so much more.
Look for Joe in the up coming feature film “Soul Ties with Terri Vaughn, Joe will also be reoccurring as Chandler Bishop on Cinemax in the seduction drama entitled the “Jump Off” premiering in April 2012 and he will be taping a Comedy DVD in March called “Laugh In Yo Face” which will be filmed in Dallas, TX. As the former host and one of the most memorable comedians of HBO’s Russell Simmon’s Def Comedy Jam, Torry has become well-known and respected for his comedic style. He garnered this title, because unlike most comedians, Torry doesn’t pre-rehearse his script for stand-up, he uses the audience to unleash his raw, unfiltered and witty comedic style. His ability to connect with audiences from various backgrounds and leave them in stitches has led to an illustrious career and opened the doors of unbelievable opportunity.
Prior to achieving world-wide acclaim from his days as the formidable host of Def Comedy Jam, Torry had already made his mark in the world of comedy and the big screen. Torry starred in many box office hits including House Party 1 & 3 with Martin Lawrence, Strictly Business with Sam Jackson and Halle Berry, Tales from the Hood, Motives 1 & 2, Mansfield 12, Sprung with Tisha Campbell and most notably from his role in John Singleton’s Poetic Justice featuring the remarkable Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur. Torry has also made a name for himself as a stellar actor appearing in such re-known television shows as E.R., NYPD Blue, Dangerous Minds, and Navy NCIS.
Known for his capricious personality as a stand-up comic, audiences quickly embraced his talent. But his world-wide audiences weren’t the only ones welcoming his star-power; many major corporations such as Anheuser Busch, Pepsi and Nike recognized his value and turned his talents into major endorsement opportunities to expand their value and market share.
This universal appeal led Torry to his latest venture with Universal Music Group in which he is one of very few comedians who’s been given the opportunity to release his very own ringtones. Using his unique voice, Torry has borrowed famous quotes and characters from his stage performances and created uniquely hilarious voice tones that user can download to their cellular phones available on all major carriers at www.getmusic.com , Your local carriers site and also www.ringtonejukebox.com . Instead of using the same old songs that everyone one has set to their ringer, users can tickle their tummy with Torry Tones For Your Funny Bones. These hilarious voice-tones such as “Who’s the Man,”, “I got your money” “Ghetto-Girl,” “Muffin Man,” “Queen,” and “U Aint Gon’ Call Me Back?” will leave the users laughing hysterically. These tones are currently being used in various mixx tape series around the country.
Extending his brand and talent, Joe has been working hard on his Musical Comedy CD/Video “Comedy Cocktails” which is due out for your Christmas stockings. The project will be supported by various award winning artist to new talent from Joe’s super star list of friends. Torry is also currently at work on other projects including his reality show entitled, “Joe-Torry Re-mixed.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0rX34aqGww. Remix is a not just the same old run-of-the-mill reality show, but a docuality of Torry’s life., Whilst the camera follows Torry’s every move, capturing his daily interactions the audience is treated with interactions with many famous celebrities and his experiences in the entertainment industry, Torry also revisits his past and shares with the audience his vulnerabilities, his past mistakes and his desire to correct them.
Torry is also writing his debut book entitled The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly. The manuscript details Joe’s journey through life, the entertainment industry and the many people who have had a tremendous impact in his career and personal life. The book will give readers a front row seat into Torry’s experiences in the entertainment industry featuring moments with notable celebrities and power players such as Russell Simmons, Tupac Shakur, Micheal and Janet Jackson, Robin Harris, Robi Reed, Eddie Murphy, Stan Lathan, Magic Johnson and more. He hopes that his book will impact the lives of other upcoming comedians and entertainers by sharing what the business is really like and avoiding some of the same mistakes he made. Torry says “I came into this business doing and saying things I should not have like offending people who held the power in Hollywood.” But Torry’s says there are many happy moments in the book such as the time when Janet Jackson invited them to her house and shared information we needed as young celebrities.
Torry recently put on his producer’s hat in this debut role for his first feature film “Pawn Shop” starring the legendary actor and comedian, Garrett Morris. In which he also plays the villain. He is also developing his own comedy show to give upcoming comedians the same opportunity Def Comedy Jam gave him called “Bustn’ Guts.”
Raised in St. Louis, Missouri with five siblings as army brats, Torry has had the opportunity to experience many different people from around the world which helped him to develop his universal style of comedy. With education at the core of Torry’s upbringing, Torry earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications and Broadcast Journalism at Lincoln University, in Jefferson City, Missouri. Torry hopes to use this education in the future to develop a nationally syndicated radio show. Torry also received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters for his work in the Entertainment Industry and Community Service from his Alma Mater and was inducted in his Schools Hall of Fame and National HBC Alumni Hall of Fame sharing the honor with remarkable human beings such as Thurgood Marshall, Langston Hughes, Samuel L. Jackson and many other notable individuals.
As a humanitarian and philanthropist, Torry utilizes his talent and strong family values to uplift communities worldwide but specifically in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri where he established “Giving Back The Love Foundation” to sponsor youth and community programs. In the last fifteen (15) years, the foundation has assisted in mentoring over 30,000 children and families on the importance of health care awareness and education. Major celebrities gave their time year after year, including Shaquille O’Neal, Terrell Owens, Shia Lebeouf, Vivica Fox, Taraji Henson, Moses Malone, Olden Polynice,Raven Symone, MC Lyte, Cedric the Entertainer, Shemar Moore, John Sally, Nelly, Kimora Lee Simmons, Lisa Raye, Meagan Good, Adam Lamburg and Ali Woodson who sang the national anthem each year. As a result of his leadership in the community, Torry was chosen to represent the mid-west and to be the first to accept the 2004 Olympic Torch for the historic international event in which Jackie Joyner Kersee was last to carry the torch before it left St. Louis and traveled to New York City. His passion to inspire the community to rise up has allowed Torry to reach millions through his endeavors collaborating with many other celebrities and non-profits in raising awareness and funding for many various causes. Torry’s vision is to reach out to the Latino community to further their causes as well. Torry’s recent discussions for collaborations include projects with Oscar Dela Hoya and George Lopez.
With more than 20 years in the business, Torry is forging ahead and embracing new opportunities to explore new media and is now remixing his brand to become one of the most notable comedians in the world of comedy. Torry maintains a strong connection with his fans throughout the world. As such, he continues to work a hectic stand-up schedule throughout the country with sold out audiences eager to hear his latest renderings.
