Gary Owen joins Shannon Sharpe in this episode of Club Shay Shay for a candid and uproarious conversation that delves into the highs and lows of his personal life. The episode kicks off with lighthearted banter about previous guest Amanda Seales, setting the tone for an unfiltered discussion. Gary opens up about the challenges of his very public divorce, sharing amusing anecdotes that led to the realization that it was time to part ways. From the disastrous wedding to the complexities of co-parenting, Gary offers heartfelt insights into navigating the aftermath of his marriage. He candidly discusses the difficulties of being estranged from his children for over three years and reflects on the tumultuous relationships in his upbringing, including the impact of his brother’s addiction.
Gary also shares his experiences with interracial dating, revealing personal struggles and societal perceptions. Then, Gary offers his candid take on everything from the Drake vs Kendrick beef to his own experiences in Hollywood. He delves into the intricacies of auditioning for roles like Django and reflects on the unique camaraderie fostered by films like “Think Like a Man.” Gary opens up about his enduring friendship with Kevin Hart and shares heartfelt stories about the kindness of fellow comedians like Katt Williams.
From navigating legal battles to dissecting the nuances of stand-up comedy, Gary provides insightful commentary with his trademark humor and honesty. He shares his perspective on industry controversies, the power dynamics of Hollywood, and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity. Gary’s anecdotes range from the absurd to the profound, offering listeners a glimpse into the life of a comedian navigating the highs and lows of showbiz.
Audiences can now see Owen in his fourth Showtime comedy special, “GARY OWEN: DOINWHATIDO” which premiered on Saturday, September 7th. This is the follow-up to his three previous Showtime specials titled “I Got My Associates,” which came out in Fall 2018, and “I Agree with Myself” and “True Story,” both of which aired on Showtime in 2015.
Owen has had massive success as a comic actor on the big screen. Up next, he will appear in Universal 1440 Entertainment’s SUDDEN DEATH. In 2016, he starred opposite Mike Epps and Mike Tyson in the comedy MEET THE BLACKS and in 2014, he starred in the Universal comedy RIDE ALONG with Ice Cube and Kevin Hart.
He is also one of the stars of the popular Screen Gems’ franchise THINK LIKE A MAN (2012), having appeared in the first installment and its successful follow up THINK LIKE A MAN TOO (2014). In additional to their commercial successes, both opening #1 at the box office, the films were warmly received by critics and fans alike. Other film credits include LITTLE MAN (2016) opposite The Wayans Brothers and DADDY DAY CARE (2003) opposite Eddie Murphy. He is also widely known for his stealing role as “Bearcat” in the MGM film COLLEGE (2008).
In 2016, Owen starred in the BET docuseries “The Gary Owen Show,” which chronicled his dynamic and interracial family life with his wife and children in small-town Ohio. The series marked the first time a Caucasian actor had starred in his own series on the network.
On the small screen, Owen co-hosted TruTV’s sketch series “Upload with Shaquille O’Neal” (2013). After meeting Tyler Perry on The Tom Joyner Morning Show, Owen was cast as the recurring role of Zach the barber in the 5th season of the TBS comedy series “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne.”
In 2014, he served as the host of the hugely popular comedy special “Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam – Live from Orlando”. Other standout comedy performances include “Mike Epps Presents: Live from Club Nokia” as well as “Breakin’ out the Park” and “Urban Legend,” the latter two which he also produced. He also starred in “Martin Lawrence Presents: 1st Amendment,” which aired on Starz in 2005.
In addition to his breadth of comedic work in films, television, and standup, Owen works closely with the nonprofit Facing Addiction, an organization dedicated to finding solutions to the addiction crisis in America. Having lost his own brother to heroin addiction, Owen regularly speaks and performs to raise awareness and support for the organization’s mission.
Owen grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and has always had a passion for comedy. He enrolled in the US navy following high school, where he was chosen for the prestigious Presidential Honor Guard. After leaving his ceremonial position, Owen became a military police officer at the Naval Installations on Coronado Island in San Diego. During this time, he returned to his true calling: standup comedy. After only a year of doing stand-up, he was named “Funniest Serviceman in America.” Two appearances on the multicultural comedy showcase, “BET’s ComicView,” won him his own one-hour “grandstand” show. At the end of the season he was selected from the year’s four “grandstanders” to be the host.
