Rita’s Mentor, Comedian and Radio Host Rickey Smiley, visits her talk show, Late Night wit Rita Brent, for an in-depth conversation and deep belly laughs!
He opens up about learning he has twin girls, and what it’s like raising them. He makes an exclusive announcement about a new comedy special coming soon to a screen near YOU, get real about the passing of Caleb Wilson.
Finally, he dazzled the audience on piano and sang church hymns with Rita Brent!
Rickey Smiley: Rickey Smiley is a legendary comedian, actor, author, television host and award-winning radio host of the top-rated, nationally syndicated show, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show.
A comedian for more than 30 years, Rickey is constantly performing across the country on his own theater tour and also makes special appearances on the Martin Lawrence-hosted, LIT AF Tour. Rickey’s tours often include a live band, which Rickey accompanies as an accomplished pianist and organist. Some of Rickey’s fan favorite characters include “Mrs. Bernice Jenkins,” “Lil’ Daryl,” “Joe Willie,” and “Beauford.” Rickey starred in the stand-up specials, Rickey Smiley: Open Casket Sharp and Comedy Central Presents: Rickey Smiley, and released eight bestselling albums including the #1 comedy album, Rickey Smiley: Prank Calls 6.
Rickey started his career at The Stardome Comedy Club in Birmingham, AL, and for over a year until the pandemic in 2020, Rickey sold out every Monday night at the club with Rickey Smiley’s Comedy & Karaoke Night, hosted by Rickey with a live band.
On November 10, 2021, Rickey won his second National Association of Broadcasters’ Marconi Award for Network/Syndicated Person of the Year for The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, which is syndicated to more than 60 cities across the country including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Miami, New Orleans, Orlando, Portland, OR, Seattle and St Louis. In 2017, Rickey won his first Marconi Award for Network/Syndicated Person of the Year and he was nominated again in 2019, when he also served as host of the show.
In 2020 during quarantine, Rickey hosted Fox Soul TV’s, Quarantine Cook Off, featuring his signature humor and top-notch cooking skills while sharing some of his favorite recipes with viewers. Rickey starred in his own TV series, The Rickey Smiley Show, running from 2012 through 2014 on TV One. From 2015 through 2018, Rickey starred in his own TV reality show titled, Rickey Smiley For Real, on TV One.
His memoir, Stand By Your Truth Then Run For Your Life, was released to critical acclaim by Gallery Books in 2018.
On the big screen, Rickey will be seen in the upcoming Nick Cannon film, Miracles Across 125th Street, premiering December 20 on VH1, and he has been featured in urban classics including All About The Benjamins, Friday After Next, and Baggage Claim.
Rita Brent: Rita Brent is a comedian, musician, and military veteran from Jackson, Mississippi. She grew up playing gospel music as a drummer alongside her mother, singer-pianist. She joined the 41st Army National Guard Band at age 18, ending her time in service as a sergeant. Rita graduated from Jackson State University, with a Bachelor’s in Mass and Speech Communication. She is a member of Delta Theta Sorority, Inc. Her radio career blossomed at Mississippi Public Broadcasting where she was a Radio Host/ Producer for 6 years. In March 2013, Rita made a sharp career turn and became a stand-up comedian. She has appeared on “Hart of the City,” truTV’s “Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks,” Epix TV (Unprotected Sets), and listed by Thrillist in 2018 as “The Best Undiscovered Comedian in Mississippi”. Rita’s latest music single is “Kamala,” dedicated to Kamala Harris. She has toured with her mentor, Rickey Smiley, Cedric the Entertainer, Kym Whitley, & more. Rita is signed to Buchwald Talent Agency.
