The comedian and actor opens up about his expanding acting career, executive producing, his friendship with Kanye West, working with Adam Sandler, and plans for a clean comedy special honoring his late mother.
Comedian, actor, writer, and producer Deon Cole stopped by HOT 97’s Mornings With Mero for a hilarious and revealing conversation covering everything from the second season of Average Joe to Kanye West, Adam Sandler, his evolving Hollywood career, and why he refuses to change the style that made audiences fall in love with him.
With Season 2 of Average Joe now streaming on Paramount+, Cole discusses returning to the dark comedy series while continuing to expand his range as both an actor and creative force behind the scenes. He opens up about executive producing, performing his own stunts, and embracing projects that allow audiences to see different sides of him beyond stand-up comedy.
Cole also reflects on the versatility of his recent acting work, including stepping into the role of legendary boxing promoter Don King in the Michael Jackson biopic Michael and appearing in The Color Purple. Despite moving between comedy, drama, television, and film, Cole explains why remaining authentic has been one of the most important principles guiding his career.
That philosophy extends to his comedy. During the conversation, Cole discusses his writing process and the importance of never changing his comedic “swing” simply to satisfy expectations. As his career continues to evolve, he remains committed to the instincts, perspective, and originality that helped establish his voice in the first place.
Cole also shares plans for a deeply personal new project: a clean stand-up comedy special dedicated to his late mother. The special would challenge him to approach his material differently while honoring someone whose influence continues to play an important role in his life and career.
The conversation takes another entertaining turn when Cole opens up about his longtime friendship with Kanye West, recalling one particularly memorable night after attending a Vultures concert. Instead of spending the evening analyzing the performance, Cole found himself at Ye’s house eating Popeyes chicken—with virtually no conversation about the concert they had just attended.
Cole also reflects on working alongside Adam Sandler on their new film Run the Street, sharing lessons he picked up from watching the veteran comedian, actor, and producer operate on set. For Cole, working with established entertainers like Sandler offers another opportunity to continue learning while protecting the individuality that has carried him throughout his own career.
And because no conversation between Deon Cole and Mero could remain completely on track, the two eventually find themselves diving into an unexpectedly hilarious discussion about apple picking in the Northeast, turning one of fall’s most innocent traditions into one of the interview’s most memorable tangents.
From Hollywood longevity and creative independence to friendship, grief, comedy, Popeyes, and apple orchards, Deon Cole’s appearance on Mornings With Mero offers a funny and personal look at an entertainer continuing to expand his career without abandoning the voice that got him there.
Watch Deon Cole’s full conversation on HOT 97’s Mornings With Mero, and stream Season 2 of Average Joe now on Paramount+.
