Comedian puts a Smiley face on bringing people together

By John Benson

Rickey Smiley just wants everybody to get along.

As a comedian, actor and syndicated radio morning show host, this funny-man feels as though he can not only cater to everyone but succeed in putting differences aside among folks and make them enjoy each other’s company. While others attempt to find peace among Israelis and Palestinians, Republicans and Democrats, this entertainer has mounted a bigger challenge, one that others deemed impossible.

You see, at Smiley’s upcoming Youngstown stand-up comedy show Friday at Powers Auditorium, the popular comedian will dare to unite Cleveland Browns fans with the Pittsburgh Steelers nation.

“Man, this is my first time coming to Youngstown,” said Smiley, calling from Dallas. “I’m excited. I heard a lot of people are doing their thing up there. I know about up there, too, because I’m a Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns fan. I know that’s a no-no up there, and I need to make a choice, but I always go with champions and I always like the Browns. So I want them both.”

What Smiley really wants is to become the biggest entertainer around. As one of the hardest-working people in show business, Smiley has a work schedule that boggles the mind. Weekdays he hosts “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show,” which can’t be heard over the radio air waves in Youngstown but can be listened to at www.rickeysmileymorningshow.com.

In addition to that, his stand-up comedy career keeps him on the road roughly 48 weeks out of the year all over the nation. In the past he sold out New York City’s Madison Square Garden. And let’s not forget his various other acting jobs.

“I’m just on the grind,” Smiley said. “I’m doing the radio show and working on some movies. I did the ‘First Sunday’ movie last year with Ice Cube and have a couple of movies I’m working on getting scripts together right now. I’m also working on trying to get a sitcom. But yeah, I’m working. And I’m a single dad with three kids.”

While Smiley has been touring on the road in a package show along with “American Idol” veteran singer Fantasia, he said he’s coming to Youngstown — prompted by hundreds of e-mail requests from Northeast Ohio fans — as a solo act in order to keep the ticket prices low.

“When they leave my show, I promise they’ll get their money’s worth like they never had before,” Smiley said. “I’m not coming up there pausing, trying to think of the next joke. I’m keeping it moving for them the whole time. It’s just going to be a party, and I want them to be able to laugh until they cry. It’s a clean family show, not really for kids. But you won’t hear a whole lot of cursing and nasty talk. We don’t do that.

“I bring a show that when you leave, you’re going to say he talked about so much. He talked about funerals, people having kids, my grandmother. I’m going to talk about everything. The show is phenomenal right now. I’m not just saying that; it’s nonstop laughter. I play the piano, make church announcements, do my Bernice Jenkins character. Everywhere this show has been, it’s sold out, so I’m hoping Youngstown doesn’t let me down.”