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Mike Tyson: From Boxing Ring to Comedy Stage – A Knockout Performance?
Introduction:
Forget the ferocious punches and intimidating stare. The image of Mike Tyson, the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, is one deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness. But beyond the boxing gloves and the controversies, lies a surprisingly different side to "Iron Mike." This article dives deep into the unexpected world of Mike Tyson's stand-up comedy, exploring his surprising transition, the critical reception of his performances, and what makes his unique brand of humor so compelling (or, perhaps, bewildering). We’ll examine his comedic style, the audience reaction, and whether he truly delivers a knockout performance on the comedy stage. Get ready to step into the ring…of laughter (or maybe gasps of surprise).
The Unexpected Transition: From Fists to Funny
Mike Tyson's foray into stand-up comedy was as unexpected as a left hook from the legendary boxer himself. After a tumultuous career marked by both incredible highs and devastating lows, Tyson found himself seeking a new outlet for his experiences, his personality, and perhaps, a way to reclaim his narrative. His decision to venture into comedy wasn't just a whimsical endeavor; it was a bold move, a testament to his resilience and willingness to embrace the unknown. He traded his boxing gloves for a microphone, replacing the roar of the crowd at a boxing match with the nervous energy of a comedy club. This transition wasn’t without its skeptics, however. Many questioned whether a man known for his aggressive persona could successfully navigate the nuances and subtleties of stand-up comedy.
Tyson's Comedic Style: A Blend of Brutality and Honesty
Tyson’s comedy isn't your typical polished, clean-cut routine. It's raw, unfiltered, and often brutally honest. He doesn't shy away from discussing his past mistakes, his struggles with addiction, and the darker aspects of his life. This unflinching honesty, though jarring at times, is also what makes his act so compelling. He uses his experiences – the good, the bad, and the ugly – as comedic fodder, often weaving in self-deprecating humor that disarms the audience. The combination of his intimidating physical presence and surprisingly self-aware humor creates a jarring, yet captivating dynamic. He manages to laugh at himself, inviting the audience to join him in the process.
Audience Reactions: A Mixed Bag of Laughter and Apprehension
The reception to Mike Tyson's stand-up has been, unsurprisingly, mixed. While some audiences are captivated by his raw honesty and surprisingly sharp wit, others are left uncomfortable or even shocked by the intensity of his material. His delivery is often unconventional, lacking the polished finesse of seasoned comedians. However, this very rawness is part of his appeal. His performances offer a glimpse into the mind of a complex individual, grappling with his past and attempting to find humor amidst the chaos. The audience reaction is often a reflection of their own expectations and preconceived notions of the man himself.
Beyond the Jokes: The Therapeutic Power of Comedy
For Tyson, stand-up comedy serves as more than just a career change; it appears to be a form of therapy. The act of sharing his stories, confronting his demons, and finding humor in the process seems to be a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing. The vulnerability he displays on stage is unexpected and deeply moving, fostering a connection with the audience that transcends mere entertainment. By openly sharing his struggles, he encourages empathy and understanding, breaking down the stereotypical image of a hardened boxer and revealing a more vulnerable, complex individual.
The Legacy of Mike Tyson's Comedy: A Bold Experiment
Mike Tyson's stand-up comedy career is a unique experiment, pushing the boundaries of what's considered acceptable and expected in the world of stand-up. Whether it's a resounding success in the traditional sense is debatable. However, it undeniably demonstrates his courage, his willingness to challenge himself, and his ability to connect with an audience on a deeply personal level. His act defies categorization, blending elements of confessional storytelling, observational humor, and even a touch of the absurd. It's a testament to the power of personal experience and the unexpected paths we can take in life.
Article Outline:
I. Introduction: Hooking the reader and providing an overview of the article's content.
II. The Unexpected Transition: Discussing Mike Tyson's move from boxing to stand-up comedy and the reasons behind it.
III. Tyson's Comedic Style: Analyzing his unique approach to comedy, including his use of raw honesty and self-deprecating humor.
IV. Audience Reactions: Exploring the varied responses to Tyson's stand-up performances.
V. Beyond the Jokes: Examining the therapeutic aspects of comedy for Tyson and its impact on audience connection.
VI. The Legacy of Mike Tyson's Comedy: Assessing his contribution to the world of stand-up and its long-term implications.
VII. Conclusion: Summarizing the key takeaways and leaving the reader with a lasting impression.
(Detailed explanation of each point is provided above in the main article body.)
9 Unique FAQs:
1. Did Mike Tyson ever have formal comedy training? No, there's no public record of formal training. His style is entirely self-taught and reflects his unique personality.
2. What are some recurring themes in Mike Tyson's stand-up? His past struggles with drugs and incarceration, his relationships, and his boxing career are frequent topics.
3. Is Mike Tyson's comedy suitable for all audiences? No, due to its raw and often explicit nature, it's not suitable for younger audiences or those sensitive to mature themes.
4. How does Mike Tyson's physical presence affect his stand-up performances? His intimidating presence initially creates tension, but it's often used to comedic effect, contrasting with his self-deprecating humor.
5. Has Mike Tyson received any awards or recognition for his stand-up comedy? While he hasn't won major comedy awards, his performances have generated significant buzz and discussion.
6. Where can I watch Mike Tyson's stand-up comedy? His performances have been documented on various platforms, including YouTube and streaming services; however, availability may vary.
7. How does Mike Tyson's stand-up compare to other celebrity comedians? His style is unique and stands apart from most celebrity comedians, lacking their polished delivery but possessing an intensely personal and raw appeal.
8. Does Mike Tyson's stand-up reveal a new side to his personality? Yes, it reveals a surprisingly self-aware and vulnerable side beyond the public image of the ferocious boxer.
9. What is the overall critical consensus on Mike Tyson's stand-up career? The critical reception is mixed, with some praising his honesty and others questioning his comedic skill. However, his bold experiment is undeniably noteworthy.
9 Related Articles:
1. Mike Tyson's Life Story: A Documentary Review: A critical analysis of biographical documentaries detailing Tyson's life journey.
2. The Impact of Celebrity on Stand-Up Comedy: Examines how celebrity status influences a comedian's career and reception.
3. Raw Comedy: Exploring the Unfiltered Stand-Up Scene: A look at comedians who embrace raw, uncensored humor.
4. The Therapeutic Power of Humor: A Psychological Perspective: Explores the benefits of humor and self-expression for mental health.
5. Mike Tyson's Business Ventures Beyond Boxing: An overview of Tyson's various entrepreneurial endeavors.
6. Controversial Figures in Comedy: A Historical Overview: A look at comedians who have faced criticism for their material.
7. The Evolution of Stand-Up Comedy: A historical perspective on the changing landscape of stand-up comedy.
8. From Athlete to Entertainer: The Transition of Famous Sports Stars: Explores examples of athletes who successfully transitioned into entertainment careers.
9. The Psychology of Audience Response to Comedy: Examines the factors influencing audience reactions to stand-up performances.
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Undisputed Truth Mike Tyson, 2014-10-28 Be sure to check out IRON AMBITION: My Life with Cus D’Amato by Mike Tyson “Raw, powerful and disturbing—a head-spinning take on Mr. Tyson's life.”—Wall Street Journal Philosopher, Broadway headliner, fighter, felon—Mike Tyson has defied stereotypes, expectations, and a lot of conventional wisdom during his three decades in the public eye. Bullied as a boy in the toughest, poorest neighborhood in Brooklyn, Tyson grew up to become one of the most ferocious boxers of all time—and the youngest heavyweight champion ever. But his brilliance in the ring was often compromised by reckless behavior. Yet—even after hitting rock bottom—the man who once admitted being addicted “to everything” fought his way back, achieving triumphant success as an actor and newfound happiness and stability as a father and husband. Brutal, honest, raw, and often hilarious, Undisputed Truth is the singular journey of an inspiring American original. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell W. Kamau Bell, 2017-05-02 You may know W. Kamau Bell from his new, Emmy-nominated hit show on CNN, United Shades of America. Or maybe you’ve read about him in the New York Times, which called him “the most promising new talent in political comedy in many years.” Or maybe from The New Yorker, fawning over his brand of humor writing: Bell’s gimmick is intersectional progressivism: he treats racial, gay, and women’s issues as inseparable. After all this love and praise, it’s time for the next step: a book. The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell is a humorous, well-informed take on the world today, tackling a wide range of issues, such as race relations; fatherhood; the state of law enforcement today; comedians and superheroes; right-wing politics; left-wing politics; failure; his interracial marriage; white men; his up-bringing by very strong-willed, race-conscious, yet ideologically opposite parents; his early days struggling to find his comedic voice, then his later days struggling to find his comedic voice; why he never seemed to fit in with the Black comedy scene . . . or the white comedy scene; how he was a Black nerd way before that became a thing; how it took his wife and an East Bay lesbian to teach him that racism and sexism often walk hand in hand; and much, much more. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: The Comedy Bible Judy Carter, 2010-05-04 Judy Carter, guru to aspiring comedy writers and stand-up comics, tells all about the biz of being funny and writing funny in this bright, entertaining, and totally practical guide on how to draw humor from your life and turn it into a career. Do you think you’re funny? Do you want to turn your sense of humor into a career? If the answer is yes, then Judy Carter’s The Comedy Bible is for you. The guru to aspiring stand-up comics provides the complete scoop on being—and writing—funny for money. If you’ve got a sense of humor, you can learn to make a career out of comedy, says Judy Carter. Whether it’s creating a killer stand-up act, writing a spec sitcom, or providing jokes for radio or one-liners for greeting cards, Carter provides step-by-step instructions in The Comedy Bible. She helps readers first determine which genre of comedy writing or performing suits them best and then directs them in developing, refining, and selling their work. Using the hands-on workbook format that was so effective in her bestselling first book, Stand-Up Comedy: The Book, Carter offers a series of day-by-day exercises that draw on her many years as a successful stand-up comic and the head of a nationally known comedy school. Also included are practical tips and advice from today’s top comedy professionals—from Bernie Brillstein to Christopher Titus to Richard Lewis. She presents the pros and cons of the various comedy fields—stand-up, script, speech and joke writing, one-person shows, humor essays—and shows how to tailor your material for each. She teaches how to find your “authentic” voice—the true source of comedy. And, perhaps most important, Carter explains how to take a finished product to the next level—making money—by pitching it to a buyer and negotiating a contract. Written in Carter’s unique, take-no-prisoners voice, The Comedy Bible is practical, inspirational, and funny. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: One Punch from the Promised Land John Florio, Ouisie Shapiro, 2013-08-29 It was 1976 when Leon and Michael Spinks first punched their way into America’s living rooms. That year, they became the first brothers to win Olympic gold in the same Games. Shortly thereafter, they became the first brothers to win the heavyweight title: Leon toppled The Greatest, Muhammad Ali; Michael beat the unbeatable Larry Holmes. With a cast of characters that includes Ali, Holmes, Mike Tyson, Gerry Cooney, Dwight Qawi, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad and dozens of friends, relatives, and boxing figures, ONE PUNCH FROM THE PROMISED LAND tells the unlikely story of the Spinks brothers. Their rise from the Pruitt-Igoe housing disaster. Their divergent paths of success. And their relationship with America. The book also uncovers stories never before made public: the big paydays, the high living, the backroom deals. It’s not afraid to tackle an issue rarely discussed: Does the heavyweight title deliver on its promise to young men in the inner city? This is the definitive story of Leon and Michael Spinks. And a cross-examination of heavyweight boxing in 20th century America. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: The Making of a Stand-Up Guy Charlie Murphy, 2009-12-01 As one of the most popular performers on Comedy Central’s mega-hit The Chappelle Show, Charlie Murphy—older brother of comedy legend Eddie Murphy—shares his passion for comedy and tells his true Hollywood stories in this juicy and highly entertaining memoir. Once described by Chris Rock as “Eddie Murphy on acid,” Charlie Murphy has achieved fame as a recurring performer on the critically acclaimed, three-time Emmy-nominated cult sensation Chappelle’s Show on Comedy Central. Celebrated in particular for his “Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Stories” skits, featuring hilarious renditions of Rick James and Prince, Murphy now recounts many of the actual stories that inspired these popular sketches in vivid and comical detail in Doing Time: The Making of a Stand-Up Guy. With his flare for storytelling and his distinctive and fearless voice, it’s no wonder that Charlie Murphy has been the subject of many featured stories in numerous magazines, including GQ, Essence, Rolling Stone, and he was recently listed as one of the Hottest People to Watch in Entertainment Weekly’s “Must List.” Featuring outrageous misadventures as part of his younger brother Eddie’s entourage, and hysterical encounters with numerous celebrities, Doing Time: The Making of a Stand-Up Guy is a fascinating and wildly funny chronicle from one of the most talented comedians today. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Icons of African American Comedy Eddie M. Tafoya, 2011-06-02 This in-depth compilation of the lives, works, and contributions of 12 icons of African-American comedy explores their impact on American entertainment and the way America thinks about race. Despite the popularity of comedic superstars like Bill Cosby and Whoopi Goldberg, few books have looked at the work of African-American comedians, especially those who, like Godfrey Cambridge and Moms Mabley, dramatically impacted American humor. Icons of African American Comedy remedies that oversight. Beginning with an introduction that explores the history and impact of black comedians, the book offers in-depth discussions of 12 of the most important African-American comedians of the past 100-plus years: Bert Williams, Moms Mabley, Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory, Flip Wilson, Godfrey Cambridge, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Damon Wayans, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle. Each essay discusses the comedian's early life and offers an analysis of his or her contributions to American entertainment. Providing a variety of viewpoints on African-American comedy, the book shows how these comedians changed American comedy and American society. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: The Improv Budd Friedman, Tripp Whetsell, 2017-09-19 Featured in the New York Times 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Hardcover Fans Get an insider's oral history of the World's most iconic comedy club, featuring exclusive interviews with today's most hilarious stars recalling their time on stage (and off) at the Improv. In 1963, 30-year-old Budd Friedman—who had recently quit his job as a Boston advertising executive and returned to New York to become a theatrical producer—opened a coffee house for Broadway performers called the Improvisation. Later shortened to the Improv, its first seedy West 44th Street location initially attracted the likes of Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Albert Finney, and Jason Robards, as well as a couple of then-unknowns named Dustin Hoffman and Bette Midler. While it drew near-capacity crowds almost from day one, it wasn't until comedians began dropping by to try out new material that the Improv truly hit its stride. The club became the first venue to present live stand-up in a continuous format, and in the process reinvented the art form and created the template for all other comedy clubs that followed. From the microphone to the iconic brick wall, the Improv has been the launching pad for practically every major name in American comedy over the last five-plus decades. Now, in The Improv, Friedman, along with a Who's Who of his most famous alumni—including Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Jimmy Fallon, Larry David, Billy Crystal, Lily Tomlin, Judd Apatow, Al Franken, Paul Reiser, Howie Mandel, Bob Saget, Drew Carey, and many more—tell it like it was in the first-ever oral history of how this game-changing comedy club came to be. The Improv gives readers an exclusive look at what really happened onstage and off-mic at one of America's most venerable institutions. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Make 'Em Laugh Michael Kantor, Laurence Maslon, 2008-12-02 From the most popular routines and the most ingenious physical shtick to the snappiest wisecracks and the most biting satire of the last century, Make 'Em Laugh illuminates who we are as a nation by exploring what makes us laugh, and why. Authors Laurence Maslon and Michael Kantor draw on countless sources to chronicle the past century of American comedy and the geniuses who created and performed it-melding biography, American history, and a lotta laughs into an exuberant, important book. Each of the six chapters focuses a different style or archetype of comedy, from the slapstick pratfalls of Buster Keaton and Lucille Ball through the wiseguy put-downs of Groucho Marx and Larry David, to the incendiary bombshells of Mae West and Richard Pryor . And at every turn the significance of these comedians-smashing social boundaries, challenging the definition of good taste, speaking the truth to the powerful-is vividly tangible. Make 'Em Laugh is more than a compendium of American comic genius; it is a window onto the way comedy both reflects the world and changes it-one laugh at a time. Starting from the groundbreaking PBS series, the authors have gone deeper into the works and lives of America's great comic artists, with biographical portraits, archival materials, cultural overviews, and rare photos. Brilliantly illustrated, with insights (and jokes) from comedians, writers and producers, along with film, radio, television, and theater historians, Make 'Em Laugh is an indispensible, definitive book about comedy in America. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Yes to the Mess Frank Barrett, 2012-08-07 Proposes an organizational leadership and collaboration model based on the improvisational natures of such jazz musicians as Miles Davis and Sonny Rollins, discussing inventive approaches companies can take to deal with change. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: The Improv Book Alison Goldie, 2015-07-14 A smart, witty and accessible guide to the rewarding and joyful practice of improvisation. Classic improv games and variations Telling stories and creating characters Using improv to make theatre and comedy, from monologues to full-scale productions An asset to students and teachers of improvisation in schools, drama schools, higher education and theatre groups, both professional and amateur. It will also be of benefit to organisations and individual readers who want to discover how improv stimulates creativity and confidence in all areas of life. The Improv Book opens up this exciting discipline to a wider audience. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Living in Color: What's Funny About Me Tommy Davidson, 2020-01-28 “Tommy Davidson is a journeyman performer. He knows the how and the what and his timing is off the hook. He's one of my favorite performers. Oh and did I mention he's funny, REALLY funny.” —Whoopi Goldberg In this revealing memoir, Tommy Davidson shares his unique perspective on making it in Hollywood, being an integral part of television history, on fame and family, and on living a life that has never been black and white—just funny and true . . . Abandoned as an infant on the streets of Greenville, Mississippi, and rescued by a loving white family, Tommy Davidson spent most of his childhood unaware that he was different from his brother and sister. All that changed as he came of age in a society of racial barriers—ones that he was soon to help break. On a fledgling network, Tommy joined the cast of In Living Color, alongside other relative newcomers all united by an ingenious throng of Wayans siblings, poised to break new ground. Now Tommy gives readers the never-before-told behind-the-scenes story of the first show born of the Hip Hop Nation: from its incredible rise, to his own creation of such unforgettable characters as Sweet Tooth Jones and dead-on impressions of Sammy Davis, Jr., Michael Jackson, M.C. Hammer and Sugar Ray Leonard, and appearing in such classic sketches as “Homie The Clown,” the “Hey Mon, family,” and the “Ugly Woman,” through guest-star skirmishes (and black eyes) to backstage tensions and the eventual fall of this pop-culture touchstone. He reveals his own nascent career on the stand-up circuit, as well as reflections on working with Spike Lee, Halle Berry, Chris Rock, and Jada Pinkett Smith. He also shares his very personal story of living with—and being inspired and empowered by—two distinct family histories. Told with humor and hard-won honesty, Living in Color is a bracing, illuminating, and remarkable success story. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Unbreakable Jay Glazer, 2022-01-25 Hey Teammate, We all face obstacles-physical, emotional, between the ears. The good news is that everything we have fought back against can empower us, IF WE KNOW HOW TO USE IT. My obstacles happen to be anxiety and depression. I call it living in the gray, and I've been mired in it my whole life. To be honest, it sucks. But I have also recently recognized that this same gray that has held me down has also empowered me to make my wildest dreams come true. You have probably overcome many of your own obstacles, but you;ve been too close to the conflict to clearly see what you’ve accomplished. We are all UNBREAKABLE, no matter what we do, who we are, or what traumas we may have experienced. We just need to admit that we can’t walk this walk alone. --Jay Glazer After years of rejection but with constant hustle, Jay Glazer has built a career has one of the most iconic sports insiders, earning himself a spot on the Emmy award-winning Fox NFL Sunday, a role as the confidant of coaches and players across the league, and a role as himself alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on HBO series Ballers. His gym, Unbreakable Performance Center, attracts some of the biggest names in Hollywood, and is the headquarters to the powerful charity MVP (Merging Vets and Players) that Jay founded in 2015. MVP began as a weekly physical and mental health huddle with combat veterans and retired athletes has expanded to seven locations, helping soldiers and players transition to a new team. In Unbreakable, Jay Glazer talks directly to you, his teammates, and shares his truth. All of his success from his screeching-and-swerving joy ride through professional football, the media, the fighting world, Hollywood, the military-warrior community, comes with a side of relentless depression and anxiety. Living in the gray, as Jay calls it, is just a constant for him. And, in order to work through the gray and succeed, Jay has to maintain an Unbreakable Mindset. With this book, you can too. · Be of Service—help others and help yourself in the process · Build Your Team—give support, get support · Never Underestimate the Power of Laughter—never take yourself too seriously · Be Proud of Your Scars—our trauma makes us who we are Throughout Unbreakable, Jay will use his stories—featuring some of the biggest, baddest, and most fascinating characters in the public eye today—to show how he walks this walk, has learned that while the gray is very real, it doesn’t have to define him. And it doesn’t have to define you either. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Jamie Foxx Anne M. Todd, 2008 Examines the life and career of actor Jamie Foxx. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: I'd Like to Play Alone, Please Tom Segura, 2022-06-14 A #2 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER From a massively successful stand-up comedian and co-host of chart-topping podcasts “2 Bears 1 Cave” and “Your Mom’s House,” hilarious real-life stories of parenting, celebrity encounters, youthful mistakes, misanthropy, and so much more. Tom Segura is known for his twisted takes and irreverent comedic voice. But after a few years of crazy tours and churning out podcasts weekly, all while parenting two young children, he desperately needs a second to himself. It’s not that he hates his friends and family — he’s not a monster — he’s just beat, which is why his son’s (ruthless) first full sentence, “I’d like to play alone, please,” has since become his mantra. In this collection of stories, Tom combines his signature curmudgeonly humor with a revealing look at some of the ridiculous situations that shaped him and the ludicrous characters who always seem to seek him out. The stories feature hilarious anecdotes about Tom's time on the road, including some surreal encounters with celebrities at airports; his unfiltered South American family; the trials and tribulations of parenting young children with bizarrely morbid interests; and, perhaps most memorably, experiences with his dad who, like any good Baby Boomer father, loves to talk about his bowel movements and share graphic Vietnam stories at inappropriate moments. All of this is enough to make anyone want some peace and quiet. I’D LIKE TO PLAY ALONE, PLEASE will have readers laughing out loud and nodding in agreement with Segura's message: in a world where everyone is increasingly insane, sometimes you just need to be alone. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Keeping Up With the Germans Philip Oltermann, 2012-01-31 In 1996, in the middle of watching an ill-tempered football match between England and Germany, Philip Oltermann's parents tell him that they are going to leave their home city Hamburg behind and move to London. Inspired by his own experience of both countries, Philip Oltermann looks at eight historical encounters between English and German people from the last two hundred years: Helmut Kohl tries to explain German cuisine to the Iron Lady, the Mini plays catch-up with the Volkswagen Beetle, and Joe Strummer has an unlikely brush with the Baader-Meinhof gang. Keeping Up with the Germans is a witty look at the lighter-side of Anglo-German relations over the last 100 years. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Stand-Up Preaching Jacob D. Myers, 2022-10-06 Few vocations share more in common with preaching than stand-up comedy. Each profession demands attention to the speaker's bodily and facial gestures, tone and inflection, timing, and thoughtful engagement with contemporary contexts. Furthermore, both preaching and stand-up arise out of creative tension with homiletic or comedic traditions, respectively. Every time the preacher steps into the pulpit or the comedian steps onto the stage, they must measure their words and gestures against their audience's expectations and assumptions. They participate in a kind of dance that is at once choreographed and open to improvisation. It is these and similar commonalities between preaching and stand-up comedy that this book engages. Stand-Up Preaching does not aim to help preachers tell better jokes. The focus of this book is far more expansive. Given the recent popularity of comedy specials, preachers have greater access to a broad array of emerging comics who showcase fresh comedic styles and variations on comedic traditions. Coupled with the perennial Def Comedy Jams on HBO, preachers also have ready access to the work of classic comics who have exhibited great storytelling and stage presence. This book will offer readers tools to discern what is homiletically significant in historical and contemporary stand-up routines, equipping them with fresh ways to riff off of their respective preaching traditions, and nuanced ways to engage issues of contemporary sociopolitical importance. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: New York Magazine , 1995-01-16 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Git-R-Done Larry the Cable Guy, 2006-06-06 Chock-Full of Straight Talk About America. . . And Some Jokes, Too! Larry the Cable Guy on . . . NASCAR: It’s a lotta good old-fashioned fun started by a buncha moonshiners. Just seein’ all the ZZ Top–lookin’ folks drinkin’ beer, havin’ a good time, and not givin’ a darn is awesome. And that’s just the women! Dieting: I once went on the “liquid diet.” I was supposed to drink nothin’ but liquids for a week. But I got so drunk and sick of that Jim Beam and Coke, I’ll never drink it again. Why his catchphrase “git-r-done” is better than other catchphrases: Ya can’t be at a ball game with two outs in the ninth inning and yell to the pitcher “Bounty is the quicker picker-upper!!” It makes no sense. But you could yell “Git-r-done” and everyone would know what you meant. The red state–blue state divide: Is Dr. Seuss runnin’ the government? Larry’s mom on Larry’s book: “There’s really not much I can say here except for I apologize to everyone ahead of time for the crap you are about to read.” —Larry’s mom Also available as an eBook. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Mastering Fear Brandon Webb, John David Mann, 2018-08-07 From New York Times bestselling author and former Navy SEAL Brandon Webb comes a simple yet powerful five-step guide to transforming your life by making your fears work for you instead of against you. Brandon Webb has run life-threatening missions in the world's worst trouble spots, whether that meant jumping out of airplanes, taking down hostile ships on the open sea, or rolling prisoners in the dead of night in the mountains of Afghanistan. As a Navy SEAL, he learned how to manage the natural impulse to panic in the face of terrifying situations. As media CEO and national television commentator, he has learned how to apply those same skills in civilian life. Drawing on his experiences in combat and business, along with colorful anecdotes from his vast network of super-achiever friends from astronauts to billionaires, Webb shows how people from all walks of life can stretch and transcend their boundaries and learn to use their fears as fuel to achieve more than they ever thought possible. Fear can be a set of manacles, holding you prisoner, writes Webb. Or it can be a slingshot, catapulting you on to greatness. The key, says Webb, is not to fight fear or try to beat it back, but to embrace and harness it. In the process, rather than being your adversary, your fear becomes a secret weapon that allows you to triumph in even the most adverse situations. In Mastering Fear, Webb and his bestselling coauthor John David Mann break this transformation down into five practical steps, creating a must-read manual for anyone looking for greater courage and mastery in their lives. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Why You Crying? George Lopez, 2004-06-04 In this eagerly awaited autobiography, comedian and prime-time television star George Lopez tells the heartbreaking yet humorous story of his inspirational rise from dead-end kid in the Valley to giving a command performance before the president of the United States. It is a rare story that touches us so deeply with its humor, sadness, and powerful message that it transcends the walls of race, culture, and class that divide us. Why You Crying? is just such a story. Abandoned by his migrant-worker father at the tender age of two months, deserted by a wild, mixed-up mother at the age of ten years, Lopez grew up angry, alone, teased, and tormented in California's San Fernando Valley, raised by grandparents who viewed love as a four-letter word. Inspired by his idols, Freddie Prinze Sr. and Richard Pryor, Lopez sets out on a tumultuous twenty-year journey into the manic world of stand-up comedy -- trying to learn a skill nobody can teach; scoring one night and bombing the next; fighting anger, alcohol, depression, and doubt all while battling the barriers built to keep Chicanos from breaking through, especially on network TV. Today, the George Lopez show is a prime-time hit on ABC and his sold-out stand-up performances attract thousands of fans of all ages, each drawn to the sidesplitting riffs mined from a life so sad it had to be funny. Why You Crying? takes an outsider from the San Fernando Valley to Warner Bros. studios to inside the Emmys to plush Pebble Beach and all the way to the halls of Harvard. Along the way it's pure G. Lo -- raw, real, and, ultimately, uplifting. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Aethlon , 1993 |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: The Ten Commandments of Comedy Gene Perret, 2013-01-22 Beginning comedy writers and performers may think funny can't be taught, but legendary comedy writer Gene Perret, winner of three Emmy Awards, tells otherwise in this guide to what makes a good joke work. Outlining the 10 commandments of comedy, the unbreakable rules that every gag must follow in order to be funny, this book liberates readers and allows them to immediately begin writing better and funnier comedy material. By following Perret's commandments, readers will better understand how to write jokes that connect with audiences and discover why unsuccessful material isn't working and how it can be fixed. From the First Commandment (Thou Shalt Surprise) to the Tenth (Thou Shalt Be Clever), this work stands as a fast guide to the essentials of humor that is perfect for business presenters, after-dinner speakers, professional comedians, and anyone who wants to be funny. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Jet , 1993-02-01 The weekly source of African American political and entertainment news. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: New York Magazine , 1994-10-03 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Z Magazine , 1990 |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Fighting for Survival Christy Martin, 2022-06-22 If you were riveted by the Netflix documentary Untold: Deal with the Devil, find out Christy Martin’s whole story in this fascinating autobiography. Boxing legend Christy Martin was a trailblazer in the ring and continues to be an inspiration to female fighters across the globe. She is without a doubt the most important woman in the history of female combat sports. But behind the scenes Martin was in a losing battle, unable to express her true sexual identity and struggling to survive sexual and domestic abuse at the hands of her husband. In Fighting for Survival: My Journey through Boxing Fame, Abuse, Murder, and Resurrection, Christy Martin recounts her harrowing yet inspiring story. Growing up in a small town in West Virginia, Martin felt forced to keep her sexual orientation hidden to please her family and the sports world, eventually agreeing to a sham marriage with coach Jim Martin. While she rose to prominence in the world of boxing, Martin was secretly contending with substance abuse, domestic violence, and an attempted murder by her husband, who left her to die on their bedroom floor. Fighting for Survival reveals how Martin battled back to life from her near-death experience, how she overcame abuse, violence, addiction, and 40 years of living in the closet, and how she turned her pain into victory and debasement into triumph. Her story is one of hope and self-belief, an inspiration for anyone struggling to break the chain of abuse or who fears to be open about their sexual orientation. It is more than the story of a boxing champion; it is the story of a survivor. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Joker Face Steve Best, 2017-09-21 Stewart Lee has seen a ghost but doesn’t believe in the afterlife. Rob Beckett can peel a banana with his feet. Viv Groskop gave birth to a baby next to a dishwasher. What do you get when you combine unknown facts about some of Britain’s best-lovedcomedians with their favourite one-liners and candid, black-and-white portraits? The result is Joker Face , a hilarious record of the British comedy scene from comedian Steve Best, a 20-year veteran of the comedy circuit. In this book – a companion to the 2014 book Comedy Snapshot – Best paints an intimate and very funny portrait of some of our favourites: Jimmy Carr, Rob Delaney, Sarah Pascoe, Stewart Lee, John Bishop, Mackenzie Crook, Josie Lawrence, Mark Watson,Tommy Tiernan, Phill Jupitus, and many, many more. Joker Face is an essential book for any fan of British humour and gives us a backstage pass into the world of comedy. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Weekly World News , 1992-10-27 Rooted in the creative success of over 30 years of supermarket tabloid publishing, the Weekly World News has been the world's only reliable news source since 1979. The online hub www.weeklyworldnews.com is a leading entertainment news site. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Dark Trade Donald McRae, 2014-06-05 WINNER OF THE 1996 WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR PRIZE. In the early 1990s, Donald McRae set out to discover the truth about the intense and forbidding world of professional boxing. Travelling around the States and Britain, he was welcomed into the inner sanctums of some of the greatest fighters of the period - men such as Mike Tyson, Chris Eubank, Oscar de la Hoya, Frank Bruno, Evander Holyfield and Naseem Hamed among them. They opened up to him, revealing unforgettable personal stories from both inside and outside the ring, and explaining why it is that some are driven to compete in this most brutal of sports, risking their health and even their lives. The result is a classic account of boxing that remains as fresh and entertaining as when it was first published almost 20 years ago. McRae approaches his subjects with wit, compassion and insight, and the result was a book that was a deserved winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year prize. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Billboard , 1998-10-03 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends. |
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| mike tyson stand up comedy: SPIN , 1990-10 From the concert stage to the dressing room, from the recording studio to the digital realm, SPIN surveys the modern musical landscape and the culture around it with authoritative reporting, provocative interviews, and a discerning critical ear. With dynamic photography, bold graphic design, and informed irreverence, the pages of SPIN pulsate with the energy of today's most innovative sounds. Whether covering what's new or what's next, SPIN is your monthly VIP pass to all that rocks. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Cult Vegas Mike Weatherford, 2001 Mike Weatherford resurrects the mystique of Vegas's Golden Age--the '60s of history and legend--bringing the hipster legacy to new Vegasphiles. Meet '50s and '60s lounge greats the Treniers, the Mary Kaye Trio, and Louis Prima and Keely Smith; comedy legends Joe E. Lewis, Shecky Greene, and Don Rickles; and Vegas babes Vampira, Lili St. Cyr, Ann-Margret, and Tempest Storm. Weatherford also covers nearly every offbeat movie ever made about Las Vegas, as well as Elvis and Frank's impact on the town. This gorgeous entertainment retrospective is packed with showroom esoterica, descriptions of near-forgotten corners of Vegas cult musicology, odd trivia, and unsung heroes of a bygone era. Cult Vegas chronicles the major moments--the camp, the extreme, the awful--in short, the magic of Las Vegas' half-century run as an entertainment mecca. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: B.E.T. Weekend Magazine , 1999 |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Current Biography Yearbook , 2007 |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Film Review , 2000 |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success Steve Harvey, 2014-09-09 In his phenomenal #1 New York Times bestseller Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, Steve Harvey told women what it takes to succeed in love. Now, he tells everyone how to succeed in life, giving you the keys to fulfill your purpose. Countless books on success tell you what you need to get that you don’t already possess. In Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success, Steve Harvey tells you how to achieve your dreams using the gift you already have. Every one of us was born with a gift endowed by our creator—something you do the best at with very little effort. While it can be like someone else’s, your gift is yours alone. No one can take it away. You are the only one who can use it—or waste it. Steve shows how that gift holds your greatest chance at success, and the fulfillment of your life’s mission and purpose. He helps you learn to define your gift—whether it’s being a problem solver, a people-connector, a whiz with numbers, or having an eye for colors. He makes clear that your job is not your gift; you may use it in your work, but it can also be used in your marriage or relationship, your community, and throughout every aspect of your life. Throughout, he provides a set of principles that will help you direct your gift. “The scriptures say your gift will make room for you and put you in the presence of great men,” Steve reminds us. This book is your roadmap to identifying your gift, acknowledging it, perfecting it, connecting it to a vehicle, and riding it to success. Because Success is the gift you already have.” Funny yet firm, told in Steve’s warm and insightful voice, and peppered with anecdotes from his own life, practical advice, and truthful insights, this essential guide can help you transform your life and achieve everything you were born to. |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: The New Biographical Dictionary of Film David Thomson, 2014-05-06 For almost thirty years, David Thomson’s Biographical Dictionary of Film has been not merely “the finest reference book ever written about movies” (Graham Fuller, Interview), not merely the “desert island book” of art critic David Sylvester, not merely “a great, crazy masterpiece” (Geoff Dyer, The Guardian), but also “fiendishly seductive” (Greil Marcus, Rolling Stone). This new edition updates the older entries and adds 30 new ones: Darren Aronofsky, Emmanuelle Beart, Jerry Bruckheimer, Larry Clark, Jennifer Connelly, Chris Cooper, Sofia Coppola, Alfonso Cuaron, Richard Curtis, Sir Richard Eyre, Sir Michael Gambon, Christopher Guest, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Spike Jonze, Wong Kar-Wai, Laura Linney, Tobey Maguire, Michael Moore, Samantha Morton, Mike Myers, Christopher Nolan, Dennis Price, Adam Sandler, Kevin Smith, Kiefer Sutherland, Charlize Theron, Larry Wachowski and Andy Wachowski, Lew Wasserman, Naomi Watts, and Ray Winstone. In all, the book includes more than 1300 entries, some of them just a pungent paragraph, some of them several thousand words long. In addition to the new “musts,” Thomson has added key figures from film history–lively anatomies of Graham Greene, Eddie Cantor, Pauline Kael, Abbott and Costello, Noël Coward, Hoagy Carmichael, Dorothy Gish, Rin Tin Tin, and more. Here is a great, rare book, one that encompasses the chaos of art, entertainment, money, vulgarity, and nonsense that we call the movies. Personal, opinionated, funny, daring, provocative, and passionate, it is the one book that every filmmaker and film buff must own. Time Out named it one of the ten best books of the 1990s. Gavin Lambert recognized it as “a work of imagination in its own right.” Now better than ever–a masterwork by the man playwright David Hare called “the most stimulating and thoughtful film critic now writing.” |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Focus On: 100 Most Popular American Autobiographers Wikipedia contributors, |
| mike tyson stand up comedy: Focus On: 100 Most Popular American Game Show Hosts Wikipedia contributors, |
