Rickey Smiley: The Man Behind The Laughter

What's the Deal with Rickey Smiley's Net Worth?

Alright, let’s break it down. Rickey Smiley, the man who brings the laughs to millions, has amassed a net worth of $2.5 million. But how did he get there? Rickey’s journey to success is nothing short of inspiring. Known for his hilarious prank phone calls, Rickey is the voice behind the nationally syndicated radio show "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show." And that's just the beginning. He's also starred in the sitcom "The Rickey Smiley Show" and the reality series "Rickey Smiley For Real." But let's rewind a bit. Rickey's first big break came in 2002 when he played "Santa Claus" in Ice Cube's film "Friday After Next." That same year, he appeared as "Snitch Mitch" in "All About the Benjamins." Over the years, he's continued to charm audiences with roles in "First Sunday" and "Baggage Claim." So, it's safe to say Rickey's not just a one-trick pony—he’s a comedy powerhouse.

Early Beginnings and Education

Before Rickey Smiley became the household name we all know today, he was born as Broderick Smiley on August 10, 1968, in Birmingham, Alabama. Growing up in the heart of the South, Rickey developed a unique sense of humor that would later define his career. For his education, Rickey attended Alabama State University in Montgomery, where he honed his skills and prepared for the world of comedy. It’s clear that his roots play a big role in shaping the comedian we see today.

Stand-up Comedy: The Heart of Rickey's Career

When it comes to stand-up comedy, Rickey Smiley is a force to be reckoned with. Early in his career, he graced the stages of iconic shows like "Def Comedy Jam," "Snaps," and "Showtime at the Apollo." His comedic genius didn’t go unnoticed, and in 2004, he was chosen to host the 13th season of BET’s "Comic View." Rickey’s comedy is a delightful mix of humor and character play. He’s famous for bringing to life colorful fictional characters like Bernice Jenkins, Rusty Dale, and Lil’ Daryl. These characters have become a staple in his performances and have earned him a loyal fan base.

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Radio Career: The Morning Show Magic

In 2004, Rickey Smiley stepped into the world of radio as the morning show personality for KBFB in Dallas, Texas. It was here that he made a name for himself with his elaborate prank calls. These calls weren’t just funny; they were works of art. Rickey would often roleplay as various characters, and some of his most memorable pranks include "Buried Alive," where he pretends to be a narcoleptic working at a funeral home who gets accidentally buried alive, and "Uncle Melvin," where he prank calls his uncle. But the laughs don’t stop there. In 2008, Rickey signed a deal with Syndication One to take his radio program nationwide as "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show." This show quickly became a staple on many mainstream urban and urban adult contemporary stations across the United States, bringing joy to listeners every morning.

Television Career: From Sitcoms to Reality Shows

Rickey Smiley’s journey didn’t stop at radio. In 2011, he joined the Fox-produced television program "Dish Nation," where he shared his unique perspective on tabloid news and pop culture. The show brought together a lively cast, including his co-stars from "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show." Rickey remained a part of "Dish Nation" until 2019, all while making appearances on numerous other television shows. From 2012 to 2014, he starred in his own sitcom, "The Rickey Smiley Show," which aired on TV One. Following that, he cohosted the Stellar Awards from 2014 to 2016. But the hits kept coming. In 2015, Rickey launched his reality series "Rickey Smiley For Real," which followed him as he juggled his career and personal life as a father. The series ran for five seasons and concluded in 2018. Rickey also made guest appearances on the popular Bravo series "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" and cohosted the Black Music Honors from 2017 to 2020. In 2021, he even cohosted the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, proving that his talents span across various genres of entertainment.

Film Career: Breaking into the Big Screen

Rickey Smiley made his feature film debut in 2002 with the stoner comedy "Friday After Next," the third installment in the beloved "Friday" franchise starring Ice Cube. The following year, he reunited with Ice Cube in the crime comedy "First Sunday," alongside Katt Williams and Clifton Powell. In this film, Rickey played his iconic stand-up character Bernice Jenkins. His filmography expanded in 2010 with "Stomp the Yard: Homecoming," a direct-to-video dance drama sequel to "Stomp the Yard." Three years later, Rickey appeared in David E. Talbert's romantic comedy "Baggage Claim," which was adapted from Talbert's book. Rickey's versatility as an actor is evident in each of these roles, showcasing his range and talent.

Personal Life: The Man Behind the Curtain

Behind the scenes, Rickey Smiley is a family man. He was married to Brenda Morris for 12 years, and together they have four children: Brandon, D’Essence, Aaryn, and Malik. Life, however, has thrown its share of challenges at Rickey. In the summer of 2020, their daughter Aaryn was shot during a road rage incident. And in early 2023, their 32-year-old son Brandon tragically took his own life through an intentional drug overdose. Through it all, Rickey continues to use his platform to spread joy and laughter, reminding us all of the power of humor and resilience.