The city of Atlanta showed up and showed out for one of its own this week, as beloved comedian, actor, and radio personality Rickey Smiley hosted an exclusive screening of his brand-new comedy special for Hulu. The intimate event brought together friends, family, and fans to celebrate the latest chapter in Smiley’s legendary career — from his early days on BET’s ComicView to ruling morning radio on the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show.
But the night wasn’t all laughs. In a deeply moving moment, Smiley paused the celebration to pay an emotional tribute to his late son, Brandon, whose passing in 2023 shook the comedian and his legion of supporters to their core. With tears in his eyes, Smiley spoke about fatherhood, faith, and finding the strength to keep going — a raw and honest moment that left the entire room in tears and reminded everyone why Atlanta loves him so fiercely.
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Known for his clean-but-cutting humor and unforgettable characters like Bernice Jenkins, Smiley has been a cornerstone of Black comedy for decades, and his new Hulu special proves he is still at the top of his game. The screening felt like a family reunion — plenty of laughs, a few tears, and a whole lot of love in the room.
Smiley’s Hulu special is the latest in a long line of wins for the Alabama native, who has kept audiences laughing through sold-out tours, hit sitcoms, and his beloved TV One reality series. If the screening crowd’s reaction is any indication, this one is destined to be a fan favorite.
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