Started at Talawanda now we here
Gary Owen, local-ish comedian, is about to take over the world. Ok, he’s not super local, but he grew up in the Cincy area and now calls Cincinnati home, so that counts, right? Just say yes, and let’s keep it moving.
When he’s not yelling “Who Dey!”, Gary is making people laugh. Hysterically. A lot of people, actually, and they’ve been laughing for over a decade.
You may know him as Mr. Broccoli from Daddy Day Care, Zach the barber from House of Payne, or any number of his scene stealing movie roles. Don’t act like you weren’t hoping your boyfriend was taking notes during his role as Bennett in Think Like A Man (and Think Like A Man Too), we know better. We know.
But you have to take it back a little further. After high school, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After serving on the Presidential Honor Guard, he found comedy. Being named “Funniest Serviceman in America” was only the beginning. He quickly found a huge African American fan base and was named the “Funniest Black Comedian” in San Diego. Soon he could be seen gracing the stage of BET’s ComicView, with appearances that lead him to the hosting gig.
Now the whole team’s here
Now, it’s coming full circle. Once again, Gary answered when BET called, except this time, it was for his own reality tv show. A statement from BET reads as follows:
“Gary Owen is arguably Black America’s most beloved non-Black comic. He became part of the family as the first Caucasian man to host BET’s ComicView, and confirmed he was here to stay with his star turns in the Think Like A Man films, Ride Along and Meet The Blacks. He also starred in his own hit stand-up comedy specials including ‘I Agree With Myself,’ ‘True Story’ and the upcoming ‘I Got My Associates.’ Now, he brings his own interracial and blended family to BET in a 30-minute unscripted series that is colorful, truthful and hysterical. Gary Owen loves his wife so much, he wants to marry her again — and the path down the aisle is paved with non-stop laughter as he balances planning a wedding with raising his three rambunctious children and growing his white-hot career. ‘GARY OWEN FAMILY’ is produced by Bunim/Murray Productions. Bunim/Murray’s Gil Goldschein and Jeff Jenkins serve as executive producers along with Gary Owen, Stella Bulochnikov, Brian Sher and TIP ‘T.I.’ Harris,”
**Gary Owen Family is currently in production
Truuue Storyyy**
You can catch Gary Owen at the Dayton Funny Bone (click for tix) this week, August 16 & 17 at 7:30pm. This is a special engagement and WILL sell out, so make sure you get your tickets. I’ve seen Gary perform dozens of times and I can promise you, this ticket will be worth every cent. He’s hilarious. Oh, and make sure you smile for the cameras.
Lucky for you, Dayton Most Metro has partnered with the Dayton Funny Bone to give away a few FREE tickets! We’ll hold the contest on our Facebook page, so keep an eye out!
**if you didn’t read that header in Gary Owen’s voice, go on ahead and look for his special, titled True Story and thank me later, after your abs heal from the laugh-crying.
