KATT WILLIAMS HEADLINES THE WILBUR THEATRE ON AUGUST 18TH
Boston, MA- Katt Williams is set to perform The Wilbur Theatre on Saturday August 18th, 2013 at 7:00pm and 9:45pm
Known just as much for his permed hair as he is for his animated performances and quick wit, comedian Katt Williams has been making his mark in Hollywood for over 10 years. Beginning his career at an age when most teenagers are seeking their driver’s license, the young comic quickly discovered that he had a gift for making people laugh. Inspired by the likes of great humorists such as Richard Pryor, Donn Knotts, Eddie Murphy, Bill Cosby, George Carlin, Thomas Marshall, Jeff Foxworthy, Whoopi Goldberg, Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chapelle, whom he calls the “Malcolm X of comedy,” Katt Williams’ entertaining standup routines are laying the blueprint for a new generation of comics.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio and raised in Dayton, Katt Williams was the product of a socially and politically charged household. His parent’s influence and teachings may have been what caused him to briefly join the Nation of Islam later on in his life while living in the Bay Area. Being that educational excellence was greatly encouraged from birth, the tiny protege was reading at age 3. An avid book lover, Katt’s parents banned him from reading as a form of punishment when he got into trouble. When he was 12, he won a number of awards for science projects, which landed him a full scholarship to The National Science Academy in Dayton, but as soon as the young brain found out about the scholarship, he purposely failed a math test in order to be disqualified from participating in the program.
Longing to express his creative side, Katt escaped into his own world, compiling fresh jokes with fresh music and intellect; honing his skills. As a means to get into a nightclub where he was underage one fateful evening, Katt noticed that they weren’t checking ID’s in the line for comics and proceeded to enter the club through that entrance. Thinking that he would be able to chill and enjoy the party, the quick thinker was called on stage where he did a five-minute improv to an enthusiastic crowd. “I was so nervous but everyone laughed and thought I was funny. After that, I was opened up to the wonderful world of comedy,” recalls the multi-talented entertainer. “Improv is where a comic really gets to shine, if he is good. That’s as close as a comedian can get to the playoffs. I went through those years were I wanted to be the funny comic, now I’m trying to be the greatest comic of my time.”
In 1999 Katt became a presence at The Improv, The Comedy Club, The Icehouse and even had his own room at The Hollywood Park Casino where he had a large, loyal following. He’s become a staple comedic force on BET, appearing on shows such as “Comic View“, “Rip the Runway“, “Black Carpet“, “106th & Park“, “The BET Awards” and “BET Comedy Awards.” Throughout his success he has been massively embraced by the Hip Hop community, receiving praise from Master P (“Hands down Katt Williams is the next Richard Pryor”) and Snoop Dogg (“Katt is doing his comedy thing so flamboyantly and so fly with spirit of the late great Red Foxx and the spirit of Richard Pryor”) Katt hosted the 1st Annual BET “Hip Hop” Award Show from The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. In his role as host he received an overwhelmingly positive response from critics and had a chance to speak directly to Hip Hop audiences globally and share his insight on urban culture, folklore, lifestyle, history and music.
Katt Williams’ talent extends over multiple mediums. Known to most for his breakout role in three seasons of Nick Cannon’s highly-rated MTV improv show, “Wild n’ Out,” the funnyman has appeared in music videos for everyone from Outkast (“Roses”) and Ludacris (“Stand Up” & “Number One Spot”) to E-40 (“One Night Stand”) and Lil’ Kim (“Shut Up/Lighter’s Up”), in addition to landing roles on the small and big screen. Some of his appearances include “NYPD Blue,” UPN’s “Girlfriends” and “Cuts,” “The Tracy Morgan Show”, “Wanted”, “My Wife and Kids”, Russell Simmon’s HBO “Def Comedy Jam” alongside Dave Chappelle and Mike Epps and an animated character (“A Pimp Named Slickback”) on the popular adult cartoon “The Boondocks”.
As if those artistic ventures weren’t enough in September 2006 HBO aired “Katt Williams: Pimp Chronicles Pt.1,” 60 minutes of stand-up from the entertaining comedian taped live in Atlanta with guest appearances from Cam’ron, Lil’ Jon, Snoop Dogg, Andre 3000, Da Brat and Anthony Anderson to name a few. Williams was able to draw on his own experiences and his edgy take on life to bring the house down with laughter with his unique personality, pimp-esque charisma and endless supply of original jokes.
While his goal is to build a comedy empire and restore dignity to his profession, Katt Williams is also a humanitarian. He is as committed to his children as he is to his work; he doesn’t joke when it comes to them. “I have eight children, seven adopted. When my son Micah was born, it changed my life. Every week when I’m able to clothe and feed my family, pay my staff and travel around the world solely on the strength of comedy, which is my greatest accomplishment.”
Telling jokes with ease, the stand-up comic/actor wants to conquer the globe’s problems with laughter. “Everything everywhere is comedy material. To watch and view the world via television, newspapers, movies and music translate our world into funny. There is no subject where funny doesn’t exist.” The current Los Angeles resident has undoubtedly become a fixture on the comedic and Hollywood landscape with more than enough charisma and talent to spare. Possessing the ability to make millions of people laugh, Katt Williams is healing the world one smile at a time. Katt sums it up best, “I’m in the great comedian lane. Once you’re in that lane, that’s just the beginning of it. The getting there is the journey.”
Bill Blumenreich presents Katt Williams
Saturday August 18th, 2013 at 7:00pm and 9:45pm
The Wilbur is located at 246 Tremont St. in Boston’s Historic Theatre District
Tickets: $49-$59
For more information about the Wilbur and other great events visit https://wilburboston.wpengine.com
