Rickey Smiley is a famous comedian, radio host and television personality.
He first gained widespread recognition through his work on BET’s ComicView in the early 2000s.
Rickey’s career continued to blossom with national broadcasting “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show,” has become a staple of urban radio.
Known for his hilarious prank calls and memorable comedic characters, Smiley has also made significant contributions to television, most notably his reality show, “The real Rickey Smiley.”
File:
- Full Name: Broderick Dornell Smiley
- Nickname: Rickey Smiley
- Date of birth: August 10, 1968
- Age: 56 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Comedian, Radio Host, Television Personality
- Height: None
- Parents: Carolita Smiley Lester, James Smiley
- Siblings: Karon Katiea Smiley-Dennis
- Spouse: None
- Children: Malik Smiley, Aaryn Smiley, Brandon Smiley, D’Essence Smiley (biological and adopted)
- Relationship status: Single
- Religion: Christianity
- Ethnicity: African American
- Net worth: $5 million
Early life and education
Rickey Smiley, now 56 years old, was born on August 10, 1968 in Birmingham, Alabama.
He grew up with his mother, Carolita Smiley Lester, and older sister, Karon Katiea Smiley-Dennis.
Sadly, Rickey’s father, James Smiley, passed away when Rickey was just seven years old.
This early loss had a profound impact on him, shaping his views on family and fatherhood.
Rickey attended Woodlawn High School, a selective school in Birmingham, where he graduated in 1986.
After graduating from high school, he briefly attended Tuskegee University before transferring to Alabama State University.
He graduated from Alabama State University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music.
Raised in a Christian family, Rickey’s faith remains a core part of his life and values.
Personal life
Rickey Smiley was previously married to Tameka Foster in 2007.
However, the marriage ended in divorce in 2009. Rickey is a devoted father to four children: Malik, Aaryn, Brandon, and D’Essence.
In addition to his own children, Rickey has adopted several other children, demonstrating his commitment to providing love and support to those in need.
Rickey’s family life has also been challenging. In 2020, his daughter Aaryn was shot and killed in a traffic accident but survived.
Rickey also had to deal with the loss of his niece, Micah White, and his nephew, who committed suicide.
Despite these hardships, Rickey remains a devoted and loving father, using his experiences to connect with and inspire others.
Career
Rickey Smiley’s career began as a stand-up comedian. He first gained fame as the host of BET’s ComicView in the early 2000s.
His unique style, characterized by teasing phone calls and humorous characters such as “Bernice Jenkins”, quickly made him a fan favorite.
In 2004, he became morning host for KBFB in Dallas, Texas, leading to national syndication. “Rickey Smiley’s Morning Show” in 2008.
The show combines music, comedy, news and spiritual entertainment, attracting millions of listeners across the United States.
In addition to his radio success, Rickey appeared on several television shows, including “Showtime at the Apollo,” “Def Comedy Jam,” And “Comic.”
He also starred in the movie Ice Cube. “The Friday After The Day After” in 2002.
His reality TV show, “The Real Rickey Smiley,” provided a behind-the-scenes look at his life and was well received by audiences.
Prize
- Viewer’s Choice Award Platinum Mic at the BET Comedy Awards (2004)
- Network/Affiliate Person of the Year (multiple years)
Net worth
Rickey Smiley’s net worth is estimated at $5 million.
His wealth comes primarily from a successful career in radio and television, as well as live comedy performances and book sales.
Argumentative
In recent years, Ricky has faced public scrutiny as his son, Malik, has made headlines for controversial comments about black women.
In an episode of “The Real Rickey Smiley,” Malik stated that he did not find black women attractive, which sparked backlash.
Rickey has addressed this controversy in public, emphasizing the importance of teaching children about the respect and worth of all individuals, regardless of race.
Rickey has faced highly publicized personal tragedies.
The shooting death of his daughter, Aaryn, in 2020 was a traumatic event that attracted significant media attention.
Rickey’s openness about the incident and his emotional response resonated with many, showing his vulnerability and strength as a father.
Rickey was also involved in a controversy surrounding the death of his nephew, who committed suicide.
Several allegations were made of Rickey’s involvement, but he vehemently denied them.
He has publicly addressed these allegations, declaring his innocence and expressing deep sorrow over the loss of his nephew.
Despite these controversies, Rickey Smiley continued to maintain a close connection with his audience.
His willingness to tackle difficult topics and share personal experiences has endeared him to fans, who appreciate his honesty and resilience.
Social media
- Instagram: @rickeysmileyofficial
- Twitter: @RickeySmiley
List of movies played
Discography
- Prank Call Episode 6
- Open Casket Sharp
Book
- Stand Up to Your Truth: And Then Run for Your Life! (2017)
