This is not a story about the rapper The Game who was born Jayceon Terrell Taylor on Nov. 29, 1979 and is better known by his stage name The Game or simply Game. Game is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip-hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre’s most notable protégés; he was born in Los Angeles, Calif. This is also not a story about the show “The Game” and yes two actresses recently won NAACP Image Awards for their work on “The Game,” Wendy Raquel Robinson and Brandy Norwood.
Speaking of the NAACP Image Awards, did you see Neal Barclay’s, former AWC CEO, brother Paris Barclay? He was inducted into the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame. He mentioned his brother and I noticed him in the audience.
Ok, now to the meat of the column, Black game show hosts. I think it’s great to see so many, I’m also glad to see a BMW (Black man working). First up, Steve Harvey hosting “Family Feud”— from what I can research, and trust me the information is out there, Harvey is the first Black host of the “Family Feud.” I was quite surprised when he landed that gig. I think the families like him; I’ve even saw two White men wearing his suits from his line, they were so proud to wear suits from the Steve Harvey collection.
I thought I was surprised to see Harvey on Feud, but I nearly fell over when Cedric the Entertainer appeared on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” Raised in Jefferson City, Mo.—hey that is where my brother in-law is from—and born as Cedric Kyles, he always liked to make people laugh. His mother was a school teacher and did not want to hear anything about him being a comedian. At first glance, the 49-year-old funny man appears an unlikely replacement for a former journalist and talk-show host. But hiring one of the “original kings of comedy” to fill the host’s chair, just may be the breath of fresh air the long-running game show needs to attract a new generation of viewers. Cedric says he plans to add his own spin to the show. One thing I know is he is never without his signature “sky piece”—that’s a hat for all you youngsters.
Let’s not forget Wayne Brady, he is now the host of “Let’s Make a Deal.” Emmy Award winning Brady is one of the most versatile performers in show business today, entertaining audiences with his acting, improv, singing and dancing on television, film and the stage. He became well known for his improvisational skills on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” for which he won an Emmy Award and earned two Emmy Award nominations. Brady went on to host his own syndicated talk/variety show, “The Wayne Brady Show,” for two years.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming BASH fashion show on March 22 at the Double Tree Hilton Meadowlands Hotel. I’ll be the “cruise director.” The show is always well attended and a real BASH.
(Email the columnist at debbienorrell @aol.com.)
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