Bio
Mark Curry is an American actor, comedian and television host best known for his starring role as Mark Cooper in the television sitcom Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, from 1992-1997.
While working at a drugstore after quitting college he honed and polished a comedy act that he regularly practiced on customers. It was these customers, as well as his family and friends, who finally encouraged Mark to try his stand-up routine at area comedy clubs.
With legendary comedian Richard Pryor as his inspiration, Mark made his debut in Oakland and eventually became the city's most sought-after stand-up comic. His first screen role was in the film Talkin' Dirty After Dark, alongside Martin Lawrence, in 1991.
In 1992 he got his big break as the star of hit television series Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, in which he played the lead role of Mark Cooper, an NBA player-turned-substitute teacher/gym coach. The show spanned five seasons on ABC.
Curry guest starred in two episodes of The Jamie Foxx Show as an eccentric driving instructor. In addition, he also had guest starring roles on television series Living Single in 1994 and Martin in 1997, and minor roles in the films Switchback and Armageddon in 1998.
In 2000, Curry also had a recurring role on The Drew Carey Show as Drew's boss at Winfred-Louder. He appeared in six episodes. In an April Fools' episode of The Drew Carey Show, Drew refers to Mr. Soulard as Mr. Cooper, the joke being that Curry played both roles.
Curry was the host of Comedy Central's Don't Forget Your Toothbrush in 2000 and had minor roles in For Your Love, which starred Hangin' with Mr. Cooper co-star, Holly Robinson Peete.
In 2001, Mark had a minor role in the Disney Channel Original Movie Motocrossed. Later in the year, Curry played one of the leads in another Disney Channel Original Movie, The Poof Point.
In 2005, had guest starring roles in Less Than Perfect and Fat Actress.
In 2012, Curry joined Sommore, Earthquake, Bruce Bruce and Tony Rock on the Royal Comedy Tour. Later in 2012, Curry joined Nickelodeon's first-ever original live-action family comedy series, See Dad Run as Scott Baio's friend Marcus.