Bio
J. Anthony Brown is an American comedian, actor and radio personality best known to television viewers for his roles as Pop in Like Family (2003-2004) and as Maurice in The Rickey Smiley Show.
A staple on the nationally-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show for many years, he is one of the voices that wake up millions of radio listeners in over 195 markets.
BET recognised the power of his comedic drive and therefore had him host two consecutive seasons of their top rated network show, Comic View, Revamped as Club Comic View.
But it was Brown's role as Pop on the WB Network's Like Family, starring Holly Robinson Peete, which initially garnered the funny man his widest mainstream audience.
The South Carolina native began his career by chance in 1972 after relocating to Atlanta. He was originally pursuing a career as a clothing designer when, $316 short of tuition money, he visited a local club and entered a gong show contest. The one time tailor was asked back to the venue, and later transformed it into a city hot spot as word of his natural wit traveled quickly.
Brown later left Atlanta for Hollywood, landing a job as head staff writer for the Arsenio Hall Show.
An industry staple since, his list of credits include hosting two consecutive seasons of Comic View, as well as performances on Def Jam, It's Showtime at the Apollo and Evening at the Improv.
Writing credits include Tom Joyner TV Show, Steve Harvey's Big Time, Me and The Boys, The Parent 'Hood and the Arsenio Hall Show. Movie credits include xXx: State of the Union, Mr. 3000, Drumline and How to Be a Player.
His television credits include Tom Joyner TV Show on ABC, Tom Joyner Sky Show on TV One, Dlife, a diabetes talk show on CNBC, Eve, Steve Harvey's Big Time, Like Family, The Parkers, Livin' Single, The Parent 'Hood, Martin, Moesha, The Hughleys, Sparks and Oprah.
A businessman as well as comedian, Brown has his own line of products that carry his name, including his own clothing line, The J. Anthony Brown Collection, gourmet and multimedia products.
His artwork was featured alongside Annie Lee in an art exhibit in Washington, DC in November 2005.