Legendary comedian Michael Colyar showed that he prevailed over his obstacles, stood with courage as he closed his one-man show. (Photo Courtesy of Michael Colyar)
Colyar gets Candid about his Personal and Professional Journey in Hollywood.
Film, television and comedian, Michael Colyar presents “Michael Coylar’s Momma,” A Fool Telling His Truths In Two Acts. Directed by writer and actor Iona Morris, the one-man show will debut at the ACME Comedy theater located in Hollywood at 135 N. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 and will debut on the weekends of April 7- 9th at 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm as well as April 14 – 16th from 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
The tour is not a comedy, but a dramatic stage production dealing with the life of Michael Corlyar. “The play tells my story,” he said. “Michael Coylar’s Momma,” showcases a timeline of ups and downs of the comedian, chronicling his admiration for his mother, childhood, life and career in Hollywood.
A Chicago native, Colyar always wanted to be an actor and go to Hollywood. He admits it wasn’t always easy getting and staying there. His journey of himself going through his personal and professional turmoil presents itself in the play. Colyer is transparent in the show, staging an honest dialogue for his fans and peers to witness.
“The show is about how my life has transcended,” stated Colyar.
“I peeled my skin off and gave it to them rough,” Colyar referencing to how he hones in on a raw performance for the production.
He had a special relationship with his mother. Influenced by his mother’s love and support, the one-man show is not just about himself but a dedication to his mother.
Colyar is full of joyful tears. (Courtesy Photo)
He had strong drive to go far ‘West’ towards Hollywood. As a child he knew his calling was to become a performer. “I always wanted to go to Hollywood. I remember being 6 or 7 years old wanting to run away to Hollywood, wanting to run West.” Colyar recalls his eagerness to entertain the world as comedic actor, starring in high school plays. He journeyed from Chicago to Tinseltown, hoping to conquer Hollywood. In “Michael Colyar’s Momma,” this real-life excerpt expresses his desire to become an entertainer and make people laugh.
Although, he made it to Hollywood, he dealt with money woes, stating, “I have been rich twice and have been broke seventeen times,” he jokes.
Colyar captures his truth; sharing his struggle with substance abuse in the play. He battled an intense drug addiction to crack cocaine and recovered and is happy to announce that on March 6, 2017 marked another year of sobriety for himself. He suggests that the connection between artists and substance abuse can be a common thread in the entertainment industry. With the help of his mother, wife Kelly and spiritual journey, helped him to overcome his addiction.
After his mother died, he believes his mother sent Kelly to him. He credits her for supporting him through his struggle.
“Michael Colyar’s Momma” captures personal bouts and his career in Hollywood.
Honored by the success of the play as well as earning the praises of his peers, Colyar reveals how special it was that Louis Gossett Jr., Angela Bassett and Jenifer Lewis raved about his performance in the show. Tina Knowles came to the play with husband and actor Richard Lawson. Knowles was impressed by his jokes, that she used them on her Instagram account the next day. “I love to inspire others,” said Colyar.
Colyar braves the audience as he reflects back to his days as drug addict on crack. (Courtesy Photo)
“If you like your momma, you’re going to love this show. If you like me and your momma, you’re going to love this show,” Colyar reveals in his comedy style.
Despite a rollercoaster life in and out of the spotlight, Colyar has been entertaining fans with his talents forever while working alongside some of the hottest actors. Colyar received his first big break, co-starring with Robert Townsend and Keenen Ivory Wayans in “Hollywood Shuffle,” Angela Bassett in “What’s Love Got to Do With It”, director John Singleton’s “Poetic Justice” and Ice Cube and KeKe Palmer in “Long Shots.”
His film credits extend to being a voiceover artist in “The Princess and the Frog” and “The Cleveland Show” as well as popular sitcoms “Martin,” The Bernie Mac Show,” “Def Jam,” “Comic View,” “The Parkers,” “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Black-ish.”
Considering his obstacles, he has led a long career, stating, “I am celebrating 30 years in the game.”
Michael Colyar’s charming and funny personality warm the crowd. (Photo Courtesy by Michael Colyar)
Colyar has achieved success in the business, however, he is still proud of being the King of Venice Beach, where he would entertain the crowd performing comedy skits for 9 years.
An author to poetry book for adult children, “Miss Innocent goes to Kool Skool and Other Silly Stuff,” ‘Michael Goes Motivational,” “A Funny Thing Happen on the Way to the White House” detailing former President Barack Obama accomplishments, Colyar is currently working his 2nd book.
Beyond a triple threat, Colyar is a radio personality to The Michael Colyar Morning Show, I Get Up Late!
A man of many feats attributes that his faith in God got him back on the right track, sober and continuing to do what he loves to do. The veteran has used his tragedy and triumph to become a motivational speaker.
On the secret to longevity and continued success, “don’t give up,” he answers. Colyar states you have to be passionate about what you do in life. “I don’t perform for money, but I get plenty of it.” You have to love what you do and do it the best!”
Colyar receives a standing ovation from the audience. (Photo Courtesy of Michael Colyar)
Colyar has a host of gigs lined up, be sure to continue to keep up with the legendry comedian by visiting therealmichaelcolyar.com and follow him at twitter.com/MichaelColyar, instagram.com/michael_colyar and www.facebook.com/MichaelColyarFanPage.
Go to brownpapertickets.com/event/2901841 to purchase tickets for “Michael Colyar’s Momma,” as he shares his pain and laughter with the world in his one-man show.
Colyar in character as he smiles for the audience. (Photo Courtesy of Michael Colyar)
By Shonassee Shaver, Contributing Writer/lasentinel.net
