On this day in comedy on April 2, 1997 Smart Guy premiered on the WB.
This spin-off of Sister, Sister, stars Tahj Mowry, real life little brother to Sister, Sister stars, Tia and Tamera Mowry. On this show, Mowry plays a child genius (photographic memory, speaks multiple languages, etc.), who went from the 4th Grade to the 10th grade and all the adjustments he has to make in his new life. He now attends the same high school as his older brother (Jason Weaver) and sister (Essence Atkins), which they’re not crazy about. For one – they’re not as smart as him (at least his older brother isn’t anyway – he’s the dumb one, sis is smart). After that there’s no reason for a second reason they don’t like it.
Set in Washington, DC, the sitcom was created by Danny Kallis and produced by de Passe Entertainment. Omar Gooding plays Tahj’s older brother’s underachieving friend and John Marshall Jones has the role of the trio’s single parent father. Kyla Pratt also has a recurring role.
Smart Guy aired its final episode on May 16, 1999. During its three season run, Smart Guy was nominated for 7 major awards including American Cinema Foundation, Humanitas Prize, NAACP Image, Young Artist and Young Star Award. Four of those nominations were for Tahj Mowery’s acting.
By Darryl “D’Militant” Littleton
Check out this clip:
