Bill Bellamy

BILL BELLAMY BIOGRAPHY Staying busy is not a problem for Bill Bellamy, whose flourishing career encompasses the worlds of feature film, television, comedy and more. His career is on the rise, yet his feet remain firmly planted on the ground. Over the last decade Bellamy has been a staple in the world of comedy, performing hundreds of shows to sold-out audiences across the country. Now Bill brings his humor and comedic expertise to NBC as the new host of the hit comedy competition series "Last Comic Standing" which will begin airing its fifth season this summer. For the first time, the auditions will now become international to find the funniest comic in the world. In addition, Bellamy also hosts the TV One network series, "Bill Bellamy's Who's Got Jokes?" Premiering last October, the show searches the nation for the hottest rising comics who will compete to be crowned "Jokes" champion. The unique twist is that the comics must keep it clean or be docked points for swearing and raunchiness. Bellamy also headlined the 2006 season of "Def Comedy Jam," back on HBO after a nine-year hiatus. In September 2005, he released his debut comedy DVD "Bill Bellamy: Back To My Roots" from UrbanWorks Entertainment's prestigious Platinum Comedy Series. The DVD showcases Bill's unique brand of "in your face" comedy with his hilarious perspective on dating, politics and the overall state of America. In addition, his DVD aired as a one-hour special on Comedy Central last October. Bellamy co-starred last year in the TBS original movie "Getting Played" opposite Vivica A. Fox, Carmen Electra and Stacey Dash. The romantic comedy revolves around three beautiful women who make a game of trying to seduce a random male target played by Bellamy. In the 2002 - 2003 television season, Bill starred in the FOX series "Fastlane" from director McG. The one-hour drama follows two cops, Bellamy as Deaqon Hayes and Peter Facinelli as Van Ray, as they go undercover to take down the highest - and lowest - criminals in Los Angeles. In 2001, he starred in the WB sitcom "Men, Women & Dogs," as one of four twenty-something male friends whose lives center around their girlfriends, their careers and their dogs, but not necessarily in that order. Also in 2001, Bellamy co-starred in the Screen Gems comedy hit "The Brothers" opposite D.L. Hughley, Shemar Moore and Morris Chestnut. The film followed three black professionals as they faced the imminent marriage of a longtime friend and reformed playboy. For the big screen, Bellamy just completed production on the film "Neverwas" starring opposite Jessica Lange, William Hurt, Aaron Eckhart, Ian McKellen and Brittany Murphy. Bellamy's other film credits include his role in Oliver Stone's highly lauded film "Any Given Sunday," a graphic depiction of the behind-the-scenes politics and antics of an NFL team. Bellamy portrayed superstar wide receiver Jimmy Sanderson in an ensemble cast that included Al Pacino, James Woods, Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx and Dennis Quaid. Also in 1999, Bill starred in the independent feature "Love Stinks" opposite French Stewart, Bridgette Wilson and Tyra Banks. Bellamy made his feature film debut in the spring of 1997, opposite Nia Long and Larenz Tate in the critically acclaimed romantic comedy "Love Jones" for New Line Cinema. He successfully followed that with his leading man debut in the hit comedy, Def Jam's "How To Be A Player" for Gramercy Pictures in the summer of 1997. Bellamy also starred as the voice of Skeeter in Nickelodeon's hit action-comedy series "Cousin Skeeter." He was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for his outstanding performance on the show. For five years Bill had the unique opportunity to host MTV JAMS where he was able to cleverly blend an eclectic mix of street culture, locker room observations and a myriad of experiences placing Bill well ahead of the new generation of funny men. It was the combination of Bill's professionalism, style and charismatic personality which scored him top interviews with some of the hottest talent in town. Bill's universal appeal has landed him duties as a national celebrity spokesperson for both AT&T and Pepsi and, in 1998, he appeared opposite Shaquille O'Neal in a national Reebok television commercial campaign. His infectious humor landed the comedian a guest-correspondent stint on Entertainment Tonight. Bellamy also co-hosted the prestigious Malibu MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards and the Diversity Awards with Kathy Griffin for the Multicultural Motion Pictures Association. The eldest of three children, Bill used his real life experiences growing up in Newark, New Jersey as stepping-stones to his comedy, stating "The things I talk about in my comedy are my experiences. I just do what I know." Bellamy entered comedy as a lark. While at Rutgers University, he entered a male beauty pageant and won after he showcased a hidden talent - comedy. After winning numerous amateur competitions, Bellamy moved on to work his act in some of the top comedy clubs across the country. He made his national television debut as a featured guest on "Showtime at the Apollo." His success with the "toughest audience in the world" caught the attention of comedy producers Bernie Brillstein and Russell Simmons. The two immediately signed him on as a guest star of HBO's "Def Comedy Jam." Soon after, Bellamy starred in his own Showtime comedy special "Booty Call," which became one of the network's top-rated specials. The rest, as they say, is history. More information on Bill can be found on his website www.billbellamy.com