I had the privilege of catching up with one of the funniest, most amazing men I have ever met in my life… sounds a bit biased I know, but the whit and charm of this handsome multi- talented Comedy Veteran could make the panties drop off a manikin!! There is no need for a long-winded biographical introduction, as we all know who he is…
Here’s what he had to say…
Who is RB for those who don’t know?
As a Personality, I started off doing tap dancing… I’m joking but in all seriousness, I actually started off break dancing because of films like beat street etc. Also my Uncle Junior was a major influence on me growing up. I was utterly blown away at 8 years old by his musical success including the soundtrack he made for the Eddie Murphy film Beverley Hills Cop. Initially I wanted to be artist and make my own comics. My uncle tried to find his outlet for this but along the line every so often my friends would say I was funny and should venture into comedy I have always been inspired by Comedy God’s such as Richard Pryor etc. I’m quiet an all rounder, I have been luckY enough to be able to do more than just comedy, I act, and present, and was even able to launch a music career but I am 100% most definitely a Comedian first and entertainer second.
As a Person, I am Sensitive – over sensitive at times, to be really honest, this stems from my father not being around when he was younger. I always knew he was there but just never when I needed him and my mum was too young to be ready to be a mother so at two went to live with grandparents until 16. They basically saved me, without them I really would not have a clue who I would be right now!
However, growing up like that has made me quiet a cold person, and for a very long time I lived a loner lifestyle. It is sometimes hard to break out of that mentality even now. I think that is why I enjoy entertaining so much, as it gives everyone the internal happiness I lacked growing up.
You are very outspoken and especially on your radio show people come to you for advice, I know you’re the first number in my phonebook I dial when I have a situation or problem, how and when did you realise you could help others in the way you do?
I have always been good at helping my friends out in difficult situations and so but it was actually Affix from UK Rap group Choong Fam who first acknowledged my depth and encourage me to express myself through helping others.
Do you find it hard to find the balance and not come across hypocritical?
One thing I do not do is preach! I just aim to help and try to encourage people not to make the same mistakes I have. In other situation’s I just try to apply the commonsense I have been blessed with and always try to put myself in the position to get a deeper understanding.
Keeping positive people such as Charlie and Aaron around helps me to be comfortable as they are on the same boat although doing their own thing.
For those who do not have the pleasure of knowing, who are the two guys you share your Bromance?
Charlie is the producer on RB’s Sunday School and is also my Manager he part owns a restaurant called Black Grape in Tottenham North London and Aaron is assistant working on the show. He also puts on his own comedy show, models and is currently acting now so these are two very ambitious, talented men.
Cat on a Hot tin roof is my main focus point right now which is finishing in April; it has been running since October. I have been in productions before such as The brothers, Angel House, The Unexpected guest to name a few and although the role I play at the moment isn’t lead or very strong as have the others been, I am also understudying the lead role which takes you through many different emotions.
I am around many people who tell me what it is I need to believe in order to get the truth and one woman who does a lot for me is Phylicia Rashaad whom is like a second mother to me. She not too long took me into a room and spent 2 hours explaining how to find truth in a character and I didn’t even realise the time flew by its amazing.
Acting is what I will be focusing on for now! That’s where I want to go, I have the bug.
Balancing such a hectic working life how do you find time maintaining a happy personal life?
I don’t know if it’s that great but it’s alright! It’s not hard because I separate work from my personal life. Although work is my life as I am again on my journey and I know what I want (which again can make me overly sensitive when things don’t go to plan but it does makes me overly driven) I believe you can have both but there just always has to be a mutual. I’m lucky enough to have a really understanding woman who is willing to grow with me and situations that arise…A real ride or die.
When you’re not working, what can we find you doing?
I’m in the Gym – that is my thing. It’s my advice! Oh and I also watch NCIS and 24, Lie to me, true blood, films etc…The reason I watch so much TV is because of the acting. For example, Keifer Sutherland is 100% true to character in 24, I admire that and analyze their work to polish and improve my craft – It’s about being a sponge and being in the moment. More advice to actors – there is always a reason to be in scene, when you learn the purpose you will learn how to start middle and end it.
What is the biggest lesson so far?
You cannot believe your own hype, because guaranteed, as smooth as your life is going, you will hit a place which is dark and horrible and some of you will not make it out of that dark place, its reality and you’re never ready for it. It’s just how you come out the other side. Secondly- people in the game: You’re not famous until you’re famous. It pisses me off when I see people with no fame pretending they have fame. No disrespect as everyone has their hustle but I see and hear guys doing tours and one-man shows who are not ready! If you are doing a show for an hour and then a 20 minute circuit set with the same material- you ain’t ready! I have never used the material from my one-man show in any circuit show – I lay it to rest – that’s the way it’s supposed to be. You can’t trick people into believing you’re talented… we are not fooled.
The only guy I think outside of Slim who is ready for a show is Eddie Kadi! He is just naturally mega talented and that’s why I can give him respect.
I think it is important to take the time out to find yourself now so you don’t waste years, because you cannot venture out on a journey if you don’t know where you re heading
After COHTR finishes April 10th where can we catch you?
All I can say is that I will be doing shows generally until the next big thing comes along. I am hoping it is straight off the tail end of COHTR but until something is tangible, I will just keep putting the work in!
Is there anything remotely soon?
The most I can think of is the Real Deal Comedy Jam tour at the end of April. It will be around Birmingham – Nottingham – Bristol – Cardiff and a few more places.
Finally, where can people get hold of you?
Face book – Richard Blackwood
Twitter – @RBComedian
You can also catch RB and the guys every Sunday afternoon on Choice FM at 1- 4pm
Bee.
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