George Wallace (American comedian)

Early life and education

Wallace was born in Atlanta, Georgia to Mary Lou and George Wallace Sr. Wallace was educated at Lynwood Park Elementary School and Lynwood Park High School. His mother died when he was sixteen, prompting him to move to Ohio where he found a job with Firestone Tire. As part of the company's tuition reimbursement program, Wallace enrolled in the University of Akron, in Akron, Ohio. He studied transportation, marketing and advertising.

Career

Upon graduating college, Wallace moved to New York City to pursue his childhood dream of being a comedian. Initially, success in comedy proved elusive and Wallace worked as a salesman for an advertising agency to pay the bills.

Wallace's break came when one of his clients opened a comedy club. The club owner was amused by Wallace's natural humor and friendly demeanor and offered him the chance to perform stand-up comedy. In 1977, Wallace walked on stage for the first time, wearing a preacher's robe and calling himself The Right Reverend Dr. George Wallace. His routine was completely improvised. He stayed in New York City for several years, perfecting his craft and living with friend and fellow comedian Jerry Seinfeld.

In 1978, Wallace moved to the West Coast, where he quickly became recognized as a talented young comedian. After one of his performances, producers from The Redd Foxx Show asked him to write for the popular series. However, after only one year of writing, Wallace returned to the stage. He became a regular at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood, California, which also featured artists including Richard Pryor, Rodney Dangerfield, Roseanne Barr, Jay Leno and Robin Williams. Wallace also took his comedy show on the road, opening for George Benson, Diana Ross, Donna Summer and Smokey Robinson, among others.

Wallace was named the Best Male Standup Comedian during the 1995 American Comedy Awards. He has explained that his routines are inspired by everyday moments of life. His social commentary proved popular with radio audiences as well. Wallace was a regular on the Tom Joyner Morning Show before joining Isaac Hayes on a popular radio program on the former WRKS radio station in New York City. He also starred in his own HBO special and has appeared on many television shows, including The Tonight Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show and Late Night with David Letterman.

In December 2007, Wallace suffered an onstage injury when he fell during a private-party performance at the Bellagio resort hotel and casino in Las Vegas. He sued the Bellagio, claiming negligence after tripping over loose wires on stage. In April 2014, a Las Vegas jury found in favor of Wallace and awarded him $1.3 million.

After winning his case against the Bellagio, Wallace announced that he would end his 10-year run as a Las Vegas headliner to pursue other projects. "There are so many things to do. It's time to get into something new."

Personal life

Wallace has had political ambitions. In 2006, he considered running for mayor of the city of Las Vegas, Nevada. Wallace stated that as mayor, he would update the Las Vegas Strip, with an easy-to-use monorail, close the strip to vehicles, and expand the road system behind the Strip hotels.

He was the best man at comedian Jerry Seinfeld's wedding.

Wallace's brother, Steve Wallace, played professional football with the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs.

Filmography

Film

Television

Podcasts

Bibliography

References

References

1. Gurian, Jeffrey. (December 18, 2012). "Make 'Em Laugh: 35 Years of the Comic Strip, the Greatest Comedy Club of All". Skyhorse Publishing.
2. Walkow, Brett. "Part 1 – Interview with comedian George Wallace".
3. Geer Thevenot, Carri. (April 8, 2014). "Las Vegas jury awards comedian George Wallace $1.3 million in suit against Bellagio". [[Las Vegas Review-Journal]].
4. Jones, Jay. (April 14, 2014). "Las Vegas: Comedian George Wallace to end 10-year run on the Strip". [[Los Angeles Times]].
5. Wallace, George. (August 23, 2006). "[[The Roe Conn Show]]". [[WLS (AM)]].
6. Osborn, Dave. (August 19, 2015). "Seinfeld best friend George Wallace goes on tour after decade-long run in Sin City". [[Naples Daily News]].
7. Baird, Kirk. (August 30, 2002). "World of Wallace". [[Las Vegas Sun]].