The UB Interview: Kym Whitley & DeRay Davis Talk ‘Phat Tuesdays’
The new MUST WATCH Docuseries entitled “Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy,” Celebrating the Untold Story of Black Comedians at The Comedy Store in ‘90s Los Angeles, is Available Now on Prime Video!
Phat Tuesdays founder, Guy Torry, and a lineup of world-famous comedians and personalities—including Anthony Anderson, Tichina Arnold, Nick Cannon, Dave Chappelle, Snoop Dogg, Cedric the Entertainer, Tiffany Haddish, Steve Harvey, Lil Rel Howery, Regina King, Jo Koy, Luenell, Flame Monroe, Jay Pharoah, Craig Robinson, JB Smoove, Chris Tucker, Kym Whitley, and more—share memories, laughs, and tributes to a night at The Comedy Store that forever changed the comedy landscape.
Loaded with exclusive interviews with comedians and celebrities who were there—either performing on stage or in the audience—and never-before-seen footage of legendary comedy sets from back in the day, Phat Tuesdays is the inspiring story of how a little experiment to help Black comedians following the tragedy of the 1992 LA riots turned into a triumphant must-see experience. The showcase regularly brought together people from all walks of life—icons and ex-cons, stars and starlets, pros and regular joes—for one purpose, laughter, and became the most popular comedy show in Hollywood during the ‘90s.
Kym Whitley got her start nearly three decades ago now. Originally from the Cleveland area, Kym resides in Los Angeles. A former schoolteacher in Compton back in the day but always loved performing and, especially, comedy.
A chance encounter with the legendary Redd Foxx (who told her she had “the comedic goods”) led her to pursue acting more seriously. Her first real job was in the Shelley Garrett play Beauty Shop, which started in L.A. and wound up doing a national tour. Her TV career began a few years later, in 1992.
A born hustler from Chicago’s South Side, DeRay Davis began his career in the comedy clubs and was first noticed by Hollywood at Atlanta’s Laffapalooza Festival. Shortly after moving to LA, DeRay won the Comedy Central Laugh Riots Competition and was a standout on the Cedric the Entertainer Tour and at the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival.
His highly anticipated first Netflix special “DeRay Davis: How to Act Black” smashed the cultural landscape. The transition from behind-the-mic spots to movie roles represented a relatively short jump. DeRay continues to ascend on a path and pattern of consistent, feature film and network television roles.
Aries from UB spoke with two of the docs stars, comedian and actors Kym Whitley and DeRay Davis. In this hilarious interview, the comics tell us why everybody needs to watch “Phat Tuesdays.” Kym also gives creator Guy Torry his flowers, while DeRay explains the importance of The Comedy Store and “Phat Tuesdays.”
Plus Kym Whitley talks hosting the Wendy Williams show and DeRay Davis tells us his favorite role he’s played thus far.
Stay Tuned for The UB Interview with Creator Guy Torry and Director Reginald Hudlin!
