Mark Curry (actor) (Courtesy Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
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Mark G. Curry (born June 1, 1961) is an American actor, comedian, and host. He is best known as the star of the ABC sitcom Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, and as one of the various hosts of the syndicated series It's Showtime at the Apollo.
Early Life and Education
Mark Curry was born in Oakland, California as the youngest child out of nine. He attended St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda, California and California State University, East Bay in Hayward, CA.
Career
Mark Curry's first role was in the film Talkin' Dirty After Dark, alongside Martin Lawrence in 1991.
In 1992, Curry's first major role was on television series Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, where he played the lead role of Mark Cooper, an NBA player-turned-substitute teacher/gym coach.
Curry appeared two episodes of The Jamie Foxx Show as eccentric driving instructor Sergeant Easy. In addition, he also had guest starring roles on television series Living Single in 1994 and Martin in 1997, and minor roles in the films Switchback and Armageddon in 1998.
In 2000, Curry also had a recurring role on The Drew Carey Show as Drew's boss at Winfred-Louder. He appeared in six episodes. In an April Fools' episode of The Drew Carey Show, Drew refers to Mr. Soulard as Mr. Cooper, the joke being that Curry played both roles
He was the host of Comedy Central's Don't Forget Your Toothbrush in 2000 and had minor roles in For Your Love, which starred Hangin' with Mr. Cooper co-star, Holly Robinson Peete). Also, in 2000, Curry starred in A Man Is Mostly Water. In 2001 had a minor role in the Disney Channel Original Movie Motocrossed. Later in the year, Curry played one of the leads in another Disney Channel Original Movie, The Poof Point.
Curry was the host of the PAX-TV show Animal Tails and BET's "Coming to the Stage" in 2003. In 2004, he appeared on Celebrity Mole Yucatan. He came in second place to Dennis Rodman. In 2005, had guest starring roles in Less Than Perfect and Fat Actress.
On November 30, 2008, Mark performed a stand-up comedy routine on The Comedy Festival Laffapalooza Special, hosted by Tracy Morgan.
In 2009-2011, Curry hosted Jamie Foxx's "FoxxHole Live" every Monday in the Conga Room in Los Angeles, which was heard on Satellite Radio sirus 106/XM 149.
In 2012, Curry joined Sommore, Earthquake, Bruce Bruce and Tony Rock on the "Royal Comedy Tour." Many spectators have viewed Curry's stand-up comedy performance as the highlight of the show leaving the audience in hysterical laughter. Later in 2012, Curry joined Nickelodeon's first-ever original live-action family comedy series, See Dad Run as Scott Baio's friend Marcus.
Music
Curry was featured in Too Short's music video "I Ain't Trippin'", and is also featured in Bow Wow's Take Ya Home video as a father trying to get his daughter a doll of the rapper.
He appeared in the 2002 song Oakland Raiders by Oakland rap group Luniz. Delivering a humorous monologue as the song faded out, Curry asserted his status as a pimp and stated his fondness for big dank.
Personal life
On April 17, 2006, an aerosol can that had fallen behind Curry's water heater exploded and Curry, who was doing laundry at the time, was burned on over 20% of his body, including his arm, back and side. He spent many months recuperating at his home. According to an Associated Press interview posted on CNN.com on February 17, 2007, Curry considered suicide after waking from a three-day, medically-induced coma, reportedly hoarding pain medication. After talking with comedian friends who made him laugh, such as Sinbad and Bill Cosby, he decided against suicide. He went on The Montel Williams Show to discuss this issue.