David Adkins (born November 10, 1956) known by his stage name Sinbad—which Adkins chose out of admiration for Sinbad the Sailor in order to stand out in the entertainment industry, is an American stand-up comedian and actor. He began his career appearing on Star Search. Sinbad won against fellow comedian Dennis Miller. He soon was cast on The Redd Foxx Show, a short-lived sitcom. Sinbad was known for keeping his act clean and was devoid of derogatory statements or foul language, which he felt was not necessary to sell a crowd and continue to make them laugh. He became well known in the 90s from being featured on his own HBO specials, appearing on several television series, and starring in such films as; Necessary Roughness, Houseguest, First Kid, Jingle All the Way and Good Burger.
By 1995, Sinbad had created a company called “David & Goliath Productions”. Sinbad won NAACP Image Awards in 1996 and 1998. Actor Mark Curry credits Sinbad and Bill Cosby for helping convince him not to commit suicide. Sinbad was responsible for discovering R&B trio 702, convincing their parents to let him take them to a music convention/competition. He’s had his own reality tv show and has made cameo appearances in countless projects. He’s hosted/emceed events from the 2000 Miss Universe Pageant to Showtime at the Apollo.
Sinbad’s accomplishments are wide range. He’s served as a spokesperson for the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) encouraging minorities to pursue studies in science, math and engineering. In honor of his parents Donald & Louise Adkins, Sinbad has established an academic scholarship in their name at the esteemed Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He’s even shown his appreciation for our armed servicemen by participating on USO tours and performing at the USO of Hampton Roads 2006 Patriotic Festival.
From animated film voice overs to Celebrity Apprentice contestant; Sinbad is always working. Some would say he’s a workaholic. He’ll continue that quest starting this Friday night at Zanies Comedy Club, by performing his stand-up routine through Sunday, November 1.
