Adele Givens, a.k.a., the ‘Queen of Comedy,’ has done it all. She’s an actress and comedian who has been leaving audiences in stitches for the better part of the last two decades. She currently lives up the road from here in Lexington, Kentucky.
Givens was the 1989 Grand Prize Winner of the Crown Royal Comedy Contest held at the The Regal Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. A ‘Queen’ was then born. The next year, Givens was a finalist in the Miller Lite Comedy Search, which was won by the late great Bernie Mac. Her movie appearances include Beauty Shop and The Players Club. She’s guest starred in such sitcoms as Martin, Moesha, The Parkers, The Steve Harvey Show, had a recurring role on The Tracey Ullman Show and became a series regular on The Hughleys to name a few.
Givens and fellow Black female counterparts Mo’Nique, Laura Hayes and Sommore were the stars of the The Queens of Comedy tour, which was filmed and subsequently shown on Showtime and released on DVD (13 consecutive sold out dates, with the album nominated for a Grammy Award).
Since then, Adele realized that she was destined to become comedic royalty. She has rare the ability to make you laugh, think, cry and cringe all at the same time. Her famous catch line “I am such a #$%@#% Lady” has gone viral. Her work is very popular. She can be heard on hip-hop songs by Big Sean, Lil Kim and others. Her bold and on point insights continue to delight and amaze her fans and peers alike.
Popularity was swift with Adele, winning many competitions and securing the respect of comedy lovers everywhere. Almost immediately fans proclaimed Adele ‘The Queen of Comedy.’ The title is well deserved with such credits as Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam, Showtime at the Apollo, the Oprah Winfrey Show, and Comedy Central Presents, among others. She’s had her very own morning radio show (The Adele Givens Morning Show on WGCI 107.5 FM Chicago). HBO recognized her majesty by offering her, her own comedy special and television pilot, The Adele Givens Show.
Queen Adele has certainly reigned supreme. As Queen of Comedy, Grammy nominated artist, Soul Train Comedy Award nominee and experienced television and film actress, it’s safe to say that the little girl from Chicago’s West Side has done the city proud. It’s easy to see why Givens is known as the Queen. Get to Zanies this weekend to witness her live. It’s guaranteed to be to be an experience.
