Walter Latham
Encyclopedia
Walter Latham is an American film and comedy tour producer born and raised in the Brooklyn, New York. His comedy production company, Latham Entertainment, helped launch the careers of Bernie Mac
, Steve Harvey
, and Mo'Nique. His releases, The Original Kings of Comedy
, Queens of Comedy, Latham Entertainment Presents, and Bad Boys of Comedy have grossed more than $200 million worldwide.
, New York
, where he was raised in a single-parent home with his Mother and younger sister. From childhood, he listened to the comedy albums of Eddie Murphy
and Richard Pryor
in hopes of being able to reach success in the entertainment world himself someday. In search of a better life, he moved to North Carolina in his teens but found life there to be equally as difficult. Guided by his own passion for comedy, Latham dropped out of East Carolina University
at age 20 to start a promotions company and produce comedy shows. Walter started the company with a $4000 loan and the support of his mother. His first show failed because the talent he booked was a no-show. Latham did not let this downfall deter him. He went on to produce many highly successful comedy tours across the nation.
on tour. Steadfastly believing that packaging a number of popular comedians on one bill could be greater than the sum of its parts, Latham mounted a triple-headliner tour starring Steve Harvey
, Cedric The Entertainer
, and Bernie Mac
. In 1999, the addition of D.L. Hughley and the sponsorship of HBO brought the total grosses over $37 million in two years.
Latham decided to capture the experience of the live Kings of Comedy Tour on film. The Original Kings of Comedy
was directed by Spike Lee
and produced by Latham Entertainment and MTV
films. The film was produced on an estimated $3,000,000 budget. On its opening weekend, Kings of Comedy
grossed a total of $11,053,832 on 847 screens, averaging to about $13,051 per venue. The tour grossed over $18 million in its first year. The Original Kings of Comedy
eventually grossed a total of $38,168,022 at the box offices.
Bernie Mac
Bernard Jeffrey McCullough , better known by his stage name, Bernie Mac, was an American actor and comedian. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Mac gained popularity as a stand-up comedian. He joined comedians Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D. L...
, Steve Harvey
Steve Harvey
Broderick Steven "Steve" Harvey is an American actor, comedian, entertainer, television and radio personality and best-selling author. He is best known as the star of the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show, and as one of the four comedians featured in the Spike Lee film The Original Kings of Comedy...
, and Mo'Nique. His releases, The Original Kings of Comedy
The Original Kings of Comedy
The Original Kings of Comedy is a 2000 stand-up comedy film, directed by Spike Lee, and featuring the comedy routines of Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Bernie Mac. Filmed in front of an audience at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, the comedians give the...
, Queens of Comedy, Latham Entertainment Presents, and Bad Boys of Comedy have grossed more than $200 million worldwide.
Early life
Walter Latham was born in BrooklynBrooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, where he was raised in a single-parent home with his Mother and younger sister. From childhood, he listened to the comedy albums of Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy
Edward Regan "Eddie" Murphy is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, singer, director, and musician....
and Richard Pryor
Richard Pryor
Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor was an American stand-up comedian, actor, social critic, writer and MC. Pryor was known for uncompromising examinations of racism and topical contemporary issues, which employed colorful vulgarities, and profanity, as well as racial epithets...
in hopes of being able to reach success in the entertainment world himself someday. In search of a better life, he moved to North Carolina in his teens but found life there to be equally as difficult. Guided by his own passion for comedy, Latham dropped out of East Carolina University
East Carolina University
East Carolina University is a public, coeducational, engaged doctoral/research university located in Greenville, North Carolina, United States. Named East Carolina University by statute and commonly known as ECU or East Carolina, the university is the largest institution of higher learning in...
at age 20 to start a promotions company and produce comedy shows. Walter started the company with a $4000 loan and the support of his mother. His first show failed because the talent he booked was a no-show. Latham did not let this downfall deter him. He went on to produce many highly successful comedy tours across the nation.
Career
In December 1997, Walter Latham took the Kings of ComedyThe Original Kings of Comedy
The Original Kings of Comedy is a 2000 stand-up comedy film, directed by Spike Lee, and featuring the comedy routines of Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Bernie Mac. Filmed in front of an audience at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, the comedians give the...
on tour. Steadfastly believing that packaging a number of popular comedians on one bill could be greater than the sum of its parts, Latham mounted a triple-headliner tour starring Steve Harvey
Steve Harvey
Broderick Steven "Steve" Harvey is an American actor, comedian, entertainer, television and radio personality and best-selling author. He is best known as the star of the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show, and as one of the four comedians featured in the Spike Lee film The Original Kings of Comedy...
, Cedric The Entertainer
Cedric the Entertainer
Cedric Antonio Kyles , known professionally by his stage name Cedric the Entertainer, is an American actor, comedian and director...
, and Bernie Mac
Bernie Mac
Bernard Jeffrey McCullough , better known by his stage name, Bernie Mac, was an American actor and comedian. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Mac gained popularity as a stand-up comedian. He joined comedians Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D. L...
. In 1999, the addition of D.L. Hughley and the sponsorship of HBO brought the total grosses over $37 million in two years.
Latham decided to capture the experience of the live Kings of Comedy Tour on film. The Original Kings of Comedy
The Original Kings of Comedy
The Original Kings of Comedy is a 2000 stand-up comedy film, directed by Spike Lee, and featuring the comedy routines of Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Bernie Mac. Filmed in front of an audience at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, the comedians give the...
was directed by Spike Lee
Spike Lee
Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee is an American film director, producer, writer, and actor. His production company, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, has produced over 35 films since 1983....
and produced by Latham Entertainment and MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
films. The film was produced on an estimated $3,000,000 budget. On its opening weekend, Kings of Comedy
The Original Kings of Comedy
The Original Kings of Comedy is a 2000 stand-up comedy film, directed by Spike Lee, and featuring the comedy routines of Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Bernie Mac. Filmed in front of an audience at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, the comedians give the...
grossed a total of $11,053,832 on 847 screens, averaging to about $13,051 per venue. The tour grossed over $18 million in its first year. The Original Kings of Comedy
The Original Kings of Comedy
The Original Kings of Comedy is a 2000 stand-up comedy film, directed by Spike Lee, and featuring the comedy routines of Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Bernie Mac. Filmed in front of an audience at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, the comedians give the...
eventually grossed a total of $38,168,022 at the box offices.
Filmography
| Film | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Featured Comedians | Notes | |
| 2000 | The Original Kings of Comedy The Original Kings of Comedy The Original Kings of Comedy is a 2000 stand-up comedy film, directed by Spike Lee, and featuring the comedy routines of Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Bernie Mac. Filmed in front of an audience at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, the comedians give the... |
Steve Harvey Steve Harvey Broderick Steven "Steve" Harvey is an American actor, comedian, entertainer, television and radio personality and best-selling author. He is best known as the star of the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show, and as one of the four comedians featured in the Spike Lee film The Original Kings of Comedy... , Bernie Mac Bernie Mac Bernard Jeffrey McCullough , better known by his stage name, Bernie Mac, was an American actor and comedian. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Mac gained popularity as a stand-up comedian. He joined comedians Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D. L... , Cedric The Entertainer Cedric the Entertainer Cedric Antonio Kyles , known professionally by his stage name Cedric the Entertainer, is an American actor, comedian and director... , D.L. Hughley |
Film grossed over $37 million during its run at the box office. It is the 2nd highest grossing comedy stand-up film of all time. Nominated for NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture; Soundtrack nominated for a Grammy for the Best Spoken Comedy Album in 2000 | |
| 2001 | Runteldat | Martin Lawrence Martin Lawrence Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence is an American actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, and stand up comedian. He came to fame during the 1990s, establishing a Hollywood career as a leading actor, most notably the films Bad Boys, Blue Streak, and Big Momma's House... |
Tour grossed more than $7M opening weekend and is the 4th highest grossing stand-up film in history. | |
| Comedy Tours | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year(s) | Tour Name | Featured Comedians | Notes | |
| 1992 | Schlitz Malt Liquor Tour | D.L. Hughley and Bernie Mac Bernie Mac Bernard Jeffrey McCullough , better known by his stage name, Bernie Mac, was an American actor and comedian. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Mac gained popularity as a stand-up comedian. He joined comedians Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D. L... |
||
| 1993 | Zima Clear Malt Comedy Jam | Bill Bellamy Bill Bellamy William "Bill" Bellamy is an American actor and stand-up comedian. He currently resides in California. Bellamy first gained national notoriety on HBO's Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam, where he is credited for creating or uttering before a televised audience, the phrase "booty call", described as... and Chris Tucker Chris Tucker Christopher "Chris" Tucker is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for playing the role of Detective James Carter in the Rush Hour film series.-Early life:... |
||
| 1995 | What About Me | Chris Tucker Chris Tucker Christopher "Chris" Tucker is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for playing the role of Detective James Carter in the Rush Hour film series.-Early life:... |
||
| 1997–1999 | Kings of Comedy Kings of Comedy Kings of Comedy was a reality television series broadcast made by Endemol for Channel 4. The show was presented by Russell Brand and narrated by Matthew Rudge... |
Steve Harvey Steve Harvey Broderick Steven "Steve" Harvey is an American actor, comedian, entertainer, television and radio personality and best-selling author. He is best known as the star of the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show, and as one of the four comedians featured in the Spike Lee film The Original Kings of Comedy... , Bernie Mac Bernie Mac Bernard Jeffrey McCullough , better known by his stage name, Bernie Mac, was an American actor and comedian. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Mac gained popularity as a stand-up comedian. He joined comedians Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D. L... , Cedric The Entertainer Cedric the Entertainer Cedric Antonio Kyles , known professionally by his stage name Cedric the Entertainer, is an American actor, comedian and director... |
Tour grossed more than $18 Million in its first year. | |
| 2000–2001 | Queens of Comedy | Mo'Nique, Sommore Sommore Sommore is an actress and comedienne from Trenton, New Jersey. She is the half sister of actress Nia Long.... , Adele Givens Adele Givens Adele Givens is an African American actress and comedian from Chicago, Illinois. She currently lives in Lexington, Kentucky.- Career :*Her television appearances include The Hughleys, Moesha, The Parkers, Comedy Central Presents, Def Comedy Jam, Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry, Martin, Tracey... , Laura Hayes |
||
| 2001 | Runteldat | Martin Lawrence Martin Lawrence Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence is an American actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, and stand up comedian. He came to fame during the 1990s, establishing a Hollywood career as a leading actor, most notably the films Bad Boys, Blue Streak, and Big Momma's House... |
||
| 2002–2003 | Latham Entertainment Presents | J Anthony Brown J Anthony Brown James Anthony Brown is an American comedian, actor and radio personality. He received the Peabody Award and the NAACP Image Award.-Early life:... , Earthquake Earthquake An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. The seismicity, seismism or seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time... , Bruce Bruce Bruce Bruce Bruce Bruce is an American actor and stand-up comedian from Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in The Bluff, one of the city's roughest ghettos.... , Sommore Sommore Sommore is an actress and comedienne from Trenton, New Jersey. She is the half sister of actress Nia Long.... , DL Hughley |
Released to DVD 2003 | |
| 2003 | Crown Royal Comedy Soul Festival | Rickey Smiley Rickey Smiley Rickey Smiley is a standup comedian, television host, actor, and radio personality best known for his prank phone calls. The calls feature Smiley disguising his voice and carrying on a conversation with the recipient of the call.... , Earthquake Earthquake An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. The seismicity, seismism or seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time... , Bruce Bruce Bruce Bruce Bruce Bruce is an American actor and stand-up comedian from Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in The Bluff, one of the city's roughest ghettos.... , Adele Givens Adele Givens Adele Givens is an African American actress and comedian from Chicago, Illinois. She currently lives in Lexington, Kentucky.- Career :*Her television appearances include The Hughleys, Moesha, The Parkers, Comedy Central Presents, Def Comedy Jam, Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry, Martin, Tracey... |
||
| Television | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Title | Network | Featured Comedians/Hosts | Notes |
| 1996–1997 | Bring The Pain | HBO | Chris Rock Chris Rock Christopher Julius "Chris" Rock III is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, television producer, film producer and director. He was voted in the US as the 5th greatest stand-up comedian of all time by Comedy Central... |
|
| 2001 | Queens of Comedy | Showtime | Mo'Nique, Sommore Sommore Sommore is an actress and comedienne from Trenton, New Jersey. She is the half sister of actress Nia Long.... , Adele Givens Adele Givens Adele Givens is an African American actress and comedian from Chicago, Illinois. She currently lives in Lexington, Kentucky.- Career :*Her television appearances include The Hughleys, Moesha, The Parkers, Comedy Central Presents, Def Comedy Jam, Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry, Martin, Tracey... , Laura Hayes |
The special was Showtime’s highest rated special in 2001 |
| 2005–2007 | P.Diddy Presents The Bad Boys of Comedy Seasons 1 & 2 | HBO | MC'd by Doug E. Fresh Doug E. Fresh Douglas E. Davis , better known by the stage name Doug E. Fresh, is an American rapper, record producer, and beat boxer, also known as the Human Beat Box... |
Co-Executive Produced by Latham Entertainment. Nominated for BET Comedy Award in "Outstanding Comedy Variety Series" category. |
| 2008 | Shaken Not Stirred | MyNetwork TV | Hosts: D.L. Hughley, Anthony Anderson Anthony Anderson Anthony Anderson is an American actor, comedian, and writer. He has starred in his own sitcom All About the Andersons, as well as the Fox sitcom The Bernie Mac Show during the fifth and final season of the show. He is also known for his leading roles in television dramas such as K-Ville, The... , Paul Rodriguez Paul Rodríguez Paul Rodriguez is a Mexican-American stand-up comedian and actor.-Personal life:Rodriguez was born in Culiacán, Sinaloa, México to Mexican agriculture ranchers.. His family migrated to East Los Angeles, where he enlisted in the military; he was stationed in Iceland and Duluth, Minnesota... , John Salley John Salley John Thomas "Spider" Salley is a retired American professional basketball player, actor and talk show host. He was the first player in NBA history to play on three different championship-winning franchises.... |
5 Episodes; Toastees included Reverend Al Sharpton, Pamela Anderson Pamela Anderson Pamela Denise Anderson is a Canadian-American actress, model, producer, author, activist, and former showgirl, known for her roles on the television series Home Improvement, Baywatch, and V.I.P. She was chosen as a Playmate of the Month for Playboy magazine in February 1990... , Bobby Brown Bobby Brown Robert Barisford "Bobby" Brown is an American R&B singer-songwriter, occasional rapper, and dancer. After success in pop group New Edition, Brown began his solo career in 1987 and had a string of Top 10 Billboard hits, culminating in a Grammy Award. He was a pioneer of New Jack Swing music, a... , Ice T Ice T Tracy Marrow , better known by his stage name Ice-T, is an American musician and actor.He was born in Newark, New Jersey and moved to the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles when he was in the 7th grade. After graduating from high school he served in the United States Army for four years... and Rev Run |