| WHO’S DA FUNNY MAN? The More Personal Side James Stephens III |
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By April Mial
Contributing Writer
CARY, NC - James Stephens III has gone through some trials and tribulations,
but he continues to persevere. Born in poverty, he didn’t allow his
surroundings to dictate who he would become, instead he surrounded himself
with people and places that would help him dictate his future.
Growing up, he always wanted to become a singer, so he started a “vocal
group in high school, very influenced by Michael Jackson and James Brown,” he
begins, “we called ourselves the Junior Isley Brothers.” They performed at local
high schools, often singing to the instrumental side of the small sized record. He’
s the first to admit that he’s telling his age, 50, but proud of it, when he talks
about how “back in the day when I was growing up, the 45 had one side with
the artist performing to the music and the other side just had the instrumental.
We used that instrumental side when we performed.” Stephens wanted so
desperately to be a singer in the business, that at that age, he carried on many
roles, while a student with responsibilities – he was the lead singer,
choreographer and even booked performances. As graduation from high school
approached, though, the group fizzled because he says that, “the guys wouldn’t
show up for practice.”
Contributing Writer
CARY, NC - James Stephens III has gone through some trials and tribulations,
but he continues to persevere. Born in poverty, he didn’t allow his
surroundings to dictate who he would become, instead he surrounded himself
with people and places that would help him dictate his future.
Growing up, he always wanted to become a singer, so he started a “vocal
group in high school, very influenced by Michael Jackson and James Brown,” he
begins, “we called ourselves the Junior Isley Brothers.” They performed at local
high schools, often singing to the instrumental side of the small sized record. He’
s the first to admit that he’s telling his age, 50, but proud of it, when he talks
about how “back in the day when I was growing up, the 45 had one side with
the artist performing to the music and the other side just had the instrumental.
We used that instrumental side when we performed.” Stephens wanted so
desperately to be a singer in the business, that at that age, he carried on many
roles, while a student with responsibilities – he was the lead singer,
choreographer and even booked performances. As graduation from high school
approached, though, the group fizzled because he says that, “the guys wouldn’t
show up for practice.”
But that phase didn’t discourage Stephens, as he took the time to develop his own talent, teaching himself how to play the
piano, while he continued singing solo. From there, he went to college and learned how to play the piano. Even though he had
a passion for law, graduating with a degree in Political Science and Criminal Law from Seattle University and Georgetown, the
bug for performing lead him to different talent competitions in the area.
One of those competitions, while in Seattle for law school, was the “Seattle Stand Up Comedian” audition. This was a huge
event because it was a competition where people from all over the country would compete for a chance to win. Comedians like
Robin Harris would find their big break… and so did Stephens… he won the competition! He remembers his segment, as if it
was yesterday, “I talked about goofy things… Saying that Tacoma, the city, sounded like a disease – and would say that [he
knew a man] who’s got that disease. I would also do impressions like Red Foxx and Michael Jackson.” That win set the pace
for the jumpstart of his career – Showtime chose him, along with nine other comedians for a television special, then he
performed at the Apollo Theatre.
In 1987, he moved to Los Angeles, where he studied at The Comedy Store. There, he met Eddie Murphy and Robert
Townsend, among other now famous comedians. Four years later, in 1991, he got the opportunity to perform at a Ray Charles
Anniversary Special, loaded with celebrities. This was a big opportunity because it allowed him to meet and befriend fellow
comedian Paul Rodriguez. Paul turned out to be a significant ally, giving Stephens his first big break. Rodriguez, known at that
time for his television show, “Special at San Quentin,” gave Stephens the opportunity to perform on the show. That show,
catapulted his next move - signing a deal with FOX television to produce a show, “The Edge” that show would star he and
Jennifer Anniston. The show was comparable to “Saturday Night Live,” running for a year before losing its Executive
Producer, Wayne Knight.
But his career didn’t stop there. Stephens continued to strive and reach for the stars, often performing at many night clubs
and shows. Stephens doesn’t normally get overwhelmed with meeting other celebrities (and he’s met a lot of them), but he is
the first to admit that, “after a performance at The Comedy Store, when I walked off the stage, I was told that someone wanted
to meet me. It was Richard Pryor. He grabbed my hand and said that You are a funny M-F-… I kept saying Oh my god! I
couldn’t believe it!” To date, his celebrity roster includes David Foster, Baby Face, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson and
Stevie Wonder. But one performer he has not gotten a chance to meet, but wants to so desperately, is Lionel Richie. He says
that he missed the opportunity before, but is now looking forward the opportunity when he flies to Las Vegas this year.
Just as Stephens transitioned himself to performing, while in high school and college, and even finding a way to incorporate
his singing and playing the piano into his comedy act, he has also transitioned his life from one of worldly to that of following
God. He says that the “old James has died and that he wants to be more Christ-like.” This transition didn’t come over night,
but it was a series of events that lead to his decision to follow God and incorporate Him first into his life.
Stephens says that his marriage to a prominent doctor in Raleigh “brought him to settle down in North Carolina.” He
briefly talks about how his “marriage made him happy and the marriage allowed him to break his promise of ever living in the
south again.” He was married for years, but the marriage eventually fell apart. He talks about how he was devastated. “I was
in so much pain because my divorce was abrupt and tragic. I called out to God…and I found Him. I decided to choose God and
was prepped for the pain I went through. One minute I was homeless, the next I’m buying a Porsche to show how God can
give you so much...bringing me out of darkness into the light.”
That moment in his life, he continued following God. He calls himself a minister of God, wanting to learn everything about
His Word and incorporating it into his life. He’s proud to announce that in May 2010, he will graduate with a Masters of
Theology from Northwestern Theological School, with plans of pursuing a doctorate in Theology. He wants to open up a
church and school in South Carolina to teach excellence to Black children, where he can be close to his mother who is now 81.
His closeness with his mother resonates in the closeness with his three children and grandson. His daughter, 30, is one of
the top 40 women in the Washington State area. She works for a Fortune 500 company and works as a Lobbyist for the state.
She has a Masters in Public Administration. She is the proud mother of his only grandson. His oldest son, 18, plays football
on scholarship at Western Oregon University. He plans to be a chiropractor. And his youngest son, 14, is an honors student
at a private school in Beverly Hills. He’s also a ball boy for the LA Clippers.
In closing, Stephens appreciates how the old comedians were articulate and respected, paving the way for his career. He
hasn’t forgotten that and wants to do the same to help others. He helps children striving for excellence through his Foundation,
having a show every year to raise money for it. This coming year may be the last year, since he’s moving to South Carolina,
but he hasn’t made any concrete plans as of yet.
The event is May 15, 2010 at The Progress Energy Center (Raleigh); 8pm. Tickets can be purchased by calling
919.303.0857. It promises to be filled with celebrities, silent auctions, and even a performance by James Stephens III!
For more information about James Stephens and his Foundation, visit his websites: jamesstephensfoundation.org or
jamesstephensfoundation.com or dafunnyman.com
April Mial is a writer, producer, director and president of Lilac Films (www.lilacfilms.com). She is now the author of “Out on
a Limb…and Still Standing”, an inspirational book about her journey of becoming a respected filmmaker. The book can be
purchased at Amazon.com or BarnesNoble.com. She can be emailed at amial@lilacfilms.com.
NEXT
piano, while he continued singing solo. From there, he went to college and learned how to play the piano. Even though he had
a passion for law, graduating with a degree in Political Science and Criminal Law from Seattle University and Georgetown, the
bug for performing lead him to different talent competitions in the area.
One of those competitions, while in Seattle for law school, was the “Seattle Stand Up Comedian” audition. This was a huge
event because it was a competition where people from all over the country would compete for a chance to win. Comedians like
Robin Harris would find their big break… and so did Stephens… he won the competition! He remembers his segment, as if it
was yesterday, “I talked about goofy things… Saying that Tacoma, the city, sounded like a disease – and would say that [he
knew a man] who’s got that disease. I would also do impressions like Red Foxx and Michael Jackson.” That win set the pace
for the jumpstart of his career – Showtime chose him, along with nine other comedians for a television special, then he
performed at the Apollo Theatre.
In 1987, he moved to Los Angeles, where he studied at The Comedy Store. There, he met Eddie Murphy and Robert
Townsend, among other now famous comedians. Four years later, in 1991, he got the opportunity to perform at a Ray Charles
Anniversary Special, loaded with celebrities. This was a big opportunity because it allowed him to meet and befriend fellow
comedian Paul Rodriguez. Paul turned out to be a significant ally, giving Stephens his first big break. Rodriguez, known at that
time for his television show, “Special at San Quentin,” gave Stephens the opportunity to perform on the show. That show,
catapulted his next move - signing a deal with FOX television to produce a show, “The Edge” that show would star he and
Jennifer Anniston. The show was comparable to “Saturday Night Live,” running for a year before losing its Executive
Producer, Wayne Knight.
But his career didn’t stop there. Stephens continued to strive and reach for the stars, often performing at many night clubs
and shows. Stephens doesn’t normally get overwhelmed with meeting other celebrities (and he’s met a lot of them), but he is
the first to admit that, “after a performance at The Comedy Store, when I walked off the stage, I was told that someone wanted
to meet me. It was Richard Pryor. He grabbed my hand and said that You are a funny M-F-… I kept saying Oh my god! I
couldn’t believe it!” To date, his celebrity roster includes David Foster, Baby Face, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson and
Stevie Wonder. But one performer he has not gotten a chance to meet, but wants to so desperately, is Lionel Richie. He says
that he missed the opportunity before, but is now looking forward the opportunity when he flies to Las Vegas this year.
Just as Stephens transitioned himself to performing, while in high school and college, and even finding a way to incorporate
his singing and playing the piano into his comedy act, he has also transitioned his life from one of worldly to that of following
God. He says that the “old James has died and that he wants to be more Christ-like.” This transition didn’t come over night,
but it was a series of events that lead to his decision to follow God and incorporate Him first into his life.
Stephens says that his marriage to a prominent doctor in Raleigh “brought him to settle down in North Carolina.” He
briefly talks about how his “marriage made him happy and the marriage allowed him to break his promise of ever living in the
south again.” He was married for years, but the marriage eventually fell apart. He talks about how he was devastated. “I was
in so much pain because my divorce was abrupt and tragic. I called out to God…and I found Him. I decided to choose God and
was prepped for the pain I went through. One minute I was homeless, the next I’m buying a Porsche to show how God can
give you so much...bringing me out of darkness into the light.”
That moment in his life, he continued following God. He calls himself a minister of God, wanting to learn everything about
His Word and incorporating it into his life. He’s proud to announce that in May 2010, he will graduate with a Masters of
Theology from Northwestern Theological School, with plans of pursuing a doctorate in Theology. He wants to open up a
church and school in South Carolina to teach excellence to Black children, where he can be close to his mother who is now 81.
His closeness with his mother resonates in the closeness with his three children and grandson. His daughter, 30, is one of
the top 40 women in the Washington State area. She works for a Fortune 500 company and works as a Lobbyist for the state.
She has a Masters in Public Administration. She is the proud mother of his only grandson. His oldest son, 18, plays football
on scholarship at Western Oregon University. He plans to be a chiropractor. And his youngest son, 14, is an honors student
at a private school in Beverly Hills. He’s also a ball boy for the LA Clippers.
In closing, Stephens appreciates how the old comedians were articulate and respected, paving the way for his career. He
hasn’t forgotten that and wants to do the same to help others. He helps children striving for excellence through his Foundation,
having a show every year to raise money for it. This coming year may be the last year, since he’s moving to South Carolina,
but he hasn’t made any concrete plans as of yet.
The event is May 15, 2010 at The Progress Energy Center (Raleigh); 8pm. Tickets can be purchased by calling
919.303.0857. It promises to be filled with celebrities, silent auctions, and even a performance by James Stephens III!
For more information about James Stephens and his Foundation, visit his websites: jamesstephensfoundation.org or
jamesstephensfoundation.com or dafunnyman.com
April Mial is a writer, producer, director and president of Lilac Films (www.lilacfilms.com). She is now the author of “Out on
a Limb…and Still Standing”, an inspirational book about her journey of becoming a respected filmmaker. The book can be
purchased at Amazon.com or BarnesNoble.com. She can be emailed at amial@lilacfilms.com.
NEXT
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