BD Freeman
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When you see BD Freeman, his large frame is definitely intimidating. That is unless you are funny man Eddie Griffin who didn’t see size but saw a counterpart to his off-beat humor when he cast him in his upcoming comedy series “NTV,” which is scheduled for release in 2005. BD’s breakout performance introduces the world to several of his alter-egos like T-Bone, the whacked out stage manager, Victoria, the African woman who speaks an unidentified language, and Rio Huckabee, a satirical interpretation on the squeaky clean character Theo Huxtable from “The Cosby Show.”
Comedy is said to cure whatever “ails ya” and BD Freeman is a prime example of replacing sorrow with laughter. BD, who was born Bobby Freeman of Racine, Wis., grew up in a large single parent household. At times things got rough around the house but he learned at an early age that he could make people laugh. Once he realized humor was an effective way to overcome unpleasant situations, he began seizing opportunities to break out of his shell, utilizing comedy as a way of expression.
In college, BD developed his first stand-up routine at an open mic night at one of the local clubs. It wasn’t long before he hopped in a $300 jalopy, and traveled nationwide, hitting every comedy club he could along the way. Determined to hone his craft, BD studied comedians such as Jim Belushi, who he credits for his physical comedy, and Richard Pryor, who he pulls his wit and timing from.
"Richard Pryor and Jim Belushi were the best," says BD. “Those were the greats, and it doesn’t take a genius to know if you want to be the best you have to study the best."
After working for years on the comedy circuit, BD moved to L.A. and landed a spot on Fox's “MAD TV,” as a member of the supporting cast.
When introduced to the other “MAD TV” comedians, he stood star struck. “I’m trying to be all cool on the outside, but I was screaming inside my head," says BD.
While on “MAD TV,” BD continued to work the comedy clubs and that’s where Eddie Griffin first saw him. A chance meeting followed at a coffee shop and Eddie was casting for a show he was producing called “NTV.” He remembered BD from his standup show and hired him on the spot.
Life’s been good since his move to L.A. and it looks like things are only going to get better.
“I’m in a good place right now, I just completed a project with one of today’s brightest comedians and I am married to a wonderful women, what more could a man want.”
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This article was originally published in Flossin Magazine. This article is edited by Edna Waters. This article is optimized for web by Steven Christian (Artist | Author | Podcaster).
