Rickey Smiley Net Worth 2024

Rickey Smiley, renowned for his comedic genius and charismatic personality, has carved a niche for himself in the entertainment industry. With a net worth of $2.5 million, Smiley’s journey from a budding comedian to a household name is both inspiring and impressive. This article delves deep into Rickey Smiley’s net worth, his career milestones, and personal life, providing a comprehensive overview of this multifaceted entertainer.

Early Life and Education

Broderick “Rickey” Smiley was born on August 10, 1968, in Birmingham, Alabama. Growing up in a modest household, Smiley’s early life was marked by challenges that he overcame with resilience and determination. He pursued higher education at Alabama State University in Montgomery, where he laid the foundation for his future career in comedy and entertainment.

Stand-up Comedy Career

Rickey Smiley’s foray into the world of comedy began with performances on prominent television shows such as “Def Comedy Jam,” “Snaps,” and “Showtime at the Apollo.” His unique comedic style, characterized by a variety of colorful fictional characters like Bernice Jenkins, Rusty Dale, and Lil’ Daryl, quickly gained him popularity. In 2004, Smiley took on the role of host for the 13th season of BET’s “Comic View,” further cementing his place in the comedy scene.

Radio Career and “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show”

In 2004, Smiley transitioned to radio, becoming the morning show personality for KBFB, a Dallas, Texas radio station. His elaborate prank calls, involving him role-playing various characters, became a signature element of his show. Some of his most notable prank calls include “Buried Alive,” “Uncle Melvin,” and “She P-E-E-D.” In 2008, Smiley’s radio career reached new heights when he signed a deal with Syndication One to take his show nationwide as “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show.” This program is now a staple on many mainstream urban and urban adult contemporary stations across the United States.

Television Career: From Sitcoms to Reality Shows

Rickey Smiley’s television career is as illustrious as his radio career. In 2011, he joined the newly created Fox-produced television program “Dish Nation,” which offers tabloid news and commentary on pop culture. Smiley remained a host until 2019, providing audiences with his unique brand of humor and insight.

From 2012 to 2014, Smiley starred in his own sitcom, “The Rickey Smiley Show,” on TV One. The show, which highlighted his comedic talent and acting skills, was well-received and added to his growing fame. Following the sitcom, Smiley launched a reality series titled “Rickey Smiley For Real” in 2015. This series, which ran for five seasons, offered a glimpse into Smiley’s life as he balanced his career with his responsibilities as a father.

Smiley also made frequent appearances on the Bravo reality series “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” between 2014 and 2018. Additionally, he cohosted the Stellar Awards and the Black Music Honors from 2017 to 2020, and the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration in 2021.

Film Career

Rickey Smiley made his feature film debut in the 2002 stoner comedy “Friday After Next,” the third installment in the “Friday” franchise starring Ice Cube. His role as “Santa Claus” showcased his versatility and comedic timing. Smiley reunited with Ice Cube in the 2008 crime comedy “First Sunday,” playing his popular stand-up character Bernice Jenkins. His filmography also includes the 2010 direct-to-video dance drama “Stomp the Yard: Homecoming” and the 2013 romcom “Baggage Claim,” directed by David E. Talbert.

Personal Life

Rickey Smiley’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. He was married for 12 years to Brenda Morris, with whom he had four children: Brandon, D’Essence, Aaryn, and Malik. In the summer of 2020, their daughter Aaryn was a victim of a road rage incident, resulting in a gunshot wound. Tragically, in early 2023, their son Brandon passed away from an intentional drug overdose.

Despite these personal challenges, Smiley has remained a pillar of strength, using his platform to address important social issues and advocate for mental health awareness.

Conclusion

Rickey Smiley’s net worth of $2.5 million is a testament to his hard work, talent, and enduring appeal in the entertainment industry. From his early days in stand-up comedy to his successful radio and television careers, Smiley has continuously evolved, capturing the hearts of audiences across the nation. His resilience in the face of personal adversity further underscores his remarkable journey. Rickey Smiley’s story is one of triumph, humor, and unwavering determination.