The Comedy Act Planet (formerly Comedy Act Theatre) was the bedrock for the present day African American comedy movement.Before there was Def Jam, Comedy Central or Comicview, there was The Comedy Act Theatre (CAT). Just Ask Chris Tucker, Mark Curry, Eddie Murphy, Robert Townsend, Damon Wayans and a mad number of others to name one individual who has been solely responsible for nurturing and launching the careers of most of the country’s superstar Black comedians, and they will each name maverick entrepreneur Michael Williams aka The Godfather of Comedy.When Williams opened the doors of the CAT in 1985, he was a native California who realized a vision. Vision: the thing that gave Bob Johnson BET, gave Bill Gates Microsoft, and gave Cosby ‘the show’. In 12 years the CAT had become an important institution, and a much-needed venue giving Black comedians from across the country a stage to sharpen their skills. At the same time, it’s known as a hip showcase for the stars. The CAT’s down home ambiance attracted a clientele that covers the spectrum. But they all have one thing in common: they know the CAT had good comedy.With the opening of a second Michael Williams Comedy Act Theatre in Atlanta, in March 1990, and Chicago in 1992, Williams established himself as the foremost promoter of African American comedians. His comedy stores consistently give African American talent top billing -- the first and only clubs to do so in the nation.Born and reared in Los Angeles, Williams started his career in entertainment working with Quincy Jones Productions in 1976. In the early 80’s, Williams began to follow-up on an interest he had in comedy. Attending comedy showcases around the area and throughout the country, Williams experienced a wealth of “refreshing†African American talent. He found, however, no organized efforts to promote and market comedy to African American audiences.In 1985, Williams began to promote his interest in African American comedians by presenting amateur and professional African American comics at the Comedy Act Theatre in the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles. In a relatively short time, he developed a regular audience of 250 to 400 patrons. To be sure, this was the beginning of a successful venture, which would serve as a catalyst in the careers of numerous minority comedians.Since it was incorporated in 1986, The Michael Williams Comedy Act Theatre has been the spawning ground of a wealth of African American talent, as well as a venue for many of the industry’s best known African American comedians and the late Robin Harris routinely served as emcee.
