Finesse Mitchell: From UM to 'SNL' to Miramar
From sunsentinel.com
By Ben Crandell November 30, 2011 09:01 AM
Actor-comedian Finesse Mitchell has a resume that would not have predicted his current job as a featured character on the Disney Channel's “A.N.T. Farm.” He says he was a walk-on for the University of Miami Hurricanes football team in the early 1990s (“I wish someone reminded me you have to keep a certain GPA to play college sports. I thought a 1.9 was pretty decent.”), and followed that with a 2003-06 stint on “Saturday Night Live.” An Atlanta native, he splits his time between homes in Los Angeles and Miramar's Silver Lakes community. (Why Miramar? “A woman! As usual with most successful men looking to derail a great career.”)
Yes, Mitchell is divorced, leaving him plenty of time to exchange email questions on the eve of his stand-up shows at the Hard Rock on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Your email signature says “Finesse Mitchell 4 prez” … Are you running, and what's your main issue?
I would love to run for president, but my past is too checkered. You think Herman Cain has problems? I have traveled the country for many years and just the women in Dade and Broward County alone would wreck my campaign. I could hear myself at the press conference shouting, “I have never met Cinnamon or Passion, and I have never been to Tootsie's, King of Diamonds or the Rolex a day in my life!” My main issues would be cheaper gas, free health care and no more reality TV.
Who's funnier, you or former Hurricane teammate Warren Sapp?
Me, of course. I didn't know how funny I was at first, but now I humbly say I'm a one-man monster on a comedy stage. Warren is very good on the NFL Network and was one of the greatest NFL players. But when it comes to making everyone of all races, ages and income levels laugh ... I'm one of the best!
You were on the cover of “Krave,” the fashion magazine. Who's better looking, you or another former UM teammate, The Rock?
I am, of course. Well, actually, if you take away Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson's height, muscles, straight teeth, tattoos, six-pack, fame and money, what would you have? ME! So it's a tie, in my opinion.
Favorite “Saturday Night Live” comic not named Finesse Mitchell?
Chris Rock is my favorite SNL comic. Eddie Murphy and Will Ferrell are my favorite SNL cast members to watch. Everything those two have done on the show makes me laugh.
Best thing about living in South Florida?
I love the people! The diversity, the nightlife, the different police jurisdictions every two blocks, the Hard Rock casino, where I donate all my unborn children's college tuition money. The weather is great ... I love extreme dry heat followed by heavy rain only on one side of the street. The women are still some of the prettiest in the world. And I love returning to my over-priced home that I bought in 2006 when the market was at its peak. Thanks for everything, Wells Fargo!
IF YOU GO Finesse Mitchell performs at 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Improv Paradise, 5700 Seminole Way, Hollywood. Tickets: $15. Info: improvftl.com, 954-981-5653.
Hard Rock Casino Improv
November 30th & December 1st
954-981-5653 or visit website for ticket information!
ORLANDO FLORIDA - ONE DAY ONLY!!!
Soiree Event and Conference Center
December 2nd - Two shows! 7pm and 9pm
Buy NO FEE Tickets at - www.ComedyNightatSoiree.com
Call: 407-403-6540 for Group and VIP Packages
Finesse Mitchell Joins Cast of Disney's A.N.T. Farm!
SNL alum, Finesse Mitchell can be seen on Disney 8:30pm Friday's!
Check it out on the Disney Channel's Website
Finesse Mitchell On Jay Leno!
Check out Finesse's stand-up on Jay Leno: www.hulu.com/watch/212812/the-
Comedian lives up to name, dispenses smooth jokes
By Joanna Langston
Published: Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Updated: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 12:09
Finesse Mitchell, a comedian and actor, performs personalized skits Monday night in the University Center Ballrooms. Finesse joked about his experiences in college.
Finesse Mitchell. For those unfamiliar with the name, he is a comedian who has graced BET, Saturday Night Live and Comedy Central. You might also recognize him from such films as "Mad Money" and "Whose Your Caddy?" or from his column in Essence Magazine. By the looks of the jam-packed University Center Ballrooms Monday night, most students were familiar with this multi-talented performer.
Mitchell opened up with shout outs to every class year, and a few obligatory remarks about Greeley's distinct fecal scent and remote location.
"Ya'll must have really wanted to go to school to come here," Mitchell said. "I was halfway out here, and I said there's no school out here, we need to turn around. Y'all must have really wanted to read to come all the way out here."
He reminisced about his days at the University of Miami, and the perks and pitfalls of college life.
"I remember when I first got to school, and there were all kinds of people: white, Puerto Rican, black, Asian and Cuban," he said. "White folks walking around like, ‘Professor said read three chapters - I read six!'"
Mitchell's best jokes came from his one-man conversations depicting typical college discussions between girlfriends, boyfriends, friends and roommates.
Azhia Long, a junior Africana Studies major, said, "I liked that the comedian diversified his jokes. He made fun of everyone."
Although his jokes were unapologetically racy and oftentimes racial, he always polished it off with a gem of practical advice.
"You kids be safe, though," Mitchell said. "There's something worse out there than H-I-V, AIDS, its called K-I-D-S, kids. And they don't ever leave you."
He struck a chord when he asked who was broke, and the crowd erupted with raucous noise.
"Nothing wrong with being broke, but be happy about it, don't be mad at the world," Mitchell said. "And don't lie. Never lie. Your friend might be like ‘Hey Rico. You got my hundred dollars?' ‘No.' ‘When can I get it?' ‘Uh. Never. God bless you.' Make sure you put that in there. Nobody ever punched anybody in the face after being blessed."
Counseling with humor, he advised students.
"When bill collectors call, answer the phone. Just because they call you don't mean you have to talk about what they want to talk about," Mitchell said. "They might call like ‘Did you know your credit card is two months overdue?' ‘Uh, yes I did know that, Visa. Hey, did you know T.I. went to jail again? Hello? Hello?'"
His routine was a lively melody of cheeky observations of all sorts of matters. His monologue ran the gamut from the economy, to Barack Obama and George Bush, to roommates, new growth and even included 12 of the funniest minutes ever dedicated to vomiting. Mitchell breezed right through his jokes with comfort and commendable comedic timing.
"He seemed to be having fun, and he improvised well," said Amy Shew, a sophomore dietetics major who said she found it particularly hysterical when Mitchell invited a virginal young man onstage to give him advice on how to "get grimy" with a woman.
The evening was as informal as his outfit: jeans and a UNC T-shirt, which he promised would be mounted on his makeshift wall of fame.
"At home, I have the garage so where you pull in, you can't even see the wall; it's covered with college shirts," Mitchell said. "I'm going to put this right in the middle." Mitchell wrapped up the evening with a few self-promoting statements. "You can find out about me onfinessemitchell.com," Mitchell said. "And follow me on Twitter. I want 10 new followers after I leave here"; a feat that was probably achieved before he exited the stage.
It’s 2010 BABY!!!! Welcome to the new spot!!! I’m finally In HD ya’ll. Yes I said ya’ll because everyone who meets me says I have a country accent. I guess it’s that ATLANTA, GA upbringing! (SO, at this time, I wanna give a SHOUT OUT to the S.W.A.T.S. and College Park, GA… and the Beautiful Restaurant, my favorite soul food spot in the “A”).
So, don’t act all scared, Come on in and relax, browse, and navigate your way around. Find out what’s new with Finesse Mitchell. Check out the calendar to find out when I will be in your city or a city near you performing. I love performing live at comedy clubs, colleges and universities, and corporate events (What up ESPN! Thanks for lacing me with Super Bowl tickets every year.). Which makes me think, Damn, Did Brett Farve really throw that interception in the last minute after having the best season of his career. Damn it, Brett! And even though your head is shaped like a pitbull, you’re still the toughest, oldest, bestest QB with the most heart I’ve ever seen play the game.
Oh, before I forget, because I like to ramble, Sign up for my e-blast by giving me your email address above. My Facebook fan page and twitter account is also linked into the site so stop by there too and ADD ME, FOLLOW ME and spread the word I’m here now. And don’t forget, after you get through watching funny comedy video clips of my stand-up or posting a BLOG COMMENT on my NEW Relationship Blog, or looking at countless pictures of ME, sign my guestbook and send me a message. 2009 was RUFF for a lot of folks but I know 2010 is going to be a great year (despite what FOX news has to say!) You know, It’s amazing to me how the last President can lie about why he sent us to war in Iraq, lost U.S. soldiers lives, wasted resources and probably pocketed millions (what up tricky Dick Cheney!), not to mention no regulation of banks, wall street investment firms, oil company’s high gas prices, ignoring New Orleans Katrina victims that never returned to their homes, operating a Gitmo jail to hold suspected “terrorist” for years without a trial, freezing up during the 911 attacks, and can’t give a decent speech without giggling or splitting verbs: while the next President wants to reform health care to make it more affordable for all and people SCREAM HELLLL TO THE NO!!! I just don’t get it. ANYWHO! I DIGRESS!
Well, that’s about it as far as an introduction is concerned. I want to thank my FAMILY, BEST FRIENDS and FANS that’s been done since day one. When I told my Mom I was going to quit my job and become a stand-up comedian. She said, “Go for it! And when you make it BIG, buy me a Lexus.” Well, I don’t know if I hit the big time yet, but Momma and myself are ridin’ good. We ridin’ dirty but nonetheless… (I love that seat warmer button. LMAO)
SUPPORT from your family and friends makes the daily uphill grind so much easier, so surround yourself with good people and distance yourself from the negative energy and haters! I’m OUT! Peace!
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