From the streets of Chicago to the sands of Venice Beach and beyond to stage and screen, comedian Michael Colyar has carved out a unique path in the world of entertainment, realizing his dreams along the way. For nine years, Colyar was a fixture on the Venice Beach Boardwalk in California, where he honed his craft and endeared himself to a diverse audience with his thought-provoking humor. Dubbed "The King of Venice Beach," Colyar devoted his weekends to performing five one-hour shows each day, captivating audiences that truly represented a melting pot of society: young and old, of all colors and nationalities, from gangbangers to bank presidents.
Colyar's comedy is known for its informative and highly entertaining style, always ensuring a positive response from his audiences. As the host of "BET Live From LA," his point-blank delivery and razor-sharp insight resonated with both the guests who joined him on the sofa and the over 55 million viewers tuning in from coast to coast. Whether performing at his weekly show in Los Angeles, sharing laughs with fifth graders at a local elementary school, or hosting "The Big Black Comedy Show" for an audience of over 6,000, Colyar brings the same high energy, perfect delivery, and dynamic stage presence to every performance.
In recognition of his significant contribution to the Venice Beach community, the city of Venice, California, honored Colyar in December of 2000 by placing his shoe prints, handprints, and money grabber in cement on the new Venice boardwalk. Colyar first gained national attention in 1990 when he became the $100,000 Grand Prize Comedy champion on "Star Search," a popular televised talent competition. Demonstrating his commitment to giving back, Colyar generously donated $50,000 of his winnings to homeless charities in the Los Angeles area.
Whether as a Star Search Champion, talk show host, actor, or comedian, Michael Colyar stays busy. Despite his hectic schedule, he always finds time to do what he loves most: making people laugh. In addition to performing at his Comedy Extravaganza at The Comedy Union in Los Angeles every Monday, Colyar is constantly on the road, headlining comedy concerts and clubs across the country. His dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with people through humor continue to make Michael Colyar a beloved figure in the entertainment world.