Sommore reigns as the undisputed “Queen of Comedy,” a title she has earned through a career marked by trailblazing achievements and comedic brilliance. Widely recognized as one of America’s top comedic female entertainers, Sommore captivates audiences with her winning combination of class and sass. Her stand-up routines offer a hilarious, yet piercing look at today's issues from a woman’s perspective, combining wit, intelligence, and style. She is frank and fearless, tackling topics that range from the mundane to the controversial.
Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Sommore has experienced a meteoric rise to the top of her field, becoming a trailblazer for women in the comedy business. Her ascent began as the first woman to host BET’s “Comic View” during the 1994-1995 season, earning her the Richard Pryor Award for Comic of the Year in 1995. Sommore's groundbreaking role extended to hosting gigs on Russell Simmons’ “Def Comedy Jam” and “Showtime at the Apollo.”
A landmark moment in her career came with the record-breaking “Queens of Comedy” tour in 2000, which expanded her fan base and secured her a place in Guinness' Book of World Records for performing before more than 50,000 people in Atlanta, Georgia. The 2001 televised special based on the tour became Showtime Network’s highest-rated and longest-running special.
Sommore’s success is not limited to stand-up comedy. In 2002, she made her film debut with a role in "Friday After Next," followed by appearances in films like "Family Reunion," "Soul Plane," "Something New," and "Dirty Laundry." She has guest-starred on numerous television shows, including “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” and “The View,” showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Committed to her craft, Sommore also took on the role of a writer and producer. She created and produced “The Queen Stands Alone,” a filmed version of her stand-up act, which premiered on Comedy Central in 2008 to an audience of over 800,000 viewers. The DVD remains one of the best sellers among stand-up films.
In her early life, Sommore earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and mathematics from Morris Brown College in Atlanta. Before her comedic career took off, she taught algebra in the Atlanta public school system and ran several businesses in the city, including a clothing store and a store featuring imported African specialty products.
While her greatest love remains stand-up comedy, Sommore continues to expand her impact on the entertainment industry. She participates actively in television, film, and documentary production, and remains in high demand for live performances across the country. Known for headlining the Royal Comedy Tour, she broke new ground as the first female comedian to do so over other nationally renowned male headliners.
With her fresh approach to comedy, distinctive style, and groundbreaking accomplishments, Sommore firmly holds the crown as a true “Queen of Comedy,” committed to entertaining and inspiring audiences for years to come.
Richard Pryor Award for Comic of the Year (1995)