In this engaging conversation, legendary stand-up comedian Arnez J reflects on his 35-year career in comedy, sharing deeply personal anecdotes and hilarious stories. He discusses his unique comedic influences, including family dynamics that shaped his performances. Arnez opens up about the challenges of navigating relationships, including his heartfelt tribute to his late mother and his complicated family history. He also shares wild flight attendant tales and the ups and downs of friendships, revealing the emotional intricacies that drive both his comedy and personal connections.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
The Fallout Over Hall of Fame
Arnez J and Shannon Sharpe had a fallout when Arnez missed Shannon's Hall of Fame induction due to contract issues.
Attempts to reach out to reconcile were made but communication was lost, causing tension between them.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Rodney's Role in Comedy
Rodney, Arnez's brother with developmental challenges, has been integral to his comedy from the start.
His comedy strengthens Rodney's image, avoiding mockery and embracing honesty with love.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Family Secrets Revealed
Arnez J faced family revelations at his grandmother's funeral about his biological father.
He also encountered estrangement with his sisters and complex family dynamics.
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Arnez J. On Katt Williams, Kevin Hart, Mo’Nique, Rickey Smiley, Bernie Mac, BET & Comic View
In Part 1 of this episode of Club Shay Shay, Shannon Sharpe sits down with the electric and fearless Arnez J.—a legendary stand-up comedian, dynamic actor, and one of the most physical performers ever to grace a comedy stage. With nearly 35 years in the game, the former host of BET’s Comic View and Def Comedy Jam alum has performed to sold-out crowds across the country and built a legacy rooted in originality, raw honesty, and side-splitting impressions.
Arnez opens up about his deeply personal comedic influences, including imitating family members like his Uncle Charlie and honoring his developmentally challenged brother Rodney through his act.He and Shannon revisit their brief fallout over a fishing trip gone wrong and Arnez missing Shannon’s Hall of Fame induction. He shares wild stories from his days as a flight attendant—including altercations with passengers, getting suspended, and even sending a photo of his rear end to the airline after they tried to rehire him.
Arnez also dives into his complicated family history: being told at his grandmother’s funeral that his father wasn’t really his father, the heartbreak of trying to help his sister during an eviction, and the tragic deaths of his brothers.
He reflects on the impact of his mother’s passing just moments before performing one of the best shows of his life, and the eerie coincidence of learning his brother had died while doing an interview about childhood trauma. He also weighs in on comedian rivalries, the Katt Williams interview, and how he once beat both Kevin Hart and Katt Williams in a race. Plus: his beef and reconciliation with Rickey Smiley, his thoughts on joke-stealing, a wild piece of hate mail from Australia, and why he lives by the bro code.
Club Shay Shay