Tune in today for the Second Episode of our Special Edition: Champagne & French Fries when Petula Sankarsingh, VisionReady CEO and Disrupt Your Day Host, chats with B. Cole, comedian, actor, director, writer, producer—Chicago’s very own.
Starting his career at a young age B. Cole has performed at clubs and colleges all over the United States. He made his television debut at the age of twenty on BET’s Comic View, hosted by D. L. Hughley. B. Cole reached a pinnacle when he was awarded his own one-hour Grandstand Special on BET’s Comic View. He was a founding member of The Second City’s first urban sketch comedy ensemble Forgotten City.
"Growing up, I was a shy kid, but when you’re surrounded by people that you feel comfortable with, they get to see the real you," says Cole. "So, I started with a small circle of friends who knew my unique sense of humor and they encouraged me to make it in comedy."
B. Cole has captured audiences across the country with his original side-splitting, thought-provoking material. He has toured U.S. military bases throughout Japan and here in the states. His internationally acclaimed signature comical piece, “I’m in Love with a Crack Head” a satirical love poem, inspired B. Cole to develop the concept into a short film.
“Every comedian has another comedian who they look up to and who inspired them—Richard Pryor, Eddy Murphy, George Carlin—they taught me how to be funny,” points out Cole. “But the person who truly encouraged me to get up on stage was Damon Wayans.”
In 2002 one of B. Cole’s biggest accomplishments is when he was invited to share the stage with musical genius, Prince, accompanied by Common and Macy Gray!
“My advice to the youth is that every time they are confronted by a hurdle on their path to pursue their dreams, they must stay honest to themselves,” says Cole. “Don’t worry about conforming to what others expect or want you to be just to fit in. You have to be yourself. And you have to give yourself enough time to do that.”
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