Barry Sobel
| Barry Sobel | |
|---|---|
| Born |
July 11, 1959 New York City, United States |
| Occupation |
comedy writer (1980-present) television actor (1989-present) |
Barry Sobel (born July 11, 1959) is an American actor and comedian.
Life and career
Sobel grew up in New York City. During the 1980s, he toured the comedy circuit heavily. His routine centered on rapping in a Beastie Boys style. He appeared on the Johnny Carson show. Barry also had a part in Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise. He adopted his hip-hop comedy rap in 1987 when he was featured on HBO's Uptown Comedy Express. He was the only white performer there amongst an all black line-up and a predominantly black audience. Eddie Murphy and Earvin "Magic" Johnson were in attendance, and appeared to laugh at his jokes.
In the 1987 film, Punchline, he had a small part, but played a more prominent off screen role as comedic advisor to Tom Hanks. According to Sobel, Hanks caught his act which stylistically was considered 'dangerous' as was the character Hanks was to play in Punchline.[1]
Sobel starred in the final season of 227, and did voice-over work as himself on Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist. He played Chico on the series The Boondocks, and guest starred as an angel on The Parent 'Hood.
In 2008, he appeared in commercials in scenes from Comedy Central's then-new show, Chocolate News, starring David Alan Grier.[2] That show debuted on October 15, 2008.