The accomplished comedian will be honored at a special tribute at Maverick’s Flat.
Comedian, actor, artist and writer Reynaldo Rey died Thursday at a Los Angeles hospital after suffering a stroke. A career that encompassed more than 30 years, Rey leaves behind a shining legacy of laughs for comedians and fans to enjoy.
Rey was born in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, of African-American and American-Indian ancestry, he grew up in the nightlife atmosphere of Kansas City. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Education at Kansas State Teacher’s College, he returned to work on his Masters and taught for a year in Wichita, where he participated in experimental theater at Wichita University.
Rey later moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he taught for seven years and became a member of the Karamu House Theatre, world renowned for its production of top-notch actors, directors and producers. There, he launched his career in comedy, going on the road with the O’Jays and show business became his life. Reynaldo then moved to New York City where he was invited to join the Harlem Theater Group. While a member of the group, he appeared in his first movie. From there he performed in Europe, Asia and Africa for two years. Mr. Rey started his career as a stand-up comedian. He opened for Redd Foxx for several years and appeared on such shows as BET’s “Comic View.” Fellow comedian and friend, Michael Colyar shared a few thoughts on Rey and his career.
“Man, we go way back, we got Alex Haley, we got roots,” said Colyar. “I first actually hooked up with him when I did ‘227’.”
Colyar and Rey go back over two decades having worked in numerous clubs throughout their careers. Both have played instrumental parts in laying the foundation for up-and-coming comedians. Colyar recounts some of Rey’s antics he pulled on him during a routine.
“I remember years ago… I was on stage performing,” said Colyar. “I was halfway in the middle of a joke, and some old guy walked up to the middle of the stage with his head down and a hat on, stepped up on the stage, walked right pass me, where I was performing, walked to the corner, played like he was unzipping his pants and peeing in the corner.
“I’m trying to figure out what was going on—it’s Reynaldo Rey.”
Maverick’s Flat on Crenshaw Blvd. will be holding a special tribute evening to Rey Monday, June 8 at 9:00pm. His memorial will be held on Monday evening and laid to rest at Forest Lawn. Colyar said that he plans to honor Rey’s memory along with a host of other comedians.
“We want to send him out [in comedy] as well,” said Colyar.
Rey’s impressive list of accomplishments include films: “Friday,” “House Party 3,” ” White Men Can’t Jump,” “A Rage in Harlem,” and “Harlem Nights.” His career also includes 32 television shows including: B.E.T.’s “Comic View,”1998-99, 2000-2001, on which he was a Co-Host; “The Tonight Show,” “Sister, Sister,” Robert Townsend’s “Parents in Crime,” and “Parenthood,” “227” as Ray the Mailman, “Sanford and Son” and “The Royal Family.” Rey has also recorded three comedy albums, three videos, produced a video called “I’m Scared A U”, and play entitled “Hollywood P.O.”
Rey is survived by his wife, daughter, two sons and mother. He was 75.
