Fame and Fortune: Mark Curry
Comedy star stands tall for real estate investments

Actor and comedian Mark Curry became a household name starring on the ABC-TV sitcom "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper" from 1992 to 1997. The series was loosely based on his own life in Oakland, Calif., the youngest of eight children. At 6 feet, 6 inches, this former college basketball player is recognized everywhere he goes.

Inspired by Richard Pryor, Curry quit college to hone his stand-up act and eventually became Oakland's most sought-after comic. His success there paved the way for comedy-club bookings all over the world. His break came when Damon Wayans caught Curry's act in a Bay Area comedy club and invited Curry to be his opening act. After touring with Wayans, Curry opened for Whitney Houston at the 1991 Super Bowl pre-game concert. With that coup and an HBO special, "One Night Stand," under his belt, Mark was quickly signed by ABC-TV execs to star in his own show.

Curry has also been a favorite guest on many popular shows such as "The Drew Carey Show," "The Tonight Show Starring Jay Leno," "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." In addition, Mark hosted "New Year's Rockin' Eve," "The Jim Thorpe Pro-Sports Awards" and "Showtime at the Apollo" for three years each. In recent years, Curry has made a foray into film, with roles in "Armageddon," Disney Channel films "The Poof Point" and "Motocrossed," and in a film starting Denis Leary and Elizabeth Hurley called "Bad Boy."

Curry still performs his stand-up comedy in sold-out clubs and concerts across the country and regularly speaks to students at more than 50 schools in the Oakland area, encouraging kids to stay in school and off drugs.

Bankrate: What new projects are you working on?

Mark Curry: I have a project for BET (Black Entertainment Television). Also, I guess I can say it now; I was on "Celebrity Mole." I'm pitching a sitcom; we're going to pitch it for the next season. It could go on in the spring, though. You don't know when they will put it on.

Bankrate: Stand-up comedy usually involves so much travel. Do you find that aspect of it enjoyable or draining?

Mark Curry: I travel so much, I make it nice. I go first-class, because I need the leg room. The club has to put me up in a five-star hotel, a suite. I bring incense, candles and top quality music -- jazz.

Bankrate: Did the venues start treating you well after your TV show?

Mark Curry: Yes, but it's really more about the money. If the club is making money, they will treat you well. I started out in the Motel 6's, eat-what-you-can.

Bankrate: What is involved in the behind the scenes work as a comedian?

Mark Curry: I write down topics during the day, and then I go on stage and improvise. I go on the Internet, I'm very computer savvy. I research little facts about the town, the history. I can tell about it on stage. It takes it to another level. I like working for myself. I'm the creative type. When you work for a director, he goes home at night and says to his wife, "I think he should walk through the door in that scene." But what if I think I should come through the window, like I was locked out? What if I think that's funnier? I like to improvise, it makes me very happy. I don't want to do the same thing every night.

Bankrate: I heard that's one of the things Bill Maher had to get used to, doing the same routine on Broadway every night.

Mark Curry: Well, you're still performing in front of different people every night. You can still change it around, even on Broadway.