Mark & Brian
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mark & Brian (i.e.,Mark Thompson and Brian Phelps) are the hosts of The Mark & Brian Show, a nationally-syndicated weekday morning radio show broadcast from KLOS-FM in Los Angeles, California. Their show blends comedy sketches, listener phone calls, interviews with in-studio guests, and the occasional "road trip". They also host several live events (including their annual Christmas variety show) and are active supporters of numerous charities.
In 1986, Thompson was already working as a radio disc jockey when introduced to Phelps, whose background was in improvisational comedy. They first appeared together on WAPI-FM ("I-95") in Birmingham, Alabama, but soon received an offer to move west and take over the morning slot at KLOS, where The Mark & Brian Show debuted in September 1987. In recognition of their radio work, Mark & Brian are two-time winners of the Billboard Magazine "Air Personalities of the Year" award, and received a 1991 National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Award as "Air Personalities of the Year". They have also been honored with their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Mark and Brian radio show includes various skits and annual events. Popular skits include "The Red Carpet Minute" with Gabe Jackson, "Miniature Theater", and a host of other sketches based on celebrities. The duo's annual events include the "Mark & Brian Golf Tournament", Christmas shows, and (new for 2006) "Three Strangers and a Wedding".
Mark & Brian released three CD compilations of material from their morning show, namely All Of Me (1995), You Had To Be There (1997), and Little Drummer Boys (2000). All of the proceeds were donated to their favorite charities.
The enormous popularity of their radio show has given Mark & Brian several opportunities to branch out into other entertainment media. In 1991-92, they hosted a short-lived NBC TV series, The Adventures of Mark & Brian, based on their radio show. The duo also appeared in several motion pictures, notably Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday (the 1997 ninth installment of the Friday the 13th series), the documentary Trekkies (1997), and The Princess Diaries (2001).
Former producers include Nicole Sandler, Johnny Vega, Rosemary Jimenez and Frank Murphy (aka "Mr. Owl"). Their current producer is Ted Lekas.
