| Reginald Darnell Hunter | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Reginald Darnell Hunter |
| Born | 1969 (age 42–43) Albany, Georgia, United States |
| Medium | Stand-up, television |
| Nationality | American |
| Years active | 1992-present |
| Subject(s) | Society, culture, human interaction |
| Website | http://www.reginalddhunter.co.uk/ |
Reginald Darnell Hunter (born 1969)[1] is an American stand-up comedian who works mainly in the United Kingdom.
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Hunter was born in Albany, Georgia. He was the youngest of nine children.[1] His mother beat him regularly; she died in 2004.[2]
At the age of 19 he was in court on shoplifting charges. His defence attorney who managed to get him acquitted hired him immediately afterwards and introduced him to Leo McKern. This introduction to British culture led him to decide to come to the UK.[3]
Having initially travelled to Britain at the age of 27 as a classic theatre student training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Hunter became a comedian after performing his first comedy set as a dare. For this set, he received £10. Realising he enjoyed it, and there was money in it, Hunter diverted his attention from his acting ambitions and re-focused on stand-up.
He often deals in his stand-up about issues regarding race that he feels important. Part of that is an attempt to reclaim the word "Nigga". He often uses the term in the titles of his shows; the title of his stand-up show, Reginald D Hunter: Pride & Prejudice... & Niggas attracted some controversy, and the poster was banned from the London Underground.[4]
Hunter was nominated for the Perrier Award in the 2002, 2003 and 2004 Edinburgh Festivals.
He won the Writers' Guild Award for Comedy in 2006 for his show Pride and Prejudice... and Niggas.
Tales from the Crypt (HBO)
In 2005 he made his television debut on Channel 4, in a show entitled Blackout. TV credits include:
Hunter is one of the hosts of the E4 laughs at Edinburgh podcasts, showcasing the best comedy talent from the 2008 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He has also had numerous appearances on the BBC Radio 4 comedy show The Unbelievable Truth.. Recently appeared on Midweek (BBC Radio 4) on 15 Nov 2011.