If you’ve ever walked down the Venice Beach boardwalk or flipped through cable channels late at night in the 90s, you’ve definitely felt the energy of Michael Colyar. He’s the guy with the voice that sounds like gravel mixed with honey and a laugh that can fill a stadium. Honestly, calling him just a comedian feels like an understatement. He’s a survivor, a poet, and a staple of Black Hollywood who has been in everything from cult classics to massive Disney blockbusters.
Most people recognize him as the "King of Venice Beach," but his filmography is a wild ride through some of the most iconic moments in pop culture. Whether he’s playing a fast-talking hustler or a wise-cracking uncle, he brings a specific "it" factor that you just can't teach.
The Roles That Defined the Culture
You can’t talk about Michael Colyar movies and TV shows without starting with the stuff that defined the 90s. For a lot of us, he’ll always be "Showboat" from House Party 3. That movie was a cultural touchstone, and Colyar’s energy was the secret sauce. But he didn't stop at just being the funny guy in the background.
Take a look at Martin. If you’re a fan of the show—and let’s be real, who isn't?—you remember Mr. Whitaker. He wasn't the lead, but he didn't need to be. Colyar has this uncanny ability to walk into a scene, drop a line that sticks in your head for twenty years, and walk out. It’s a masterclass in "character acting" that most actors would kill for.
From the Streets to the Big Screen
Before he was booking gigs in Norbit or The Princess and the Frog, Colyar was literally performing on the sand. He spent years on the Venice Beach boardwalk, doing five shows a day. That’s where he sharpened his timing. When he eventually won Star Search in 1990—and famously gave $50,000 of his winnings to the homeless—the industry finally realized he was a powerhouse.
Soon after, he was everywhere. You’d see him in Poetic Justice (1993) or What's Love Got to Do with It. He wasn't always the lead, but he was always the guy you remembered. He played a "panhandler" in Poetic Justice, which, if you think about it, was a nod to his real-life roots as a street performer. Pretty poetic, right?
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Why He’s More Than Just a Funny Face
One thing people get wrong about Michael Colyar is thinking he's just about the jokes. He’s actually a pretty deep dramatic actor when he wants to be. Have you seen The Rich and the Ruthless? He plays Willie Turner in that series, and it shows a much more nuanced, grounded side of his talent. It’s soapy, it’s dramatic, and it’s a perfect example of his range.
Then there’s his voice work. Kids today might not know his face as well as we do, but they definitely know his voice. He was Buford the firefly’s relative (well, part of the firefly troupe) in The Princess and the Frog. He brought that same frantic, joyous energy to an animated frog-swamp that he brought to the Apollo stage.
Recent Hits and Hidden Gems
If you think he slowed down after the 2000s, you haven't been paying attention. He’s been remarkably busy lately.
- The Ms. Pat Show: He popped up as Bernard in 2023, proving he can still hang with the new generation of comedy heavyweights.
- Outlaw Johnny Black: He re-teamed with Michael Jai White for this 2023 western-comedy, playing the Barker.
- Highly Favored: This is a more recent project on the Impact Network where he works alongside legends like KiKi Shepard.
- Uncle Rufus' Last Request: A 2023 film where he takes center stage, leaning into that "elder statesman of comedy" vibe he wears so well.
The Michael Colyar Filmography Cheat Sheet
Because his career spans nearly 40 years, it’s easy to lose track. Here’s a quick breakdown of where you’ve definitely seen (or heard) him:
In the late 80s and early 90s, he was the king of the cameo. Think Hollywood Shuffle, Johnny Be Good, and Zapped Again!. He was basically the "cool guy" archetype for an entire generation of indie Black cinema.
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By the mid-90s, he transitioned into recurring TV roles. Homeboys in Outer Space might have been a bit "out there," but Colyar’s performance as Milky Ray was a highlight. He also did stints on The Parkers, The Hughleys, and even Barbershop: The Series.
More recently, he’s become a favorite for guest spots on major hits like black-ish, where he played Reverend Hubbard. He just fits into these worlds so naturally. He feels like your actual neighbor or that one uncle who always has a story that sounds 90% true but is 100% entertaining.
Facing the Demons
It’s worth mentioning that Colyar’s career isn't just a list of credits; it’s a story of resilience. He’s been very open about his past struggles with addiction. When you watch him in a movie now, you're seeing a guy who clawed his way back. That’s why there’s a weight to his performances lately. He’s not just telling jokes; he’s celebrating being alive.
He often says his "Momma" was his biggest inspiration, and he even turned that into a one-man play. It’s that blend of personal storytelling and professional acting that keeps him relevant in 2026 while others from his era have faded away.
How to Watch Him Today
If you’re looking to binge-watch some of his best work, you have options. Most of his 90s classics like House Party 3 and Poetic Justice are staples on platforms like Tubi or BET+. For his newer stuff, keep an eye on the Impact Network or the various streaming apps for independent Black film.
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Honestly, the best way to experience him is still his stand-up. Even in his movies, you can see the "stand-up" brain working—calculating the beat, waiting for the laugh, and then hitting it right on the nose.
Your Michael Colyar Watchlist:
- For the Classics: House Party 3 and Martin (Season 5).
- For the Family: The Princess and the Frog.
- For the Drama: The Rich and the Ruthless.
- For the New Stuff: The Ms. Pat Show and Outlaw Johnny Black.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of legendary Black comedians, start by tracking down a copy of his book A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the White House. It gives a lot of context to the man behind the characters you see on screen. You can also catch his "Michael Colyar Morning Show" on YouTube if you want a daily dose of his brand of "conscious comedy."
Next time you see him pop up in a random episode of a sitcom, take a second to appreciate the hustle. The man went from the pavement of Venice Beach to the halls of Disney, and he’s still standing. That's a career worth watching.
Actionable Insight: To get the full Michael Colyar experience, look for his early Def Comedy Jam sets alongside his role in House Party 3. Seeing his raw stand-up energy next to his scripted acting provides the best perspective on why his "Showboat" character became such an enduring part of 90s cinema history.