Let’s be real for a second. If you grew up in or around the Black church, there is a specific brand of humor that just lives in your DNA. It’s the oversized hats, the peppermint-passing deacons, and that one choir director who takes "making a joyful noise" a little too literally. When the movie First Sunday dropped back in 2008, it didn't just try to mimic that vibe—it basically lived in it. And while Ice Cube and Tracy Morgan were the "names" on the poster, anyone who actually knows comedy knows that Rickey Smiley was the secret sauce that made the church scenes feel authentic.
Honestly, it’s been nearly two decades since David E. Talbert brought this story to the big screen. You’ve probably seen it on a random TNT or BET marathon on a Saturday afternoon. But why does Rickey Smiley First Sunday still pop up in our group chats and meme folders?
It’s because Rickey wasn't just playing a character; he was playing a culture.
The Role That Defined the Vibe
Rickey Smiley played Bernice Jenkins... wait, no, he actually played Ricky, the choir director. Common mistake, right? Because Rickey has spent years perfecting the "Church Lady" persona with Bernice Jenkins on his morning show and stand-up specials, people often misremember him being in drag for this film.
In First Sunday, he’s the high-energy, slightly dramatic, and fiercely protective choir leader. When Durell (Ice Cube) and LeeJohn (Tracy Morgan) decide to rob the church, they aren't just facing the "law"—they're facing a room full of people who have survived much worse than two bumbling petty criminals.
Rickey’s character is essential because he represents the "heart" of the sanctuary. While Katt Williams was busy stealing scenes as Rick Ames (the flamboyant deacon), Rickey Smiley provided that grounded, musical energy that every Sunday morning service requires. He wasn't just a background actor; he was the conductor of the chaos.
Why First Sunday Wasn't Just Another "Robbery Movie"
Usually, heist movies are about the loot. But in this case, the loot was already gone before the robbers even got there. That's the twist that keeps the plot moving. Durell and LeeJohn are desperate. Durell’s ex, Omunique (Regina Hall), is threatening to move to Atlanta with their son unless he can come up with the money to keep her hair salon open.
It’s a classic "good man doing a bad thing for a good reason" trope.
The Dynamic of the Cast
- Ice Cube (Durell): The straight man. He’s the one actually trying to hold things together while his life falls apart.
- Tracy Morgan (LeeJohn): Total wild card. His scenes with the "hostages" are some of the funniest in the movie, especially when he starts bonding with the church ladies over home-cooked food.
- Katt Williams (Rick Ames): If you haven't seen the "interrogation" scenes where Katt is arguing with Tracy Morgan, you haven't lived.
- Rickey Smiley (Ricky): The musical backbone. He bridges the gap between the comedy and the genuine "spirit" of the church setting.
The Connection Between Rickey Smiley and Church Culture
You can't talk about Rickey Smiley First Sunday without talking about Rickey's actual life. He’s a real-deal organist. He’s a man who understands the liturgy, the timing, and the specific "stink eye" a choir director gives when someone hits a flat note.
On The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, he spends hours dissecting church announcements and choir rehearsals. So, when he stepped onto the set of First Sunday, he wasn't "acting" as much as he was "existing." He brought a layer of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness—yeah, even in comedy) that a Hollywood-only actor simply couldn't mimic.
Breaking Down the Humor
The humor in the film works because it’s observational. It’s not mocking the church; it’s celebrating the quirks. When Rickey's character has to lead the choir under the pressure of a hostage situation, it’s funny because we know a real choir director would probably keep the beat even with a gun in the room.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Movie
A lot of critics at the time dismissed First Sunday as a "low-brow" comedy. They missed the point. Underneath the jokes about stolen wheelchairs and Katt Williams' hair, there’s a massive subtext about community redemption.
The church members don't just call the cops and wash their hands of the situation. They recognize that Durell and LeeJohn are broken men. Sister Doris (Loretta Devine) doesn't see a criminal; she sees a hungry man who needs a plate of food and a little bit of grace.
Rickey Smiley’s presence reinforces this. His comedy has always been rooted in the Black family structure. Whether he’s doing "Lil' Daryl" or "Bernice," there’s a sense of "I know these people." That familiarity is what makes the movie a "comfort watch" for millions.
The Legacy of the "First Sunday" Ensemble
Since 2008, the cast has gone in wildly different directions.
- Rickey Smiley became a titan of morning radio and a reality TV star (Rickey Smiley For Real).
- Katt Williams... well, we all saw the Shannon Sharpe interview. He’s still the most talked-about man in comedy.
- Tracy Morgan survived a near-fatal accident and made one of the greatest comebacks in entertainment history.
But when they were all in that church together? It was lightning in a bottle. You had the king of the "Friday" franchise (Cube) passing the torch to the new era of stand-up legends.
How to Experience Rickey Smiley’s Church Comedy Today
If you're looking for that Rickey Smiley First Sunday vibe but you've already seen the movie fifty times, you’ve got options. Rickey hasn't stopped doing church-based humor.
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- The Morning Show Segments: Look for "Church Announcements" with Bernice Jenkins. It’s basically the spiritual successor to the movie.
- Stand-up Specials: Rickey’s "Comedy Church" routines are legendary. He often uses a live band, bringing his skills as a pianist to the stage.
- Social Media: He’s constantly posting clips of real-life church moments that are sometimes funnier than anything a screenwriter could come up with.
Why It Still Matters
We live in a world where everything feels hyper-produced. First Sunday feels raw. It feels like a stage play that accidentally got turned into a movie. It reminds us of a time when comedies didn't need a $200 million budget to be effective. They just needed a good script, a relatable setting, and someone like Rickey Smiley to make sure the "Amen" corner felt real.
The movie deals with heavy themes—poverty, fatherhood, and systemic failure—but it wraps them in a blanket of "First Sunday" dinner and choir robes. It tells us that no matter how bad you've messed up, there's a seat for you in the back pew. And probably a plate of mac and cheese waiting for you in the fellowship hall.
Actionable Steps for Fans of Rickey Smiley
- Watch the Director's Commentary: If you can find the DVD or a digital version with extras, David E. Talbert explains how much of the "church" vibe was improvised by the comedians.
- Listen to the RSMS Podcast: Specifically, look for the "Praise Break" segments to get your fix of that signature Rickey Smiley gospel-meets-comedy energy.
- Check out "Foolish": If you haven't seen Rickey's 2025 comedy special on Hulu, it’s a masterclass in the character work that made him a standout in First Sunday.
- Support Local Theater: David E. Talbert (the director) started in "Chitlin' Circuit" plays. Supporting local Black theater is the best way to find the next generation of Rickey Smileys.