Sinbad Biography

Sinbad's name recalls the literary legend that symbolizes strength, adventure and optimism and is what he strives for. Born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Sinbad grew up telling jokes to his three brothers and two sisters. The image sticks: Sinbad the wild child, off-the-wall Sinbad who would do anything for attention, free as the wind, an unpredictable force that can't be harnessed, and always willing to pay any price, looking for laughs.

Sinbad never tells jokes- "I don't know any," he admits-but rather stalks the stage, telling real-life stories. He doesn't deliver payoff lines; he slam-dunks them. His comedy is large, physical, and impetuous. Psychologically, he jams us, poking holes in our lifestyles. His stories mirror our foibles. His is the explosive energy of the neighborhood; his phrasing is manic, musical and right on time. He doesn't write his material; he relives it as he remembers it.

Sinbad made his big screen debut in the 1991 gridiron comedy Necessary Roughness. His other motion picture credits include a starring role in Houseguest and a cameo in Coneheads. Sinbad was the voice of the canine Riley in Homeward Bound II. On television, he starred in the title role of The Cherokee Kid on HBO; was star and executive producer of his own acclaimed Fox TV sitcom, The Sinbad Show and Sinbad's Summer Jam Weekend IV airing on HBO. Sinbad's Summer Jam won the prestigious NAACP Image Award consecutively for two years in the "Most Outstanding Variety Series/Special" category.

Sinbad, who has built a loyal following with sold-out comedy shows and has gone from being one of America's best-loved and funniest comedians to national stardom on television and movies, brings his observations to the printed page. From love to layaway, parenting to primping, weight loss to the World Wide Web, Sinbad's Guide To Life [Because I Know Everything] has been published on Bantam Books.

Sinbad is an active board member for Inner City Games and his alliances with Intel Corporation and also with Break Away Technologies has supported the opening of Computer Clubhouses nationwide. Sinbad serves as an Ambassador to community focused technology solutions because he believes no one should be left behind in technology training. As a spokesperson for the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME), Sinbad encourages minorities to pursue studies in science, math and engineering.

Sinbad is number 78 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest standups of all time.