Glad that Mr. Wood is getting noticed.
I love his pointed but wry, fun observational style.
Didn’t know who Roy Wood was really until reading this. Will definitely watch him now. Thanks for this well-written piece. Roy Wood now has a new fan. Maybe not just for his comedy, but for his life in general.
I don't know why, but I have always loved Roy Wood Jr. Before he talks, I start smiling.
I can't wait to see the world though a parole officer's eyes.
Everybody deserves a second chance..or two. White people need them too, and get them all the time...they just don't count them.
11
@priceofcivilization How many second chances do murder victims get?
@me The vast majority of people in our jails and prisons are not there for murder. But you already knew that, didn't you?
5
My wife and I are white senior citizens—and long time fans of him. He richly deserves his success.
And he deserves praise for risking retaliation from those who hate Louis C.K.
3
I’m amazed that the media and commenters act as if Louis committed some great sexual offense against women. He didn’t threaten careers or falsely promise jobs like Roger Ailes or Charlie Rose. Because of his status, these women felt that they couldn’t tell him that they disliked his sexual play and to knock it off. But he thought of them as equals.
Men aren’t great at sensing others’ emotions. Louis hurt these women, but he never intended to hurt them or realized that’s what he was doing.
Or, as husbands throughout time have asked, “Honey why are you angry, what did I do?” To which she answers, “You know.” But we don’t.
2
I'm a fan of Wood's but these "fighting for freedom" tropes have to be questioned. He grew up in a tough neighborhood but somehow made to Florida A&M University. He stole credit cards but encountered a judge who kept him out of jail and a probation officer who encouraged him to pursue comedy. And now he's a big success. So, where is this "black experience" he's railing against?
1
Smart, astute, sharp, and always right on target with what we, as a society, need to be reminded on a daily basis - this is where Roy Wood Jr work takes us. His ability to do this while making me fall over laughing is what has earned him a very well deserved center seat at the comedy table. Give this man a cup of coffee and keep him going.
6
NYT - thank you for profiling Mr. Wood in this article. I am always looking for new insightful comedians. Living in the frozen tundra, I can't walk down the street to a comedy club, so tips about the specials on Netflix and elsewhere is a great way to discover someone new.
6
As someone who worked with Woods‘s father in the 1990s when he narrated a documentary I produced about the Birmingham Black Barons, I can assure you that he raised his son with the highest standard level you can achieve in the family. Integrity, professionalism and honesty were his primary values. I have missed his father and I have been brought to laughing tears many times by his sons comedy.
11
He's the best! I wish him great things in his career.
8
Mr Wood is a singular talent, a lover of humanity and an astute social critic. Thanks, NYT, for the profile.
34
All comedians are smart but not all comedians are aware (woke in today's vernacular). Roy Wood Jr. is wildly both!
29
I’m so glad Mr. Wood is gaining in prominence. He is funny, thoughtful, challenging, and seems like someone you would like to have a beer with. Now if he’d only want one with me...
27
Great article!! Roy couldn't have picked a better role model, Dick Gregory and Richard Pryor broke down more barriers and changed more minds than a planeload full of Senators.
32
That Letterman appearance was good stuff.
17
I’m an old white man that really loves Roy Wood Jr.. Keep it up young man, we desperately need more just like you!
43
Always look forward to his wise and funny contributions on The Daily Show. Will gladly watch his special tonight and whatever else he puts out in television land.
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