Artist Wayne Brady

According to Chappelle’s Show star Paul Mooney, Wayne Brady is popular with white people because he makes Bryant Gumbel look like Malcolm X. But the multitalented actor-singer got the last laugh when he coined his own Chappelle’s Showcatchphrase: “Does Wayne Brady have to choke a bitch?” Rest assured, bitches—Brady isn’t going to choke anybody. In fact, what made Brady’sChappelle’s Show appearance so memorable was how far out of character it was. With his act far removed from the edgy, foul-mouthed comedy of his pal Chappelle, Brady is a throwback to a more innocent showbiz era, when entertainers were expected to act, sing, and exude wholesome charm. It might be a bit old-fashioned, but there’s obviously still an audience out there that appreciates “clean” entertainment.

Updated 04/10/2012