She’s an American stand-up comedian who really made a name for herself with her sharp, witty commentary on VH1’s nostalgia-fueled series I Love the ‘80s. Over the years, her humor and charisma have kept her in the spotlight, and in 2013, she stepped into a new role as the host of the Fox talk show The Real, which further solidified her presence in entertainment. But long before the fame and the cameras, her journey looked quite different. She actually spent some time working on the General Motors assembly line in Detroit, Michigan—yes, putting doors on 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlasses, no less. That hands-on experience didn’t define her path, though. She went on to attend Prairie View A&M University, where she pursued a degree in electrical engineering.
Even while studying, her passion for comedy never faded. She performed stand-up throughout college, juggling equations and punchlines with equal dedication. After graduation, she worked as an engineer at Xerox in California for eight years—a solid chapter in her life that showed her discipline and drive. Still, the stage kept calling. Eventually, she transitioned more fully into comedy, and the rest is history. Born and raised in Detroit, she carries that city’s resilience and rhythm with her. On a personal note, she’s been in a committed relationship with her partner, James Welsh, since August 2018, sharing her life with someone who’s been by her side through the ups and downs. Her story? It’s one of reinvention, talent, and staying true to yourself—all while making people laugh along the way.
She actually took home an award at the US Comedy Arts Festival back in 2003, where she was recognized as the Best Stand-Up. It was a big moment for her, really highlighting her talent and hard work in the comedy scene. She definitely made a name for herself that year, and people still talk about her standout performance. She proved without a doubt that she had what it takes to shine on stage.