Soon he was immersed in the central Florida theater community, performing in numerous stage productions, including "A Chorus Line," "Fences," "A Raisin in the Sun," "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "I'm Not Rappaport."

Brady moved to Las Vegas and then Los Angeles in 1996, where he began working in theater and television. He performed at the prestigious Mark Taper Forum in its production of "Blade to the Heat." He also guest-starred on television series such as "I'll Fly Away," "Home Court" and "In the Heat of the Night."

He hosted the VH1 comedy series, "Vinyl Justice"; KABC's (Los Angeles) "Countdown to the American Music Awards" with percussionist Sheila E.; and the PBS/BET special, "Safe Night," with actor Doug E. Doug. In addition, Brady recently completed a featured role in the television musical, "Geppetto," starring Drew Carey. "Geppetto" airs this season on ABC's "The Wonderful World of Disney."

The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences invited Brady to perform solo at the 52nd Annual Emmy Awards in September, 2000. His comedic musical medley which spoofed many of the seasons' top shows, including "The Sopranos" and "Survivor," was a hit, and one critic said of the performance: "Brady out-Crystaled Billy Crystal."

Brady has received several nominations for his work in theater, including Best Actor in a Musical for "Cotton Patch Gospel," at the distinguished Edyth Bush Theatre. He was named Sak Theatre's 1992 Rookie of the Year for Theatre Sports/Improv.

He continues to tour the country with his own improv show, "Wayne Brady & Friends," playing to sold-out crowds at the nation's most prestigious theaters and top comedy clubs. He debuted his one-man-show, entitled "Wayne Brady Unplugged," at the Aspen Comedy Festival in March, 2000, which incorporated both improv elements as well as a musical homage to some of his biggest inspirations.

Brady's hilarious improv antics, paired with his ability to impersonate almost anyone, have won laughs from millions of Americans on ABC's "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Now he brings those same talents to his own show, "The Wayne Brady Show," on ABC. His inimitable style of comedy breathes new life into the variety format and launches it into the 21st century.

Brady and his wife, Mandie, currently reside in Los Angeles.

Hometown: Orlando, FL
Birthdate: June 2

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