Thursday Thirteen # 19 - In Praise of “In Living Color” – Thirteen Characterizations on the Show

On April 15, 1990 'In Living Color' premiered on the Fox network. This landmark series was created, written, and executive produced by Keenan Ivory Wayans, who also starred on the show. This sketch comedy helped to launch the career of Jim Carrey, David Alan Grier, Tommy Davison, and later Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Ann Inaba (Dancing With the Stars) as well as the talented Wayans clan.

From the very beginning regular viewers knew the show would controversial, innovative, and dare I say something that had never been seen before on network television. The show made you think by poking fun at some serious and not so serious topics. From the theme song by Heavy D to the dances choreographed by Rosie Perez and performed by “The Fly Girls” the show was an absolute winner. In tribute of the eighteen year anniversary, I would like to remember and share some of the characterizations introduced on the show.

1. Fire Marshall Bill – Jim Carrey is the inept fire marshal, who starts more fires than he extinguishes.

2. Benita Betrell – Kim Wayans portrays neighborhood gossips who know and tells all.

3. Hey Mon – The Headley’s are a Jamaican family that believes work the most important priority. Father has fifteen jobs, while mother has 9 jobs besides her housework.

4. Snaky Shack – The restaurant where you will find the menus right next to the roach motel.

5. Homeboy Shopping Network – Keenan and Damon Wayans as Wiz and the Ice Man who attempt to sell stolen goods to the consumer.

6. Antoine – The bum who is a victim of society and an entertainer.

7. Cephus and Ressie Maywether – No singing, jheri curl wearing, wannabe entertainers.

8. Bob Jackson – Jim Carrey portrays the black belt who runs a self-defense class for women.

9. Jheri’s Kids – Jim Carrey as Jheri Lewis, an entertainer who holds telethons to stamp out jheri curl syndrome.

10. Go On Girl! - T'Keyah Crystal Keymah portrays author and talk show host Shawanda Harvey.

1. I Write A Fast Song – Kim Wayans does a send up of singer Tracey Chapman, who looks out the window and “write a fast song” about the happenings in the neighborhood.

2. Homey the Clown – Damon Wayans plays the disgruntled clown who always utters the catch phrase “Homey don’t play that”.

3. Men on Films, Art, Books – Blaine Edwards and Antoine Meriwether are two gay critics who give their view on the latest offerings in the world of art.

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