Kenny Robinson (comedian)
Canadian comedian
Kenny Robinson (born January 7, 1958) is a Canadian stand-up comedian, actor, and radio personality. Often referred to as the "Godfather of Canadian Comedy", he is known for his irreverent, socially conscious, and politically charged style of comedy. He is the founder of The Nubian Disciples Comedy Revue, a groundbreaking monthly showcase for Black and racialized comedians that has run at Yuk Yuk's in Toronto since 1995.
Early life
Robinson was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on January 7, 1958, to a Black father and white mother. His father was an entertainer—a tap dancer, song-and-dance man, and drummer—who died when Robinson was nine years old. The family moved to Chicago when Robinson was one year old, and he was raised primarily there, moving back and forth between Chicago and Winnipeg throughout his youth.
Career
Stand-up comedy
Robinson began his comedy career performing at an amateur night at the Royal Albert Arms in Winnipeg in April 1977, doing Humphrey Bogart impressions. After developing his act in Winnipeg, he moved to Chicago to pursue comedy, performing at venues including Zanies, The Second City, and The Comedy Womb. As a biracial comedian during an era of segregated comedy clubs, Robinson was able to perform at both "white clubs" and "black clubs" in Chicago, an experience that shaped his perspective on race and comedy.
In 1983, Robinson relocated to Toronto after meeting Dan Aykroyd on the set of The Blues Brothers, where he was working as an extra, and asking him about how to become a comedian in Canada.
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