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Arsenio Hall (born on February 12, 1955 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA) is an American comedian, talk show host, and actor.

The son of a Baptist minister, Arsenio was a magician as a child. He attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where he was on the speech team with future actress Nancy Cartwright and future news anchor Leon Harris. He then transferred to Kent State University. He later moved to Los Angeles, California, to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. During this time, he became good friends with Eddie Murphy. In 1988, he costarred in the comedy film Coming to America with Murphy.

Unknown to many, Arsenio was the voice of Winston Zeddemore in the cartoon, The Real Ghostbusters from 1986-1987.

On January 2, 1989, he began hosting The Arsenio Hall Show, which lasted until May 27,1994. His show was known for the audience's shouting "Whoop Whoop Whoop" while pumping their fists. Hall had incorporated this chant used by fans of the Cleveland Browns football team who would sit in a special section of Cleveland's Municipal Stadium, and were known as "The Dawg Pound". He also had a rivalry with Jay Leno after the latter was named host of The Tonight Show, during which Arsenio said that he would "kick Jay's ass" in the ratings game. In 1992, it was revealed that backstage, Leno infamously referred to Hall as a "porch nigger" and said he was going to "lynch him in the ratings", comments that were revealed to the press by a mixed race intern who happened to be within earshot. Industry analysts mostly agree that the scandal would have ruined Leno's career had the media not been so intently focused on the presidential elections already dominating the news. The two have since patched up their differences and Arsenio has made numerous appearances on The Tonight Show. He was also noted for having his hair cut into a Hi-top fade during this period.

Also in 1989, Arsenio released an album on MCA, Large and In Charge, under the moniker of "Chunky A". Chunky A was supposed to be Arsenio's overweight "little brother". The album had one minor hit "Owww!" and featured guest rappers Ice-T and KRS-1 and guest musicians Cameo.

The title of the C&C Music Factory dance single "Things That Make You Go Hmmmm..." was inspired by Hall's monologue routines. He was also the target of many jokes by Keenen Ivory Wayans, who portrayed him on his sketch comedy show In Living Color.

After The Arsenio Hall Show ended, Hall made only infrequent appearances on television (including a short-lived 1997 sitcom called Arsenio) before starring in Martial Law with Sammo Hung from 1999–2000 and hosting the revival of Star Search in 2003.

Arsenio made a cameo appearance as himself in Chappelle's Show in March 2004, when Dave is imagining "what Arsenio is doing right now" in a dinner scene. It shows Arsenio at a wine party eating some cheese and saying, "Damn! That's some good-ass cheese!" After which, Arsenio starts punching and slapping people for not telling him about the apparently delicious cheese.

Arsenio will host the pilot episodes of the US daytime version of the hit game show Deal Or No Deal, which is slated for syndication in fall 2007.

Selected filmography

• The Naked Brothers Band (2005) - Himself
• The Proud Family Movie (2005) - Dr. Carver/Bobby Proud (voice)
• Star Search (2003-2005) - Host
• Martial Law (1998) - Terrell Parker (1999–2000)
• Arsenio (1997) - Michael Atwood
• Blankman (1994) - Himself
• Time Out: The Truth About HIV, AIDS, and You (1992) - Host
• Harlem Nights (1989) - Crying Man
• The Arsenio Hall Show (1989) - Host
• Comic Relief III (1989) (TV) - Himself
• Paula Abdul: Straight Up (1989) - Himself
• Coming to America (1988) - Semmi/Extremely Ugly Girl/Morris/Reverend Brown
• The Late Show (1986) TV Series - Himself/Host (1987)
• Amazon Women on the Moon (1987) - Apartment Victim
• Uptown Comedy Express (1987) - Himself
• The Real Ghostbusters (1986) - Winston Zeddemore (voice) (1986–1987)
• Solid Gold (1980) - Himself (1986–1987)
• New Love, American Style (1985)
• The Motown Revue Starring Smokey Robinson (1985)
• Thicke of the Night (1983) - Himself (1984)
• The 1/2 Hour Comedy Hour (1983) - Host

Discography

• Large and In Charge, 1989, MCA, ASIN B000008EAV

External links

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