logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Tyler Perry Helped Struggling Comedian Cocoa Brown When She Was Ready to Quit the Industry

Tichafa Chidzonga
Apr 13, 2020
09:30 P.M.

Comedian Cocoa Brown opened up about how the challenges she was facing getting work in Hollywood nearly forced her to quit the industry until she received an opportunity from Tyler Perry.

Advertisement

Trying to find success in Hollywood as an actor, writer or comedian is not for the faint of heart, especially with the constant rejections and competition among other actors.

The challenge of being in the entertainment industry was a lesson that Cocoa Brown learned the hard way when she nearly gave up her career as a comedian.

Cocoa Brown stands in front of a mic during her comedic performance at the Ha Ha Cafe on March 21, 2007, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images (Photo by Michael Schwartz/WireImage)

Cocoa Brown stands in front of a mic during her comedic performance at the Ha Ha Cafe on March 21, 2007, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images (Photo by Michael Schwartz/WireImage)

In 2003, Cocoa started her career as a stand-up comedian, actress, and writer. She had made a name for herself featuring in comedy competitions such as "Showtime At The Apollo," "One Mic Stand," and BET's "Comic View."

However, things began to slow down, and opportunities began more limited. In an interview with Comedy Hype, she explained that at the time, comedy was a hard industry for women to succeed in.

Advertisement

Cocoa admitted that she had just completed her master's degree in Education after going back to school, and she was ready to get into teaching, she explained:

"I was getting ready to quit, no lie. I had become a little frustrated and disheartened by the business and I began to apply for jobs."

The comedian was so determined to leave her acting career behind that she had accepted a few interviews in Georgia until she got the call that changed her life, she revealed:

"I got a call that I wanted to be seen for For Better Or Worse and it just so happened that I had a gig on my books and it all worked out."

Advertisement

Tyler Perry has a longstanding reputation in helping pioneer careers in Hollywood for the African American community.

In 2019, he made history when he became the first African American to own a film production studio after he opened the doors to "Tyler Perry Studios" in Atlanta.

Tyler's work in the community extends beyond the entertainment business. In March, he left a hefty tip for workers at a restaurant in Atlanta.

According to TMZ, he showed his appreciation for the staff by giving all 42 out of worker servers $500 each, making it a total tip of $21 000.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

Must-See Pics of This Week: Melissa McCarthy's Fit Figure, Roseanne Barr's Blonde Dreads, Terry Crews' 5 Kids & More

June 14, 2024

Kelly Clarkson Incites Mixed Reactions after Rocking 'Not Very Flattering' Dress & Different Hair Do

June 10, 2024

What Happened to Kathy Griffin after Her Failed Eye Surgery – Her Transformation

May 22, 2024

This Child Star Lost His House & Left Hollywood — At 42, He Changed Iconic Red Hair for Bold Haircut & Beard

May 20, 2024

What 90s Star Lara Flynn Boyle Looks like Now – Her Transformation

June 06, 2024

Katy Perry, 39, Suffers Wardrobe Malfunction on ‘American Idol’ after ‘Dressing as the Tin Man’

April 17, 2024

Jay Leno’s Wife of 44 Years ‘Does Not Know’ Him Sometimes amid Battle with Dementia

April 03, 2024

'Roseanne' Star Sara Gilbert's Lookalike Son, 9, Appears in Dress & Heels at Red Carpet, Igniting Buzz

June 10, 2024

'Roseanne' Star Sara Gilbert, 49, Asks for Divorce from Her Star Wife: Details

April 26, 2024

Late ‘Friends’ Actor Matthew Perry Still ‘Visits’ This Co-star 7 Months after His Death

May 22, 2024

Matthew Perry Included Only One Ex-Girlfriend in His Will Years Before He Abruptly Passed Away at 54

March 21, 2024

Charlie Sheen & Denise Richards' Daughter, Lola, 'Looks Like Her Dad' as She Turns 19: 'Absolutely Gorgeous'

June 03, 2024

Jennifer Aniston Seen at Funeral in High-Slit Floral Dress, Sparking Reaction: 'Not Very Appropriate'

June 06, 2024

Joy Behar Waited 29 Years to Marry Retired School Teacher 7 Years Younger than Her

May 01, 2024