Ali Siddiq facts for kids

Ali Siddiq, born on October 17, 1973, is a well-known American stand-up comedian and writer. He also used to be a radio host and public speaker. Ali Siddiq is from Houston, Texas. He released his first comedy album in 2010 and his first TV special in 2016. In 2013, he won Comedy Central's Up Next stand-up comedy contest. He was also a finalist on NBC's show Bring the Funny in 2019. From 2021 to 2024, he co-hosted a radio show called Uncle Funky Larry Jones & Ali Siddiq on KMJQ (Majic 102.1) in the Greater Houston area.

Ali Siddiq's Early Life

Ali Siddiq was born in Houston. After his parents separated, his mother raised him and his siblings. They lived in different places, including public housing and with other family members.

During a challenging time in his life, Ali Siddiq discovered his talent for making people laugh. He found that telling jokes to others could bring joy. He worked in a laundry room, and his co-workers became his first audience. This experience showed him he had a gift for comedy.

After this period, in 1997, Siddiq started performing stand-up comedy in Houston. His first time on stage was at the Just Joking Comedy Cafe. He was booed at first because he wore a suit. He tried again a few weeks later, wearing jeans and a T-shirt, and it went much better. Just one month later, he became a co-host for the comedy show there.

Ali Siddiq's Comedy Career

Starting Out: 1998–2009

Ali Siddiq first performed stand-up comedy in December 1997. He later met comedian Rickey Smiley, who advised him to wear suits again to impress audiences. Siddiq's comedy style is mostly storytelling. He shares stories from his own life and his thoughts on current events, society, and race.

He appeared on BET's ComicView several times between 2000 and 2009. After his first time on the show in 1999, he knew that comedy was what he wanted to do for a living. He also performed on HBO's Def Comedy Jam in 2008. Comedian DL Hughley helped him get a spot on that show. Siddiq also performed on other TV shows like Off the Chain on Bounce TV and Bill Bellamy's Who's Got Jokes? on TV One.

Growing Success: 2010–2014

In 2010, Ali Siddiq released his first comedy album, Talking Loud Saying Something. This album marked a shift towards the storytelling style he became known for. He felt this album was a "blueprint" for his new way of performing.

He hosted and opened for Bill Bellamy's Ladies Night Out Tour on Showtime in 2013. He also released two more albums that year: Freedom of Speech and Enjoy Your Life.

A big moment came on November 18, 2013, when Siddiq won Comedy Central's Up Next stand-up comedy competition. Over 300 comedians from all over the country took part. He was one of only nine comedians who made it to the finals in New York City. In 2014, he performed on Centric Comedy All-Stars 2014 on Centric.

More TV Appearances: 2015–2019

In 2015, Siddiq appeared on Comedy Central's This Is Not Happening. He also performed on AXS TV's Gotham Comedy Live. In 2016, he had his own half-hour special on Comedy Central's The Half Hour. He also appeared on the game show @midnight with Chris Hardwick.

In 2017, he filmed a special called It's Bigger Than These Bars at the Bell County Jail in Texas. This special, released in 2018 on Comedy Central, showed him performing for inmates and talking with them.

In 2019, he was a finalist on NBC's comedy competition show Bring the Funny. He also released his comedy album The Prison Manual and appeared in the movie The Workout Room.

Recent Work: 2020–Present

In 2020, Ali Siddiq was featured on Laff Mobb's Laff Tracks on TruTV.

In January 2021, he became a co-host for the afternoon radio show Uncle Funky Larry Jones & Ali Siddiq on KMJQ (Majic 102.1). This popular radio show ended on January 26, 2024.

In 2022, Siddiq performed an hour-long special on Epix series Unprotected Sets. He also appeared on HBO series Pause with Sam Jay and Showtime series Flatbush Misdemeanors.

In 2023, he performed on DL Hughley's Speakeasy and appeared in a documentary series called Inside Story. He also acted in the movie This Christmas Chance. In 2024, he released two new specials, The Domino Effect 3 and The Domino Effect 4, online. Both specials were considered for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded). He also announced plans to record two more TV specials later in the year.

Filmography and Discography

TV Specials and Albums

Acting and Cameos

Helping Others: Philanthropy

Since 2009, Ali Siddiq has hosted an annual event called the Jive Turkeys Comedy Show. This show raises money for the Houston Food Bank, helping to feed people in need. It takes place every November, around Thanksgiving.

In 2017, he organized a benefit show to help people in Houston affected by Hurricane Harvey. In 2018, Siddiq also performed at a benefit for Saba Homes. This organization helps orphans who were impacted by the 2005 Kashmir earthquake in Pakistan.

Siddiq has also volunteered with the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program in Harris County. This program helps young people who are in the justice system.