Brian Copeland facts for kids

Brian Copeland in 2009

Brian Copeland (born in 1964) is an American actor, comedian, radio host, playwright, and author. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Brian Copeland has opened shows for famous artists like Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, and Ringo Starr. For over 27 years, he hosted a radio show on San Francisco station KGO. He also hosted "7 Live," a weekday TV show on KGO-TV in San Francisco, starting in September 2010. Brian has three children, and they are also involved in show business.

In 2015, Brian Copeland was honored as a "Legend of San Francisco Comedy." In 2025, he joined the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Education

Brian Copeland was born in Akron, Ohio. He grew up in Hayward, California and San Leandro, California.

He went to Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward, California. Later, he studied political science at Holy Names University.

Brian Copeland's Famous Plays

Not a Genuine Black Man

In 2004, Brian Copeland first performed his one-man show called Not a Genuine Black Man at The Marsh. This play shares his experiences growing up in San Leandro, California during the 1970s. At that time, San Leandro was mostly white, and there were rules that made it difficult for people of different backgrounds to live there.

The play was supposed to run for only six weeks, but it became very popular. It ran for seven years, making it the longest-running one-man show in San Francisco history. Not a Genuine Black Man was also performed in New York City and in over 30 cities across the U.S., with more than 1000 performances.

The Waiting Period

In February 2012, Brian Copeland started his second solo show, "The Waiting Period," at The Marsh in San Francisco. This play is about Brian's personal journey through a very difficult time with his feelings. The title "waiting period" refers to a California law that requires a ten-day wait before someone can take home a gun they bought.

Critics and mental health groups praised the play. It often played to sold-out audiences. The main message of this comedy-drama is to encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed to "Tell Somebody" and ask for help before it's too late.

The play has been extended many times. A book based on the play is coming soon, and there are talks about making it into a movie.

The Jewelry Box

Brian Copeland's third solo play, "THE JEWELRY BOX," opened in November 2013. This holiday play is about his childhood quest to earn $11.97 to buy his mother a jewelry box. He wanted to buy it from a discount store in East Oakland in 1970. Critics called it "an instant holiday classic" and "the Bay Area's Christmas story."

A short novel based on the play was published in 2015.

The Scion

In 2014, Copeland opened his play "THE SCION." This play explores the events that led to a San Leandro resident, Stuart Alexander, murdering three government meat inspectors in June 2000. The inspectors were trying to check his factory.

Brian Copeland's Books

Not a Genuine Black Man (Book)

In 2006, the publisher Hyperion released a book by Brian Copeland. This book was based on his popular play.

In 2009, the book was chosen by "Silicon Valley Reads" for everyone in the community to read and discuss. This group includes libraries, bookstores, schools, and local leaders in Northern California.

Topher Davis Thrillers

In 2024, Brian Copeland released his first crime novel, "OUTRAGED." This book is the start of a thriller series. It features an African American TV investigative reporter named Topher Davis and his sister, San Francisco Homicide Detective Lynn Sloan. The book received great reviews. Jonathan Kellerman, a New York Times Bestselling author, called the novel "a revelation."

"OUTRAGED" was nominated in 2025 for the Macavity award for Best First Mystery. Because of the book's success, a second Topher Davis book, "SHADOWS OF JUSTICE," was released in April 2025. Brian Copeland is currently working on books 3 and 4 in the series, which are planned for release in 2026 and 2027.

Brian Copeland's Film Roles

In 2006, Brian Copeland played the son of Morgan Freeman's character in the Rob Reiner film The Bucket List. This movie also starred Jack Nicholson.

In 2021, Copeland appeared in the movie VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE, which is a sequel to the hit film VENOM.

In 2024, Brian Copeland filmed a role in Rob Reiner's movie THIS IS SPINAL TAP 2.