Mark Curry (American actor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mark Curry
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Curry in 2008
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Marcus G. Curry
June 1, 1961 Oakland, California, U.S.
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| Years active | 1988–present |
| Known for | Mark Cooper – Hangin' with Mr. Cooper |
Mark Curry (born Marcus G. Curry on June 1, 1961) is an American actor, comedian, and TV host. He is most famous for playing Mark Cooper, a former basketball player who becomes a teacher, in the popular 1990s TV show Hangin' with Mr. Cooper.
Curry was also a host for the famous TV series It's Showtime at the Apollo. More recently, he co-starred in the Nick at Nite comedy series See Dad Run from 2012 to 2015.
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Early Life
Mark Curry was born in Oakland, California, and was the youngest of nine children. He went to St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda, California. Later, he attended California State University, East Bay.
When he was a kid, Curry was part of the East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC). This is a local group that helps young people in the community.
Acting and Comedy Career
Mark Curry is a talented actor and comedian who has appeared in many movies and TV shows. His career is filled with funny and memorable roles.
Breakthrough with 'Hangin' with Mr. Cooper'
Curry's first big role was on the ABC sitcom Hangin' with Mr. Cooper. The show started in 1992 and was a huge hit. Curry played the main character, Mark Cooper. Mr. Cooper was a former professional basketball player who started a new career as a substitute teacher and gym coach.
The show was very popular and ran for five seasons. It had over 100 episodes, making Mark Curry a well-known star.
Television Guest Appearances
Besides his own show, Curry has been a guest on many other TV series. In 1994, he appeared on the sitcom Living Single. He also had a role on Martin in 1997.
He played a funny driving instructor named Sergeant Easy on The Jamie Foxx Show. He also had a recurring role on The Drew Carey Show as Drew Carey's boss. In 2000, he appeared on For Your Love with his Hangin' with Mr. Cooper co-star, Holly Robinson Peete.
Hosting and Reality TV
Curry has also been a successful TV host. He hosted the Comedy Central game show Don't Forget Your Toothbrush and BET's Coming to the Stage.
In 2004, he was a contestant on the show Celebrity Mole Yucatan. He competed well and finished in second place.
From 2009 to 2011, Curry hosted a radio show for Jamie Foxx called FoxxHole Live. He has also toured the country performing stand-up comedy with other famous comedians.
Roles for Younger Audiences
Curry has also acted in projects for kids and families. He starred in the Disney Channel Original Movie The Poof Point as a scientist named Norton Ballard.
From 2012 to 2014, he played Marcus Barnes on the Nick at Nite show See Dad Run. The show was about a TV dad, played by Scott Baio, who becomes a stay-at-home dad. Curry played his good friend.
Recent Work
Mark Curry continues to act and perform comedy. In 2018, he was a special guest on the Katt Williams 11:11 comedy tour. He often performs stand-up comedy at the famous Hollywood Improv comedy club.
He has also appeared in recent TV shows like Family Reunion and Blindspotting.
Music Video Appearances
Mark Curry has appeared in a few music videos. He was in the video for "I Ain't Trippin'" by rapper Too Short.
He also played a dad in the music video for Bow Wow's song "Take Ya Home". In the video, his character is trying to buy a doll of the rapper for his daughter.
Personal Life
In 2007, Mark Curry was seriously injured in an accident at his home. He was badly burned and had to spend a long time recovering.
He later appeared on The Montel Williams Show to talk about his experience. He said that after the accident, he felt very down. However, with the support of his friends and fellow comedians like Sinbad, he found the strength to recover. His story has inspired many people.
Notable Roles
Here are some of Mark Curry's most well-known roles in movies and television.
Film
- Talkin' Dirty After Dark (1991) - Antonio
- Armageddon (1998) - Stu the Cabbie
- Motorcrossed (2001) - Bob Arness
- The Poof Point (2001) - Norton Ballard
Television
- It's Showtime at the Apollo (1992–94) - Host
- Hangin' with Mr. Cooper (1992–97) - Mark Cooper
- The Jamie Foxx Show (1997–98) - Sergeant Easy
- The Drew Carey Show (2000) - Robert Soulard
- See Dad Run (2012–14) - Marcus Barnes
- Family Reunion (2019–21) - Principal Glass
