Robert Omoto opening for TK Kirkland.
TK Kirkland is 35-year veteran in the entertainment business. Kirkland is an actor, stand-up comedian, podcast host and writer. He is known for New Jersey Drive (1995) Strays (1997), Black Bold and Beautiful (1999), Baller Blockin (2000), Are There Any Questions? (2008) and starred in various other independent films. Kirkland is a prolific writer and has the ability to captivate his audience through laughter and real-life experiences. In 1991 he collaborated with HBO and starred in a special titled, “Mo’ Funny” a History of Black Comedy in America, the reviews were astounding -- comparing him to legendary comedians Richard Pryor, Red Foxx and Moms Mabley.
Kirkland was born in New Jersey but frequent the streets of Compton, California throughout his adolescent years. His first opportunity into stardom was working with rap legend Easy-E and NWA. Since then, Kirkland has shared the stage with a multitude of celebrities which include Jay-Z, Eminem, Madonna, 50-Cent, Keyshia Cole, Lil’ Wayne, Kid Rock, Van Diesel and so many others.
As a notable entertainer he began to immerse himself into opportunities that included more writing and producing shows which includes BET ComicView, Laffapolooza and MAD Sports. Kirkland started a management company that lead to managing some of the biggest names in television like Jamie Foxx, DL Hughley, and Michael Epps. He later joined forces with Tommy Castro and David Clingman to start Artistry Management Firm. The Company worked in the realms of the performing arts, new media arts, film, television, radio and video. The collaboration allowed him to work with acclaim actors such as Sandra Bullock, Anthony Michael Hall and john Leguizamo.
It’s been often said that Kirkland’s comedy circuit has been the best kept secret for over several decades. In addition to maintaining a robust schedule of live performances at theatres, concerts and nightclubs he also make routine appearances on television and syndicated radio shows across the country.
In Los Angeles, CA, Kirkland was proud to serve as Master of ceremonies at the Coliseum during President Nelson Mandela tour to the United States. He later was asked to present his lifetime friend and colleague Martin Lawrence with a Soul Train Award in the category of Best New Male Comedian.
Kirkland is one of the most important and influential comedians working in comedy today.
His national notoriety began in his teen years as he embarked upon track and field at Henry Snyder High School. He later attended Santa Rosa Junior College and finally matriculated with a MBA from California State in Northridge. Kirkland is passionate about education and inspiring others to see past their circumstances and aspire to be great. He worked as an adjunct at Montclair School during their summer Upward Bound Program. He also worked with the staff at The Academy for Urban Scholars which is a brick and mortar Drop Out and Recovery High School serving high school aged 14-21. This allowed him to work with each student as they prepared to complete their high school education and encourage them to believe they had the ability to learn.
Kirkland worked closely with John Gregory as he scoped the work for the National African American Male Wellness Walk/Run Initiative. This initiative allowed men and their families across the country to obtain free health screenings and raise awareness in living a healthier lifestyle. His worked stretched beyond those men and women who wanted an education but also those who were ensnared in and out of the justice system. He fostered the Scared Straight, a program for juvenile delinquents that expressed the severity of prison through workshop sessions an actual convict visits to deter them from criminal offenses.
He has been a catalyst in the area of politics by campaigning for Congresswoman Maxine Waters who have served in Congress since 1976. Kirkland was commissioned to volunteer with the late Johnnie Cochran and worked on many other urban initiatives throughout his career. He’s most passionate about his children and the legacy he plans to leave them. He understands that it’s what lives on afterwards and how you will be remembered. It’s the impact he strives to make in his life that would make a difference for the next generation.