David Alan Grier

David Alan Grier's diverse career spans theater, television, film, and comedy, showcasing his remarkable adaptability and comic talent. A three-time Tony Award nominee and GRAMMY Award nominee, Grier honed his skills in Shakespeare at Yale, earning an MFA from the Yale School of Drama. His inclusion on Comedy Central's list of the “100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time” underscores his revered status in the world of comedy.

Grier's film career began with "Streamers" (1983), directed by Robert Altman, where he earned the Golden Lion for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival. He also participated in lighter cinematic fare such as the Wayans Brothers' "Dance Flick" (2009). In 2013, Grier played a lead role in "Peeples," produced by Tyler Perry and starring opposite Kerry Washington and Craig Robinson. Additionally, he portrayed a character in the Hallmark Channel's "The Watsons Go To Birmingham," based on Paul Curtis’ 1996 Newbery Award-winning novel.

On television, Grier is perhaps best known as a principal cast member on the Emmy Award-winning "In Living Color" (1990–1994), where his performances contributed significantly to the show's success. His other TV roles include "DAG" (2000–2001) and "Life with Bonnie" (2003), which garnered him Image and Golden Satellite nominations. He also created, wrote, and executive produced "Chocolate News" for Comedy Central in 2008.

On Broadway, Grier's career launched with his portrayal of Jackie Robinson in "The First," earning him a Tony Award nomination and a Theatre World Award in 1981. His Broadway accolades continued with roles in "Dreamgirls" and alongside Denzel Washington in "A Soldier’s Play." More recently, he starred in David Mamet's "Race" and played Sporting Life in The Gershwin's "Porgy & Bess," the latter earning him another Tony nomination and a GRAMMY nomination for Best Musical Theater Album.

Recently, Grier has been active in television again, wrapping up a starring role as ‘Principal Carl Gaines’ in the CBS series "Bad Teacher." His ongoing contributions to entertainment across multiple platforms highlight his enduring appeal and versatility.