Walter Latham

Walter Latham is often referred to as "The King of Comedy,” for the indelible imprint he has made on the world of urban comedy. Credited with launching the careers of award-winning actors and comedians including Tyler Perry, Chris Tucker, Steve Harvey, Mo’Nique, Cedric “The Entertainer,” and the late Bernie Mac, Latham changed the comedy landscape when he took urban comedy out of small theaters and into large-scale arenas and stadiums.

His "Kings of Comedy" tour sold out in all major arenas throughout the United States, out-sold all of the Pop and R&B concerts during the same time, and was one of the largest grossing tours in US history. Latham created and produced "The Queens of Comedy," starring Academy-Award winner, Mo'Nique, and "The Latin Kings of Comedy," starring George Lopez. He produced the Award-winning “The Original Kings of Comedy” movie along with MTV Films, directed by Spike Lee, and distributed by Paramount Pictures. It became the first urban comedy tour film to top box offices throughout the U.S., and remains second to this day behind Eddie Murphy’s “Raw.” The movie grossed over $38 million and is considered a comedic classic, while the accompanying soundtrack was released on Universal Records and received a Grammy nomination for “Best Spoken Comedy Album.”

Walter Latham Entertainment is responsible for creating and producing the “Crown Royal Comedy Soul Festival,” a 20-city tour which featured chart-topping musical acts including Earth, Wind and Fire, The Isley Brothers, and comedians Rickey Smiley, Adele Givens and Earthquake. Latham Executive Produced two seasons of HBO’s hit comedy series "P. Diddy Presents the Bad Boys of Comedy," and produced FOX’s "Shaken Not Stirred," five one hour highly rated "toasts" of some of the biggest names in pop culture. To date, Latham Entertainment productions have grossed over $250 million worldwide.

In 2012, Latham partnered with YouTube on a new comedy channel that delivers urban comedy programming 24/7 and features content from Latham’s past productions including Bernie Mac, Tyler Perry, Mo’Nique and others as well as new content from Michael Blackson and Tara “Miss P” Powell, in addition to original programming including “Comedy After Dark,” a standup special hosted by hip-hop Queen Trina, models Rosa Acosta and Carolina Catalino, and adult film legend Jenna Jameson.

Latham continues to ink deals with distributors such as Hulu, Daily Motion, Vessel and others, and at 45 years old, continues to be a trendsetter. Having almost single-handedly changed the face of urban comedy, Latham has made an indelible imprint in the evolution, creation and impact of urban comedy throughout the world. Latham is Founder and Chairman of The Walter Latham Foundation, which provides scholarships to underserved children and sponsors youth-oriented events annually.