Joe Torry
Encyclopedia
Joe Torry is an American
actor and comedian.
, in St. Louis, Missouri
. He attended Lincoln University
in Jefferson City, Missouri
, where he earned a B.A.
in mass communications/broadcast journalism
. While attending school, Torry pledged Omega Psi Phi
fraternity. In 2001, Lincoln honored him with both The President's Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2002 an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters. He was also inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2001. Torry has older son Kameron Torry from a previous relationship. He married Chrystal Benson and they have one son together : Joseph II. They currently reside in Los Angeles
.
. He also made guest appearances on television shows including E.R., NYPD Blue, Girlfriends, NCIS, The Conan O'Brien Show, Jon Stewart, The Bryon Allen Show and became a crowd favorite on Def Comedy Jam. Appearing on earlier shows such as Roc
and Amen
jump started his television roles. It wasn't until 1992 when Torry would receive his big break, he was given the job of hosting Def Comedy Jam after Martin Lawrence
left the show. Which tripled his exposure in the entertainment industry. This also brought Torry larger roles in newer movies. He starred in Motives 1 & 2, Lock Down, Hair Show, Mannsfield 12, Poetic Justice, Sprung
, and Tales from the Hood
among others. He has also been in various commercials for large corporations such as Anheuser Busch, Pepsi
, and Nike
.
Joe founded the Giving Back the Love Foundation in 1996. With this foundation, he gives back to his hometown community (St. Louis) through youth and community programs. Torry has recently developed and begun his own production company. His production company is called MO Films and he started it in 2003. With this company Torry plans to bring filmmaking to the Midwest and help other actors, musicians, and artist showcase their talent. He works many times with his brother, Guy. He has also been writing and producing projects for his company and plans on directing in the future.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
actor and comedian.
Biography
Torry was born and raised along with his brother, actor and comedian Guy TorryGuy Torry
-Early life:Guy Torry was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, along with his brother, actor and comedian Joe Torry. He attended Southeast Missouri State University where fellow comedian and St. Louisan Cedric the Entertainer attended. While attending college, Torry developed his talent for comedy...
, in St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
. He attended Lincoln University
Lincoln University (Missouri)
Lincoln University, a historically black college, is located in Jefferson City, Missouri. In 2007, according to U.S. News and World Report, Lincoln University was ranked #3 for economic diversity, #5 for campus ethnic diversity, and #9 for most international students among master's level...
in Jefferson City, Missouri
Jefferson City, Missouri
Jefferson City is the capital of the U.S. state of Missouri and the county seat of Cole County. Located in Callaway and Cole counties, it is the principal city of the Jefferson City metropolitan area, which encompasses the entirety of both counties. As of the 2010 census, the population was 43,079...
, where he earned a B.A.
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
in mass communications/broadcast journalism
Broadcast journalism
Broadcast journalism is the field of news and journals which are "broadcast", that is, published by electrical methods, instead of the older methods, such as printed newspapers and posters. Broadcast methods include radio , television , and, especially recently, the Internet generally...
. While attending school, Torry pledged Omega Psi Phi
Omega Psi Phi
Omega Psi Phi is a fraternity and is the first African-American national fraternal organization to be founded at a historically black college. Omega Psi Phi was founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.. The founders were three Howard University juniors, Edgar Amos...
fraternity. In 2001, Lincoln honored him with both The President's Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2002 an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters. He was also inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2001. Torry has older son Kameron Torry from a previous relationship. He married Chrystal Benson and they have one son together : Joseph II. They currently reside in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
.
Career
Torry began his acting career around the age of 23. He brought his own style of humor to such roles in films such as, Strictly Business and House PartyHouse Party (film)
House Party is a 1990 American comedy film released by New Line Cinema. It stars Kid and Play of the popular hip hop duo Kid 'n Play, and also stars Paul Anthony, Bow-Legged Lou, and B-Fine from Full Force, and Robin Harris . The film also starred Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, A.J...
. He also made guest appearances on television shows including E.R., NYPD Blue, Girlfriends, NCIS, The Conan O'Brien Show, Jon Stewart, The Bryon Allen Show and became a crowd favorite on Def Comedy Jam. Appearing on earlier shows such as Roc
Roc (TV series)
Roc is an American comedy-drama television series which ran on Fox from August 1991 to May 1994. The series stars Charles S. Dutton as Baltimore garbage collector Roc Emerson and Ella Joyce as his wife Eleanor.-Early episodes:...
and Amen
Amen (TV series)
Amen is an American television sitcom produced by Carson Productions that ran from September 27, 1986 to May 11, 1991 on NBC. Set in Sherman Hemsley's real-life hometown of Philadelphia, Amen starred Hemsley as the deacon of a church and was part of a wave of successful sitcoms on NBC in the 1980s...
jump started his television roles. It wasn't until 1992 when Torry would receive his big break, he was given the job of hosting Def Comedy Jam after Martin Lawrence
Martin Lawrence
Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence is an American actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, and stand up comedian. He came to fame during the 1990s, establishing a Hollywood career as a leading actor, most notably the films Bad Boys, Blue Streak, and Big Momma's House...
left the show. Which tripled his exposure in the entertainment industry. This also brought Torry larger roles in newer movies. He starred in Motives 1 & 2, Lock Down, Hair Show, Mannsfield 12, Poetic Justice, Sprung
Sprung (film)
Sprung is a 1997 comedy film, written and directed by Rusty Cundieff. This film stars Cundieff, Tisha Campbell, Joe Torry, and Paula Jai Parker. It grossed $7,575,028 at the US box office.- Plot :...
, and Tales from the Hood
Tales from the Hood
Tales From the Hood is a 1995 horror anthology film directed by Rusty Cundieff, and executive produced by Spike Lee. It presents four short African American-themed horror stories, presented within the frame story of three drug dealers buying some "found" drugs from an eccentric and story-prone...
among others. He has also been in various commercials for large corporations such as Anheuser Busch, Pepsi
Pepsi
Pepsi is a carbonated soft drink that is produced and manufactured by PepsiCo...
, and Nike
Nike, Inc.
Nike, Inc. is a major publicly traded sportswear and equipment supplier based in the United States. The company is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, which is part of the Portland metropolitan area...
.
Joe founded the Giving Back the Love Foundation in 1996. With this foundation, he gives back to his hometown community (St. Louis) through youth and community programs. Torry has recently developed and begun his own production company. His production company is called MO Films and he started it in 2003. With this company Torry plans to bring filmmaking to the Midwest and help other actors, musicians, and artist showcase their talent. He works many times with his brother, Guy. He has also been writing and producing projects for his company and plans on directing in the future.
Filmography
- Why Am I Doing This? (2009)
- Caught on Tape (2008)
- Motives 2: Retribution (2007)
- RedrumRedrumRedrum may refer to:* "Murder" spelled backwards, a plot device in various works such as Stephen King's novel The Shining* Red Rum, a legendary three time Grand National winning race horse....
(2007) - Getting PlayedGetting PlayedGetting Played is a 2005 film directed by David Silberg, starring Vivica A. Fox, Bill Bellamy, Carmen Electra, and Stacey Dash.-Plot:The film centers around three very attractive women who, after having many guy troubles themselves, decide to play a prank on a random man...
(2005) - Halloween House Party (2005)
- Hair ShowHair ShowHair Show is a 2004 comedy film directed by Leslie Small that stars Mo'Nique and Kellita Smith.-Plot:Peaches , a hair stylist from Baltimore, and her estranged sister, Angela , the owner of an upscale salon in Beverly Hills, get reacquainted when Peaches decides to attend a celebration for Angela...
(2004) - MotivesMotives (film)Motives is a 2004 thriller starring Vivica A. Fox, Shemar Moore, Golden Brooks, Sean Blakemore and Keshia Knight Pulliam. The sequel, Motives 2, was released in 2007 .-Synopsis:...
(2004) - The Great Commission (2003)
- CommitmentsCommitmentsCommitments is a drama film released in 2001 on television by BET. The movie stars Allen Payne and Victoria Dillard, focusing on the relationship that grows between Fox Giovanni and Van Compton ....
(2001) - The Flamingo RisingThe Flamingo RisingThe Flamingo Rising is a 2001 dramatic film in the Hallmark Hall of Fame released on television in 2001, and based on the novel The Flamingo Rising written by Larry Baker in 1997. The movie stars William Hurt, Elizabeth McGovern, and Brian Benben...
(2001) - LockdownLockdown (film)Lockdown is a 2003 drama film, starring Richard T. Jones, Clifton Powell, and Master P.-Plot:Avery Montgomery is taking time off from college to spend time with his girlfriend Krista , help raise their young son, and spend time on his other love in life, swimming...
(2000) - Back in Business (1997)
- SprungSprung (film)Sprung is a 1997 comedy film, written and directed by Rusty Cundieff. This film stars Cundieff, Tisha Campbell, Joe Torry, and Paula Jai Parker. It grossed $7,575,028 at the US box office.- Plot :...
(1997) - FledFledFled is a 1996 action film directed by Kevin Hooks. A remake of the 1958 film The Defiant Ones, the film stars Laurence Fishburne and Stephen Baldwin as a pair of escaped criminals on the run from the police, corrupt officials and the Cuban Mafia....
(1996) - Tales from the HoodTales from the HoodTales From the Hood is a 1995 horror anthology film directed by Rusty Cundieff, and executive produced by Spike Lee. It presents four short African American-themed horror stories, presented within the frame story of three drug dealers buying some "found" drugs from an eccentric and story-prone...
(1995) - Exit to EdenExit To Eden (film)Exit to Eden is a 1994 American comedy-thriller loosely based on the Anne Rice novel of the same name, directed by Garry Marshall and adapted to the screen by Deborah Amelon and Bob Brunner. The original music score was composed by Patrick Doyle....
(1994) - House Party 3House Party 3House Party 3 is a 1994 comedy film, starring Kid 'n Play and Bernie Mac. It is the third and intended final installment of the House Party film series, and the last film in the series to feature Kid 'n Play. This was to be the last film in the franchise, making it a trilogy but 7 years later, a...
(1994) - Poetic Justice (1993)
- The Three MuscatelsThe Three MuscatelsThe Three Muscatels is a 1991 film starring Richard Pryor. The film is a comedic play on the more famous story of The Three Musketeers.-Plot:...
(1991) - Strictly Business
Television appearances
- My Parents, My Sister & Me (2010)
- Turn Up the Heat with G. GarvinTurn Up the Heat with G. GarvinTurn Up the Heat with G. Garvin is a television, cooking show hosted by Gerry Garvin. The show airs on Sundays at 6:00 PM on the TV One network.-Program:...
(2005) - Richard Pryor: The Funniest Man Dead or AliveRichard Pryor: The Funniest Man Dead Or AliveRichard Pryor: The Funniest Man Dead Or Alive is a documentary special aired by the television network BET on the life and influence of Richard Pryor. The thirty minute special featured commentary from a wide range of actors, comedians, musicians, politicians, and Pryor's own family members, the...
(2005) - All Shades of Fine: 25 Hottest Women of the Past 25 Years (2005)
- My Coolest YearsMy Coolest YearsMy Coolest Years is a television program that aired on VH1 in which actors, musicians, and other celebrities reminisce about their high school years.-Overview:...
(2004) - BET Comedy Awards (2004)
- The Making of Motives (2004)
- GirlfriendsGirlfriendsGirlfriends is an American comedy-drama sitcom that premiered on September 11, 2000, on UPN and aired on UPN's successor network, The CW, before being cancelled in 2008...
(2004) - Navy NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service (2003)
- On the Beat (2001)
- NYPD BlueNYPD BlueNYPD Blue is an American television police drama set in New York City, exploring the internal and external struggles of the fictional 15th precinct of Manhattan...
(1999) - ERER (TV series)ER is an American medical drama television series created by novelist Michael Crichton that aired on NBC from September 19, 1994 to April 2, 2009. It was produced by Constant c Productions and Amblin Entertainment, in association with Warner Bros. Television...
(1997) - Late Night with Conan O'BrienLate Night with Conan O'BrienLate Night with Conan O'Brien is an American late-night talk show hosted by Conan O'Brien that aired 2,725 episodes on NBC between 1993 and 2009. The show featured varied comedic material, celebrity interviews, and musical and comedy performances. Late Night aired weeknights at 12:37 am...
(1994) - RocRoc (TV series)Roc is an American comedy-drama television series which ran on Fox from August 1991 to May 1994. The series stars Charles S. Dutton as Baltimore garbage collector Roc Emerson and Ella Joyce as his wife Eleanor.-Early episodes:...
- Def Comedy JamDef Comedy JamDef Comedy Jam is a HBO television series produced by Russell Simmons. The series had its original run from July 1, 1992 to January 1, 1997. The show returned on HBO's fall lineup in 2006. Def Comedy Jam helped to launch the careers of several African-American stand-up comedians...
(1992) - AmenAmen (TV series)Amen is an American television sitcom produced by Carson Productions that ran from September 27, 1986 to May 11, 1991 on NBC. Set in Sherman Hemsley's real-life hometown of Philadelphia, Amen starred Hemsley as the deacon of a church and was part of a wave of successful sitcoms on NBC in the 1980s...
(1991)