Ron White
Encyclopedia
Ronald "Ron" White is an American
stand up comedian and satirist who has had two Grammy Award
-nominations, and is RIAA certified 10x Platinum for CD and DVD sales of over 10 million units. He is a charter member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour
and authored the book I Had the Right to Remain Silent But I Didn't Have the Ability (Dutton 2006, ISBN 978-0525949619), which appeared on the New York Times
best seller list. White is well-known for his famous punchline, "...You can't fix stupid."
on December 18, 1956. Not much is known about Ron White's childhood, other than the fact that in 1961 he was living in Houston (he mentions living there during Hurricane Carla). He has mentioned in a few shows that he lived with his grandmother and that he has a brother and a sister. He served in the United States Navy
where he was given the nickname "Tater Salad" by fellow sailors who teased White for his love of potato salad. White is an avid fisherman and has always loved fishing as a hobby, but from an early age his dream was to become a comedian. When he returned from the Navy, White struggled financially for years as he pursued this dream, going from gig to gig in a beat-up Nissan truck and selling windows to help make ends meet. He has been rumored to have also pursued a career as a bronco rider for several years in the early 80's, however, responding to a question by Dana Strode on July 28, 2011 at the Coeur d'Alene Casino at Worley, Idaho, White said he has never ridden a bronco. White lived in Mexico for a brief period and bought a pottery factory there before returning to America to pursue comedy. White included stories from his youth in his book I Had the Right to Remain Silent But I Didn't Have the Ability. White's comedy revolves around observations and personal experiences retold in his smoking, drinking, Southern United States persona.
, Bill Engvall
, and Larry the Cable Guy
as part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour
– a show that sold out across the United States
in over 90 cities and grossed over $15 million.
White is the only member of the Blue Collar crew who did not go on to star in the Blue Collar TV
series because he did not want to be typecast
as "blue collar," although he jokes in his performances that he simply does not have "the work ethic for a television show". He did, however, make seven guest appearances on the show. In 2005, The WB Television Network aired the pilot for The Ron White Show
, a variety show
that combined a number of celebrity cameo
s, cartoon
s, and sketches
. He recently taped several episodes of The Gong Show with Dave Attell
as one of the celebrity judges. White has had appearances in the TV shows Kath & Kim
, Reno 911!
, 12 Miles of Bad Road
, the films Sex and the City 2
and Horrible Bosses
, and a cameo in a Rascal Flatts music video, "Why Wait".
White is best known for and drinking Scotch
as part of his act. He stated during his You Can't Fix Stupid show, "Somebody asked what I was drinking. If the company that made the stuff I was drinking was paying me, I'd have it in their bottle and not mine. But it's the kind of scotch that people drink that are going to die penniless. It's good though!" In 2009 Comedy Central released Ron's stand up DVD Behavioral Problems
.
's interior designer; they divorced in 2008. He is currently married to singer-songwriter Margo Rey
, sister of his frequent touring opener, Alex Reymundo
.
Ron White has partnered with producer Michael Blakey
to form Organica Music Group (distributed by Universal Music Group
), a label that will promote both emerging and established musicians and comedians. He will be releasing all his future DVDs and CDs through Organica Music Group.
police that White’s private plane would be carrying narcotics. This tip likely came from a disgruntled pilot who had been recently fired by White. White had allegedly been involved in an altercation with the flight crew on his private plane involving his use of marijuana during flights. White was found to be in possession of 7/8 of a gram of marijuana. He was reportedly very cooperative with Florida police. Ron White has a valid medicinal marijuana license from California.
by Texas legislative officials. White received the Armed Forces Foundation
's "Patriot Award" in March 2009 for his work in raising money to help wounded soldiers. White also held benefit shows for Hurricane Katrina
relief.
CDs and movies, White has released five solo projects to date:
He has appeared on the following compilation albums:
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
stand up comedian and satirist who has had two Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
-nominations, and is RIAA certified 10x Platinum for CD and DVD sales of over 10 million units. He is a charter member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour
Blue Collar Comedy Tour
The Blue Collar Comedy Tour was a comedy troupe featuring Jeff Foxworthy with three of his comedian friends, Bill Engvall, Ron White, and Larry the Cable Guy, who had replaced fellow comedian Craig Hawksley, who performed in the first twenty shows on the tour...
and authored the book I Had the Right to Remain Silent But I Didn't Have the Ability (Dutton 2006, ISBN 978-0525949619), which appeared on the New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
best seller list. White is well-known for his famous punchline, "...You can't fix stupid."
Early life
Ron White was born in Fritch, TexasFritch, Texas
Fritch is a city in Hutchinson and Moore counties in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 2,235 at the 2000 census. Fritch and the surrounding area is served by ZIP code 79036...
on December 18, 1956. Not much is known about Ron White's childhood, other than the fact that in 1961 he was living in Houston (he mentions living there during Hurricane Carla). He has mentioned in a few shows that he lived with his grandmother and that he has a brother and a sister. He served in the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
where he was given the nickname "Tater Salad" by fellow sailors who teased White for his love of potato salad. White is an avid fisherman and has always loved fishing as a hobby, but from an early age his dream was to become a comedian. When he returned from the Navy, White struggled financially for years as he pursued this dream, going from gig to gig in a beat-up Nissan truck and selling windows to help make ends meet. He has been rumored to have also pursued a career as a bronco rider for several years in the early 80's, however, responding to a question by Dana Strode on July 28, 2011 at the Coeur d'Alene Casino at Worley, Idaho, White said he has never ridden a bronco. White lived in Mexico for a brief period and bought a pottery factory there before returning to America to pursue comedy. White included stories from his youth in his book I Had the Right to Remain Silent But I Didn't Have the Ability. White's comedy revolves around observations and personal experiences retold in his smoking, drinking, Southern United States persona.
Career
Ron White found success during January 2000 through March 2003, when he with Jeff FoxworthyJeff Foxworthy
Jeffrey Marshall "Jeff" Foxworthy is an American comedian, television and radio personality and author. He is a member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, a comedy troupe which also comprises Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall and Ron White. Known for his "you might be a redneck" one-liners, Foxworthy...
, Bill Engvall
Bill Engvall
William Ray "Bill" Engvall, Jr. is an American comedian and actor best known for his work as a stand-up comic and as a member of the Blue Collar Comedy group.-Early life:Bill Engvall was born in Galveston, Texas...
, and Larry the Cable Guy
Larry the Cable Guy
Daniel Lawrence Whitney , better known by his stage name and character Larry the Cable Guy, is an American comedian, actor, and former radio personality....
as part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour
Blue Collar Comedy Tour
The Blue Collar Comedy Tour was a comedy troupe featuring Jeff Foxworthy with three of his comedian friends, Bill Engvall, Ron White, and Larry the Cable Guy, who had replaced fellow comedian Craig Hawksley, who performed in the first twenty shows on the tour...
– a show that sold out across the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
in over 90 cities and grossed over $15 million.
White is the only member of the Blue Collar crew who did not go on to star in the Blue Collar TV
Blue Collar TV
Blue Collar TV was a television program that aired on The WB Television Network with lead actors Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Larry the Cable Guy. The show's humor dealt principally with contemporary American society, and especially hillbilly, redneck, and Southern stereotypes. The show was...
series because he did not want to be typecast
Typecasting (acting)
In TV, film, and theatre, typecasting is the process by which a particular actor becomes strongly identified with a specific character; one or more particular roles; or, characters having the same traits or coming from the same social or ethnic groups...
as "blue collar," although he jokes in his performances that he simply does not have "the work ethic for a television show". He did, however, make seven guest appearances on the show. In 2005, The WB Television Network aired the pilot for The Ron White Show
The Ron White Show
The Ron White Show was a 2005 TV special that appeared in the WB in 2005. It starred comedian Ron White, was directed by C.B. Harding and written by Donick Cary...
, a variety show
Variety show
A variety show, also known as variety arts or variety entertainment, is an entertainment made up of a variety of acts, especially musical performances and sketch comedy, and normally introduced by a compère or host. Other types of acts include magic, animal and circus acts, acrobatics, juggling...
that combined a number of celebrity cameo
Cameo appearance
A cameo role or cameo appearance is a brief appearance of a known person in a work of the performing arts, such as plays, films, video games and television...
s, cartoon
Cartoon
A cartoon is a form of two-dimensional illustrated visual art. While the specific definition has changed over time, modern usage refers to a typically non-realistic or semi-realistic drawing or painting intended for satire, caricature, or humor, or to the artistic style of such works...
s, and sketches
Sketch comedy
A sketch comedy consists of a series of short comedy scenes or vignettes, called "sketches," commonly between one and ten minutes long. Such sketches are performed by a group of comic actors or comedians, either on stage or through an audio and/or visual medium such as broadcasting...
. He recently taped several episodes of The Gong Show with Dave Attell
The Gong Show with Dave Attell
The Gong Show with Dave Attell is a revival of the 1970s Chuck Barris comedy game show called The Gong Show, hosted by comedian Dave Attell. The show premiered on July 17, 2008...
as one of the celebrity judges. White has had appearances in the TV shows Kath & Kim
Kath & Kim
Kath & Kim is a Logie Award-winning character-driven Australian television situation comedy series. The series was created by, and is written by Jane Turner and Gina Riley who play the title characters: a suburban mother and daughter with a dysfunctional relationship...
, Reno 911!
Reno 911!
Reno 911! is an American comedy television series on Comedy Central that ran from 2003 to 2009. It is a mockumentary-style parody of law enforcement documentary shows, specifically COPS, with comic actors playing the police officers. Most of the material is improvised, using a broad outline, and...
, 12 Miles of Bad Road
12 Miles of Bad Road
12 Miles of Bad Road is a television show originally created for HBO centered on a Texas matriarch who must reconcile her booming real estate business and immense wealth with the day-to-day struggles of her dysfunctional family life.-Cast:...
, the films Sex and the City 2
Sex and the City 2
Sex and the City 2 is a 2010 American romantic comedy film directed by Michael Patrick King. It is the sequel to the 2008 film Sex and the City, which is based on the HBO TV series of the same name....
and Horrible Bosses
Horrible Bosses
Horrible Bosses is a 2011 black comedy film directed by Seth Gordon, written by Michael Markowitz, John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, based on a story by Markowitz. It stars Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey and Jamie Foxx...
, and a cameo in a Rascal Flatts music video, "Why Wait".
White is best known for and drinking Scotch
Scotch whisky
Scotch whisky is whisky made in Scotland.Scotch whisky is divided into five distinct categories: Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Single Grain Scotch Whisky, Blended Malt Scotch Whisky , Blended Grain Scotch Whisky, and Blended Scotch Whisky.All Scotch whisky must be aged in oak barrels for at least three...
as part of his act. He stated during his You Can't Fix Stupid show, "Somebody asked what I was drinking. If the company that made the stuff I was drinking was paying me, I'd have it in their bottle and not mine. But it's the kind of scotch that people drink that are going to die penniless. It's good though!" In 2009 Comedy Central released Ron's stand up DVD Behavioral Problems
Behavioral Problems
Behavioral Problems is an album and DVD by American comedian Ron White. The album was released by Capitol Records on April 21, 2009 and peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Top Comedy Albums chart...
.
Personal life
White has been married three times. He married his first wife, Lori Brice in 1991. They divorced in 1999. They have a son, Marshall (who White nicknames Tater Tot in his comedy shows). In June 2004, he married Barbara Dobbs, who was Jeff FoxworthyJeff Foxworthy
Jeffrey Marshall "Jeff" Foxworthy is an American comedian, television and radio personality and author. He is a member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, a comedy troupe which also comprises Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall and Ron White. Known for his "you might be a redneck" one-liners, Foxworthy...
's interior designer; they divorced in 2008. He is currently married to singer-songwriter Margo Rey
Margo Rey
Margarita Reymundo is a singer-songwriter known professionally as Margo Rey and/or Miss Margo....
, sister of his frequent touring opener, Alex Reymundo
Alex Reymundo
Alex Reymundo is a Mexican-American comedian and actor, who was featured on the 2007 ALMA Awards.He was born and raised in Acapulco, Mexico, until he and his family moved to the United States. He lived in Kentucky for seven years. Alex is currently married and has two children, a boy and a girl...
.
Ron White has partnered with producer Michael Blakey
Michael blakey
Michael Blakey was born on December 8, 1958 in London, England. He is a musician, record producer, composer, songwriter, arranger, and music promoter; noted for his drumming talent and for producing and promoting some of the most successful artists in the world...
to form Organica Music Group (distributed by Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
), a label that will promote both emerging and established musicians and comedians. He will be releasing all his future DVDs and CDs through Organica Music Group.
Marijuana arrest
On September 7, 2008, White was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia after an anonymous tip informed Vero Beach, FloridaVero Beach, Florida
Vero Beach is a city in Indian River County, Florida, USA. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2006 estimates, the city had a population of 16,939. It is the county seat of Indian River County...
police that White’s private plane would be carrying narcotics. This tip likely came from a disgruntled pilot who had been recently fired by White. White had allegedly been involved in an altercation with the flight crew on his private plane involving his use of marijuana during flights. White was found to be in possession of 7/8 of a gram of marijuana. He was reportedly very cooperative with Florida police. Ron White has a valid medicinal marijuana license from California.
Awards/Recognition
April 27, 2009 was designated as "Ron White Day" in the State of TexasTexas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
by Texas legislative officials. White received the Armed Forces Foundation
Armed Forces Foundation
The Armed Forces Foundation is an American non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that began operations in 2001 with the mission of supporting the members of the United States Armed Forces from all branches of service, both active duty and retired. With such a broad range of goals the...
's "Patriot Award" in March 2009 for his work in raising money to help wounded soldiers. White also held benefit shows for Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
relief.
Comedy releases
Besides the Blue Collar Comedy TourBlue Collar Comedy Tour
The Blue Collar Comedy Tour was a comedy troupe featuring Jeff Foxworthy with three of his comedian friends, Bill Engvall, Ron White, and Larry the Cable Guy, who had replaced fellow comedian Craig Hawksley, who performed in the first twenty shows on the tour...
CDs and movies, White has released five solo projects to date:
- Tater Salad aka. Busted in Des Moines
- Drunk in Public
- They Call Me "Tater Salad"
- You Can't Fix Stupid
- Ron White: Behavioral Problems
He has appeared on the following compilation albums:
- Redneck Comedy Roundup (2005)
- Comedy CentralComedy CentralComedy Central is an American cable television and satellite television channel that carries comedy programming, both original and syndicated....
Presents Southern Gents of Comedy (2006) - Ron White, Jeff FoxworthyJeff FoxworthyJeffrey Marshall "Jeff" Foxworthy is an American comedian, television and radio personality and author. He is a member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, a comedy troupe which also comprises Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall and Ron White. Known for his "you might be a redneck" one-liners, Foxworthy...
& Bill EngvallBill EngvallWilliam Ray "Bill" Engvall, Jr. is an American comedian and actor best known for his work as a stand-up comic and as a member of the Blue Collar Comedy group.-Early life:Bill Engvall was born in Galveston, Texas...
: Live from Las Vegas (2004) - Redneck Kings of Comedy (2005)
Discography
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Certifications (sales threshold Music recording sales certification Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,... ) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Comedy | US Country | US Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
US Heat Top Heatseekers Top Heatseekers refers to either of two separate "Breaking and Entering" music charts issued weekly by Billboard Magazine: the Heatseekers Albums chart or the Heatseekers Songs chart. They were introduced by Billboard in 1993 with the purpose of highlighting the sales by new and developing musical... |
|||
| Tater Salad aka. Busted in Des Moines |
|
— | — | — | — | |
| Truckstop Comedy |
|
— | — | — | — | |
| Drunk in Public Drunk in Public Drunk in Public is the first CD released by American comedian Ron White. It was released on November 3, 2003 on the Hip-O Records label. The album has been certified gold by the RIAA.-Track listing:All tracks written by White.# "Sunglasses" - 2:05... |
Hip-O Records Hip-O Records is a record label, currently part of Universal Music Group, which specializes in reissues and compilations. Their Hip-O Select label is currently in the midst of releasing the Complete Motown Singles, a series of fourteen box sets which include both sides of every 45 from Motown... |
2 | 11 | 83 | 2 |
Recording Industry Association of America The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States... : Gold |
| You Can't Fix Stupid You Can't Fix Stupid You Can't Fix Stupid is an album by American comedian Ron White. It was released by Image Entertainment on February 7, 2006. The album peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Top Comedy Albums chart.-Track listing:#"Intro" – 0:52... |
Image Entertainment Image Entertainment, Inc. is an independent licensee, producer and distributor of home entertainment programming and film & television productions in North America, with approximately 3,000 exclusive DVD titles and approximately 250 exclusive CD titles in domestic release, and approximately 450... |
1 | 2 | 14 | — | |
| Behavioral Problems Behavioral Problems Behavioral Problems is an album and DVD by American comedian Ron White. The album was released by Capitol Records on April 21, 2009 and peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Top Comedy Albums chart... |
Capitol Records Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine... |
1 | 13 | 51 | — | |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart | ||||||