Nairobi Aries Spears, born on April 3, 1975, is a prominent American stand-up comedian, impressionist, and actor hailing from New Jersey. Ever since he was 14 years old, Aries Spears has been a force to be reckoned with in the comedy scene throughout America.
Aries Spears
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Spears was born in Chicago, Illinois, and moved to New York when he was two years old. His mother, Doris Spears, is a jazz singer. He moved to New Jersey at age eleven and attended Arthur M. Judd Elementary School.
By age 14 Aries was belting out his fresh stylings in front of paying audiences at local clubs around his hometown. The word was out about the prodigal superstar from then on and in 1992 Aries moved to Los Angeles. Shortly thereafter he appeared on Russell Simmons’s Def Comedy Jam on HBO and Showtime at the Apollo.
His quick wit charisma and ferociously aggressive style of comedy have earned him critical acclaim high accolades and above all a busy schedule. At the age of 17 after being spotted in a comedy club Aries landed a part in the movie Home of Angels which also starred Abe Vigoda and Sherman Helmsley but never saw a theatrical release.
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Television and Film Roles
In 1992, Spears moved to Los Angeles and quickly landed a recurring role on NBC’s A Different World and was signed to a huge development deal at one of the major television studios. Other television credits include Crosstown Traffic, The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.
The following year Aries found himself starring in the short-lived CBS series South of Sunset with former Eagles guitarist Glenn Frey. Although the series didn’t last long it did not discourage other networks from tapping Aries’s talents for their projects as he soon appeared in Crosstown Traffic and Brisco County Jr. for Fox.
Aries Spears Doesn't Like Ice Cube as a Rapper or Actor, Does Ice Cube Impressions (Part 15)
As a principal cast member on Fox’s hit sketch comedy show Mad TV Aries brought a fresh hip style to the already-edgy program from the third through the tenth season. The producers made full use of many of Aries’s talents by calling on him frequently to create new hilarious characters and write sketches.
He then appeared in Out-of-Sync and portrayed Red Foxx in Warner Bros.’s Why Do Fools Fall In Love. He appeared in a second-season episode of Mind of Mencia, which parodied Jamie Foxx's role in Kanye West's music video for "Gold Digger." He appeared in the 2006 film Hood of Horror.
Memorable Characters on Mad TV
Some of the many recurring characters that Aries is famous for on the show include:
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- Belma Buttons
- Bill Cosby
- Jesse Jackson
- Mike Tyson
- Walter (Crackheads)
- Reggie (Erascist)
- Dollar Bill Montgomery
- Shaquille O'Neal
- The Klumps
- Michael Jackson
- Sisqo
- Evander Holyfield
- El Diablo Negro
Aries also boasts a number of uproarious impersonations on the show that include James Brown Al Pacino and his childhood idol Eddie Murphy.
Aries Spears as a cast member on Mad TV
Other Ventures and Charitable Work
Additionally Aries has made appearances on many talk shows including: Loveline Vibe Keenen Ivory Wayans Soul Train and Late Friday. Aries maintains a strong connection to his African roots and is involved in many charitable events including a number of organizations that help abused women.
Aries continues to spread his comedic wings with the development of feature film projects which he is currently involved in writing. He is presently developing a feature project based on an original character that he created on Mad TV as well as a thriller about a young black man immersed in hip-hop culture.
Legal Issues
On August 30, 2022, Spears and Tiffany Haddish were sued for alleged grooming and sexual abuse of two minors. The lawsuit details that the minors were recruited to film comedy skits, and were asked to perform sexually suggestive content.
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Performances at The Apollo Theater
The Apollo Theater is a renowned venue that showcases a variety of performances. Here's a glimpse of some recent and upcoming events:
Upcoming Events
- Apollo Comedy Club - November: Featuring COLEMAN GREEN, OSCAR P & MEGHAN ROSEHOSTED BY DAMON WILLIAMS
- HANG TIME: A Flea Theater Production Written and Directed by Zora Howard
- Apollo Comedy Club - December: Featuring PAULA "THE TROPHY WIFE" CLARKE, UNCLE G. & MARK GREGORYHOSTED BY MEMPHIS WILL
Accessibility at The Apollo
The Apollo Theater is committed to providing accessible seating and facilities for all patrons. Wheelchair seating is available in the Orchestra level of the Historic Theater. Additionally, accessible seating is available in Victoria Theater 1 and the Jonelle Procope Theater.
Visitor Information
- All persons and bags are subject to search.
- Bags that have passed inspection must fit comfortably under your seat. Oversized bags are prohibited.
- No outside food or beverage. Accommodations are made for patrons with medical needs.
