Katt Williams
Katt Williams is a comedian, actor and rapper whose off-stage controversies have often garner as much attention as his on-stage accomplishments. His credits include the films Rebound, Epic Movie and Friday After Next, and the TV series NYPD Blue and Wild n’ Out.
Synopsis
Born in 1973 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Katt Williams is a comedian and actor who has appeared in films such as Rebound (2005), Epic Movie (2007) and Norbit (2007). His most famous role was in the 2002 film Friday After Next, in which he played "Money Mike." He has also appeared on various television series, including NYPD Blue, The Tracy Morgan Show and the MTV improv program Wild n' Out.
Early Life
Born Micah Sierra Williams on September 2, 1973, Katt Williams is a comedian, actor and rapper whose off-stage controversies have at times garnered as much attention as his on-stage accomplishments. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, but raised in Dayton, Williams emancipated himself from his parents at the age of 13, moved to Florida, and supported himself as a street vendor. His first stand-up performance came in his teens, when he thrilled the crowd with a five-minute improv routine.
Encouraged by his early success, Williams honed his unique comic delivery by performing his routine in clubs nationwide, from Oklahoma to Oakland, California. By 1999, Katt had become an established comic, appearing on stage at the likes of The Improv, The Comedy Club, The Icehouse and The Hollywood Park Casino.
Professional Success
Katt Williams made a guest appearance on television's NYPD Blue in 2002, followed by roles on The Tracy Morgan Show, My Wife and Kids, The Boondocks and various other TV series. He gained notoriety on the MTV improv show Wild n' Out, on which he appeared for three seasons.
Williams's film debut came in 2002, when he performed in his most famous role to date, as "Money Mike" in Friday After Next—and subsequently earned the moniker for his side career as a rap artist. Other film credits include performances in Rebound (2005), Epic Movie (2007) and Norbit (2007).
Along with his TV and film appearances, Katt Williams has continued to perform stand-up around the country, though nearly half a dozen of his shows were canceled in late 2012, amidst a flurry of legal problems.
Controversy and Criminal Record
In December 2012, Williams was arrested outside a bar in Seattle, Washington, following an altercation with three fans. Shortly after the incident, he announced on a local news broadcast that he was retiring from stand-up comedy, but retracted his statement a few days later.
A warrant for Williams's arrest was issued in January 2013, stemming from a November 2012 incident during which the comedian was reportedly chased by police officers while riding a three-wheeled motorbike in downtown Sacramento, California.
