History of David Alan Grier in Timeline

David Alan Grier is a renowned American actor and comedian celebrated for his diverse roles in film, television, and stage productions. He gained widespread recognition for his comedic performances on the sketch comedy show "In Living Color" (1990-1994), where he portrayed a variety of characters. Grier further solidified his comedic presence as Reverend Leon Lonnie Love on the sitcom "Martin" (1993-1997). His comedic talent has earned him critical acclaim, including a ranking on Comedy Central's list of 100 Greatest Stand-Ups. Grier's career spans various entertainment mediums, showcasing his versatility and comedic prowess.

June 30, 1956: Birth of David Alan Grier

David Alan Grier was born on June 30, 1956.

1963: Setting of The Watsons Go to Birmingham

The story of "The Watsons Go to Birmingham" takes place in 1963.

1978: University of Michigan Graduation

David Alan Grier graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in radio, television, and film in 1978.

1981: Yale School of Drama Graduation

David Alan Grier graduated from the Yale School of Drama with an M.F.A. in 1981.

1981: Dreamgirls Debut

Grier debuted in the Broadway musical "Dreamgirls" in 1981.

1981: The First, Theatre World Award, and Star Wars Role

In 1981, Grier landed the role of Jackie Robinson in "The First," won the Theatre World Award, and voiced a pilot in the radio drama "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back."

1983: Film Debut and Volpi Cup

David Alan Grier made his film debut in "Streamers" in 1983, winning the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival.

1983: Streamers, Golden Lion, A Soldier's Play, A Different World

In 1983, Grier appeared in "Streamers" (winning the Golden Lion for Best Actor), "A Soldier's Play," and "A Different World."

1983: The First and Tony Nomination

In 1983, Grier starred in the Broadway play "The First" as Jackie Robinson, receiving a Tony nomination.

1984: A Soldier's Story Release

Grier appeared in the film "A Soldier's Story" in 1984.

1990: In Living Color Debut

In 1990, David Alan Grier joined the sketch comedy show "In Living Color."

1992: Boomerang Release

Grier appeared as Gerard in the film "Boomerang" in 1992.

1993: Martin Debut

Grier started playing the role of Reverend Leon Lonnie Love in the TV series "Martin" in 1993.

1994: End of In Living Color Run

David Alan Grier's time on "In Living Color" ended in 1994.

1994: Blankman and In the Army Now Release

Grier appeared in the films "Blankman" and "In the Army Now" in 1994.

1995: Jumanji Release

Grier appeared in the film "Jumanji" in 1995.

1995: The Watsons Go to Birmingham (Book) Release

The novel "The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963", which was later adapted into a film Grier appeared in, was released in 1995.

1996: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

In 1996, Grier performed in the Broadway musical "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."

1997: Divorce from Maritza Rivera

David Alan Grier divorced Maritza Rivera in 1997.

1997: McHale's Navy and A Funny Thing Happened... Revival

Grier appeared in "McHale's Navy" and the Broadway revival of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" in 1997.

1997: End of Martin Run

Grier's role on "Martin" ended in 1997.

1998: Damon Debut

Grier began playing Bernard on the TV series "Damon" in 1998.

1998: Random Acts of Comedy and Elmopalooza

In 1998 Grier hosted the game show "Random Acts of Comedy" and co-starred in "Elmopalooza."

1999: Kenan & Kel Guest Appearance

In 1999, Grier made a guest appearance as himself on "Kenan & Kel."

2000: DAG Debut

Grier started playing Jerome Dagget in "DAG" in 2000.

2001: End of DAG Run

Grier's role in "DAG" ended in 2001.

2001: Premium Blend, DAG, 15 Minutes, Tales from the Hood

In 2001 Grier hosted "Premium Blend", starred in "DAG", and appeared in "15 Minutes" and "Tales from the Hood."

2002: Life with Bonnie Debut

Grier began playing David Bellows on "Life with Bonnie" in 2002.

2003: Baadasssss! Release

Grier appeared in the film "Baadasssss!" in 2003.

2004: End of Life with Bonnie Run

Grier's time on "Life with Bonnie" concluded in 2004.

2004: Comedy Central Ranking

In 2004, David Alan Grier was ranked 94th on Comedy Central's list of 100 Greatest Stand-Ups.

2004: The Woodsman and Stand-Up Special

In 2004, Grier appeared in "The Woodsman" and released his stand-up special "The Book of David."

2005: Bewitched Release

Grier appeared in the film "Bewitched" in 2005.

2005: The Muppets' Wizard of Oz Release

Grier played Uncle Henry in "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz" in 2005.

July 2007: Marriage to Christine Y. Kim

David Alan Grier married Christine Y. Kim, an associate curator at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, in July 2007.

January 10, 2008: Birth of Luisa Danbi Grier-Kim

David Alan Grier's daughter, Luisa Danbi Grier-Kim, was born on January 10, 2008, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

2008: Chocolate News Premiere

Grier created and executive produced the satirical show "Chocolate News" in 2008.

2008: Gym Teacher: The Movie Release

Grier starred in "Gym Teacher: The Movie" in 2008.

July 9, 2009: Divorce Filing

Christine Y. Kim filed for divorce from David Alan Grier on July 9, 2009, citing irreconcilable differences.

August 10, 2009: The Adam Carolla Show and Motorcycle Auction

On August 10, 2009, David Alan Grier agreed to auction his Yamaha YZF-R1 Limited Edition motorcycle on "The Adam Carolla Show" to benefit Bryan Bishop's Tumor Fund, but later left the studio.

December 6, 2009: Race Premiere and Tony Nomination

"Race", starring Grier, premiered on Broadway on December 6, 2009, and he received a Tony nomination for his role.

2009: Barack Like Me: The Chocolate-Covered Truth

David Alan Grier published his first book, "Barack Like Me: The Chocolate-Covered Truth," in 2009, co-written with Alan Eisenstock.

2009: Race and Tony Nomination

Grier starred in the play "Race" in 2009, earning a Tony nomination.

January 12, 2012: Porgy and Bess on Broadway

On January 12, 2012, David Alan Grier opened on Broadway as Sportin' Life in the revival of George Gershwin's opera "Porgy and Bess" at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

October 5, 2012: Madhouse Comedy Club and Radio Interview

On October 5, 2012, Grier appeared on the "Dave, Shelley, and Chainsaw Show" and performed at the Madhouse Comedy Club.

2012: Porgy and Bess and Tony Nomination

Grier starred in "Porgy and Bess" in 2012, receiving another Tony nomination.

May 2013: Tyler Perry Presents Peeples Release

Grier appeared in "Tyler Perry Presents Peeples" in May 2013.

2013: Grammy Nomination

David Alan Grier received a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album in 2013 for his performance on the cast recording of "Porgy and Bess".

December 3, 2015: The Wiz Live!

David Alan Grier played the Cowardly Lion in NBC's live performance of "The Wiz" on December 3, 2015.

2015: The Carmichael Show and The Wiz Live! Debut

Grier began "The Carmichael Show" and played the Lion in "The Wiz Live!" in 2015.

August 7, 2017: Snap Decision Debut

On August 7, 2017, David Alan Grier began hosting the game show "Snap Decision" on the Game Show Network and various Sinclair TV stations.

2017: End of The Carmichael Show Run

Grier's role on "The Carmichael Show" ended in 2017.

2018: A Series of Unfortunate Events Debut

Grier debuted as Hal in "A Series of Unfortunate Events" in 2018.

January 2020: A Soldier's Play and Tony Award Win

In January 2020, David Alan Grier returned to Broadway to star in "A Soldier's Play" as Tech Sergeant Vernon C. Waters, winning a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play.

2021: Tony Award Win

David Alan Grier won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for "A Soldier's Play" in 2021.

April 2022: Casting in The Color Purple

In April 2022, David Alan Grier joined the cast of the 2023 musical remake of "The Color Purple" as Pastor Avery.

2023: They Cloned Tyrone and The Color Purple Release

In 2023, Grier appeared in the films "They Cloned Tyrone" and "The Color Purple."

2023: The Color Purple Release

The musical remake of "The Color Purple", starring David Alan Grier, was released in 2023.

March 10, 2024: 96th Academy Awards Announcer and The American Society of Magical Negroes

On March 10, 2024, David Alan Grier served as the announcer for the 96th Academy Awards. He also starred in the film, "The American Society of Magical Negroes" which received negative reviews.