Comedian Gary Owen has made significant headlines in the last week, after doing is explosive interview with Shannon Sharpe on his “Club Shay Shay” show. In addition to talking about his growing up, he was detailed about his issues with his biological father, his ex-wife, estranged adult children, new fiancée and twins.
He also talked about his success as a white comedian in the Black comedy world.
Between his stand up and his work as an actor, the Cincinnati native boasts an estimated net worth of $4 million.
While he spent years building his chops on the comedy circuit, his big break came when in 1997 with his appearance on the stand-up comedy television show “ComicView.”
Since then, he has left an indelible mark on the comedy landscape with his distinctive style and humor, aligning with other comedians like Steve Harvey and Kevin Hart for epic comedy moments on the big screen.
Big Screen Success
His journey into the world of cinema began with appearances in various comedy films, including “Daddy Day Care,” “Little Man,” and “College,” Notably, Owen has cultivated a significant following within the African-American community, earning him the title of “Black America’s Favorite White Comic” by Ebony.
Owen’s cinematic repertoire is diverse, ranging from bit parts in films like “Held Up” and “Love Chronicles” to more substantial roles in ensemble comedies such as “Think Like a Man” and “Ride Along.”
Comedy is not all that he has done. He can be seen stretching his acting chops in the sports action film “Welcome to Sudden Death.”
The films have boosted his price as a stand up. Owen is currently a sought-after performer for corporate events and performances and commands a booking fees ranging from $75,000 to $149,999, according to Celebrity Talent International.
Television Success
His first introduction to the small screen was his slot on “ComicView” in the late ’90s. Since then, Owen has made memorable appearances in various television shows, including “The Wayans Bros.,” “House of Payne,” and “Nubbin & Friends.”
In 2016, he even headlined his own BET reality show, “The Gary Owen Show,” showcasing his comedic prowess to a wider audience. The world was able to fall in love with his then-wife, Kenya Duke, her older son Emilio (who carries Owen’s surname), and the couple’s two children Austin and Kennedy.
Divorce and Finances
Things took a turn when the couple’s relationship started to crumble. Duke alleges that Owen cheated on her with his now fiancée, Brianna Johnson.
Johnson and Owen have twin boys Royal Blu and Rome Bohdi. Johnson has a daughter named Reign that currently, Johnson is standing as a father figure for. There is no word if she will share his last name also, once her mother marries the star.
The divorce from his wife, now a household name from the show, has made Owen’s personal life subject to public scrutiny. According to his “Club Shay Shay” interview, it has cost him a lot financially.
“It did make me look like a baller, though. I ain’t going to lie.” –@garyowencomedy
— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) May 8, 2024
🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/zt4WhXG0LQ
Amidst legal proceedings, his ex-wife petitioned for $44,000 a month in spousal support, citing financial dependence she had developed during their relationship. Owen said during the sit-down despite his reluctance to fulfill the requested amount, he offered to assume their family debts and cover her rent for the first-year post-divorce.
“I took on all the debt with the divorce too. I took all of it and it was a lot. I didn’t like getting dragged saying I was a deadbeat dad,” a claim Duke has repeatedly stated. “And then it was like I left everybody hanging.”
“That wasn’t the case,” he continued. “I got the text. I just literally said, ‘Hey, send me the bills. I got it,’ and she was like, ‘No, that’s not how we do things.’”
However, according to Owen, Duke didn’t want to move from their marital home, despite there being tax issues with it.
“I made sure when everything was said and done when we went to mediation, I was like I’ll take on the debt. I’ll make sure you have enough alimony that you’re good. You’re really good by the way.”
Despite the challenges in his personal life, Gary Owen’s professional journey continues to thrive, solidifying his status as a comedic staple. With a blend of humor and resilience, Owen seems to show his bounce back through the power of laughter and stays focus on his work as an actor.
I liked that he stood up and didn’t make any excuses. Owned what he did and didn’t allow others to paint the narrative. Making himself available at any time his kids are ready to talk. As painful as it is I wish him well.