Kenny Robinson

Kenny Robinson (born January 7, 1958) is a Canadian stand-up comedian, actor, and radio personality. Often referred to as the "Godfather of Canadian Comedy", he is known for his irreverent, socially conscious, and politically charged style of comedy. He is the founder of The Nubian Disciples Comedy Revue, a groundbreaking monthly showcase for Black and racialized comedians that has run at Yuk Yuk's in Toronto since 1995.

Early life Robinson was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on January 7, 1958, to a Black father and white mother. His father was an entertainer—a tap dancer, song-and-dance man, and drummer—who died when Robinson was nine years old.

Career

Stand-up comedy Robinson began his comedy career performing at an amateur night at the Royal Albert Arms in Winnipeg in April 1977, doing Humphrey Bogart impressions. Over his career, he has shared the stage with comedians including Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Jim Carrey, Norm Macdonald, Russell Peters, Tommy Chong, Margaret Cho, Paul Mooney, and Sam Kinison. In 2014, he received the Phil Hartman Award from the Canadian Comedy Awards for his outstanding lifetime contribution to Canadian comedy. The monthly showcase, held on the last Sunday of every month, was created to provide a platform for Black comedians to share their experiences with audiences, inspired by American shows like Def Comedy Jam and BET's ComicView. It won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Comedy Special at the 14th Canadian Screen Awards in 2026.

Television and film Robinson has had an extensive career in television and film. He created, wrote, produced, and hosted the late-night series After Hours with Kenny Robinson on The Comedy Network in 2001, which featured early sketch comedy appearances by Kevin Hart and Leslie Jones. His Gemini Award-nominated CBC special Thick and Thin with Ronnie Edwards earned him two nominations for writing and performance.

His film credits include The Third Miracle (1999) with Ed Harris, Down to Earth (2001) with Chris Rock, Love, Sex and Eating the Bones (2003), New York Minute (2004), Blue Hill Avenue (2001), and Repo Men (2010). He finished fifth among eight candidates.

Personal life Robinson is of Barbadian descent.

Filmography

Film Year Title Role Notes 1999 The Third Miracle 2001 Down to Earth 2001 Blue Hill Avenue Sam 2003 Love, Sex and Eating the Bones 2004 New York Minute 2010 Repo Men 2026 The Snake Travis

Television Year Title Role Notes 2001 After Hours with Kenny Robinson Host Creator, writer, producer; The Comedy Network 2001–2004 Doc Jellybean Recurring role 2003–2005 Radio Free Roscoe Mickey Stone Recurring role 2008 Flashpoint 2016 Private Eyes 2019 TallBoyz 2026 Roast Battle Canada Self Season 5, Episode 8, roast battle vs. Darren Frost