Editor’s Note: “The Reel Black List” is our annual spotlight of brothers and sisters in the worlds of advertising, film, TV, music, radio and media who are making a difference through their contributions and creativity daily. For the next 29 days, you will be able to celebrate wonderful human beings, like talented comedian, actor, writer and producer Royale Watkins.
When it comes to talent, Royale Watkins is comedy royalty. He has a story to tell, and it resonates with authenticity and heart. Growing up as one of 14 children, he understood the power of being heard from a young age.
Royale’s journey into comedy began in college, and after a brief stint in Desert Storm, he found himself on the national stage of HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. Unlike many comedians of his time, Royale chose to eschew vulgar language, relying instead on his ability to connect through storytelling.
Transitioning from the comedy stage to the silver screen, Royale’s talents have graced a variety of films, including Speed II, Deliver Us from Eva, and My Dinner with Jimi. Not limiting himself to acting, Royale has made his mark as a writer, contributing to television shows such as All of Us, Til’ Death, and the hit Are We There Yet?
In 2009, Royale teamed up with Blackish’s Anthony Anderson to create the Mixtape Comedy Show, a venture that started as a joke between friends on Facebook but has since evolved into one of New York City’s premier stand-up comedy nights. With a growing national fan base fueled by internet buzz, Royale Watkins has carved out a successful career in an industry known for its fickleness.
Whether he’s delivering jokes on stage, crafting a script, or pioneering the next big thing in entertainment, Royale remains true to himself, telling his story with honesty and heart. His journey serves as inspiration for aspiring comedians and creatives alike, a testament to the power of staying true to one’s voice in a world where authenticity is valued above all else.
Let’s meet Royale!
What’s your origin story?
Middle of 14 kids who used stand up comedy to mask the physical abuse he suffred through as a child to find his way out of chaos and poverty.
How did you get into the Entertainment Industry?
Got into stand up comedy by being the class clown most of my life as a way of getting attention. Paid more attention to the pursuit while in college in response to watching a fellow student take the same jokes we used at the table in the game room onto the stage during homecoming week.
What did your parents think you would be?
My parents thought I would be an electrician.
Who were your mentors?
My mentors were my high school ROTC instructor and instinct.
Bravest thing you’ve done?
The bravest thing I’ve done? Started the process of identifying my faults and correcting them. And therapy.
How do you handle failure?
I handle failure by continuing. We won’t always get it right. But we can learn and keep going.
What’s a product or service that you are dying to do a campaign for?
I’m dying to do a campaign for death. Think it gets a bad rap marketing-wise.
Who is a talent, actor, director or writer, you are dying to work with?
I would love to work with Jeffrey Wright.
REELated: Read about others on The Reel Black List
Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon is over-indexing on Black and Hispanic audiences. Why?
I think Rebel Moon is over-indexing with Brown audiences because the intersection between social media and streaming services has allowed us to access content outside the scope of our neighborhoods and share/market them more easily to folks who look like us and share in our communal/cultural experiences.
Lunch, Happy Hour or Dinner
Lunch – MLK
Happy Hour – Barack Obama
Dinner – Prince
You would give up your career to go on tour and perform with?
I wouldn’t ever give up my career.
Colman Domingo is a national treasure. Yes or No.
Colman Domingo is a wonderful working actor to continue paying attention to.
Nosebleed seats for Beyoncé or front-row tickets for Taylor Swift?
Nosebleed seats for Beyonce’.
What are your guilty pleasures?
My favorite guilty pleasure? Chocolate chip cookies. Porn close second.
What’s brewing for your 2024?
In 2024 I’m focused on some strategic production partnerships, directing more comedy specials and getting a few tv/film projects on the air!
Nominate Someone You Know For The 6th Annual REEL WOMEN
