Many people have stated that Oakland native Mark Curry is possibly comedy’s best kept secret and undoubtedly one of the funniest comedians in the world. Mark Curry’s first role was in the film Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, alongside Martin Lawrence in 1991. In 1992, Curry got his big break as the star of hit television series Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, where he played the lead role of Mark Cooper, an NBA player-turned-substitute teacher/gym coach. The show spanned five seasons on ABC.
Curry guest starred in two episodes of The Jamie Foxx Show as an eccentric driving instructor. In addition, he also had guest starring roles on television series Living Single in 1994 and Martin in 1997, and minor roles in the films Switchback and Armageddon in 1998.
In 2000, Curry also had a recurring role on The Drew Carey Show as Drew’s boss at Winfred-Louder. He appeared in six episodes. In an April Fools’ episode of The Drew Carey Show, Drew refers to Mr. Soulard as Mr. Cooper, the joke being that Curry played both roles.
Curry was the host of Comedy Central’s Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush in 2000 and had minor roles in For Your Love, which starred Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper co-star, Holly Robinson Peete. In 2001, Mark had a minor role in the Disney Channel Original Movie Motocrossed. Later in the year, Curry played one of the leads in another Disney Channel Original Movie, The Poof Point.
In 2012, Curry joined Sommore, Earthquake, Bruce Bruce and Tony Rock on the “Royal Comedy Tour.” Many spectators have viewed Curry’s stand-up comedy performance as the highlight of the show leaving the audience in hysterical laughter.
Later in 2012, Curry joined Nick At Nite’s first-ever original live-action family comedy series, See Dad Run as Scott Baio’s friend Marcus. The series is currently in production on the former Happy Days stage in Los Angeles. On December 19, 2012, Nick at Nite renewed the series for a second season of 20 episodes.
