Eddie Griffin has been able to reach his potential this year as an actor, screenwriter, and producer. “Dys-Funk-Tional Family”, a Miramax release combines Griffin’s stand-up comedy act with a cinema verite look at his personal life, will debut at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20 followed by a February 28 Theatrical release. The distribution rights are hotly contested. A soundtrack has been made and the details will be announced shortly.
“Dys-Funk-Tional Family” was produced by the Gold Circle films in association with Permut Presentations and Heartland Productions. Griffin has just completed work on “My Baby’s Mama”, a film in which he stars, co-wrote, and produces. The comedy is a look at how young men deal with the responsibility of having children. The film is set for Spring release.
Also in 2002, Griffin co-starred opposite Denzel Washington in New Line Cinema’s drama “John Q” and in Revolution Studios’ comedy, “The New Guy.” He also starred in Universal’s action/comedy “Undercover Brother.” The film, based on an animated internet comedy series, follows the secret exploits of a member of brotherhood fighting to overcome oppression. To infiltrate establishment groups, Griffin’s character adopts the persona of Antoine, a mayonnaise-loving, Gap-wearing, Friends-watching black man.
Griffin’s previous film credits include “Double Take,” “Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo,” “Picking Up the Pieces,” “Armageddon,” “Meteor Man” and “Jason’s Lyric.”
He is best known to television audiences as the star of UPN’s hit comedy series “Malcolm and Eddie.” Griffin was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for “Best Actor in a Comedy Series” for his portrayal. He also wrote and directed four episodes of the sitcom, one of which starred his mentor, Richard Pryor.
Griffin began his career in Kansas City, Missouri. He was working as a choreographer for a soccer team when a cousin bet him $50 that he would not go on stage during a visit to a local comedy club. After winning the bet, Griffin purchased a one-way ticket to Los Angeles. One month later he was performing at the renowned Comedy Store, where he compared with Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx and Lenny Bruce. Those performances led to featured appearances on the HBO specials “Voodoo Child,” the cable ACE-nominated “One Night Stand” and “Def Comedy Jam.”
Griffin’s comedy album The Messenger features comedic and musical performances by Griffin as well as Master P, Silkk The Shocker, and Fiend. Griffin held the first live comedy/R&B/hip-hop Webcast, “MLK 2K: We Still Have The Dream” during a recent Comedy Store performance.
He has formed his own independent record label, Bluelight Records. An accomplished musician, Griffin is also a member of his own band, Eclectic Divinity.
