Comedian Eddie Griffin is 'Going for Broke'

By Alicia Cruz
Senior writer
Theblackurbantimes.com

Living in such narcissistic times, it’s refreshing to see a high profile comedian like Eddie Griffin being mindful and concerned about his image and the vibes he’s giving off.

His reality TV series "Going for Broke" is a break from the trashy, raunchy and embarassing type of reality television we've become familiar with. "Going for Broke" is classy, humourous reality television at it's best and Griffin's flamboyant yet brother-next-door type of humor and style is the icing on the cake.

Griffin first appeared to us on Def Comedy Jam back in the early 90's and no one could forget his comedic imitation of Michael Jackson on Crack or his description of the Anita Hill/Clarence Thomas scandal as "Black on black crime at the highest level." Not surprising, Griffin was ranked at number 62 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time.

During his “Karma’s a bitch” episode of his “Going for Broke” reality TV show, Griffin decides to try and fix his karma by embarking upon a spiritual journey after a scrap in a nightclub and the repossession of his prized Bentley.

He seemed intent on doing whatever it took to make things right in his life even when his spiritual guru offered up weird and downright nasty tasks. Griffin appears driven and it's no wonder: the comedian/actor is father of eight and has five ex wives. Suffering financial troubles as a result of caring for friends and family since achieving stardom with his stand-up comedy routines and movie roles hasn't made Griffin bitter and he doesn't play the victim role or blame game.

He allows mom, Doris, to move in and help him get back on his feet and just brushes himself off and keeps forging ahead. The reality series features Griffin's sister who is blind, his son, Eddie, his brother and Uncle Curtis.Having a big heartand unable (or unwilling) to say "no" has Griffin working like a dog to keep up with the demand.

He’s a momma’s boy in every sense of the word, but he’s a momma’s boy with boundaries and a healthy balance. How often do we run into that? I enjoy Griffin's open and down-to-earth confessionals and the way he takes us through his day-to-day doings with class, energy and humor. I can’t really say that about too many reality TV shows.

Griffin's movie roster includes John Q with Denzel Washington, Undercover Brother, Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo, The Meteor Man and Double Take in 2001. He also starred in the UPN television series Malcolm & Eddie. In addition to his acting credits, Griffin has music to add to his burgeoning Hollywood resume per the two tracks he performed on Dr. Dre's album.

Griffin, age 41, a Kansas City, Missouri native made headlines when he crashed a $1.5 Enzo Ferrari in 2007. The pricey vehicle belonged to the producer of "Redline" a movie Griffin was starring in.

Check out the “Karma’s a Bitch” episode below and click the link for other’s here.