Cover: Donnell Rawlings

Donnell Rawlings on Chappelle’s Show, Payin’ Dues and Why Comics Are the Biggest Haters

By Tasha A. Harris

Donnell Rawlings is hard at work as he sits in a conference room at his publicist’s midtown Manhattan office promoting his biggest television role to date as co-host of the long-anticipated Chappelle’s Show: The Lost Episodes. The seasoned comedian, who is best known for his famous Chappelle’s Show sketch characters “Ashy Larry” and “Beautiful”, is enjoying a multitude of career opportunities which include touring across the country and waking up New Yorkers every weekday on Power 105′s morning show Egypt and Ashy. After wrapping up his final phone interview of the day, he joins me outside on the patio and talks about paying dues in stand up, dealing with fame after Chappelle’s Show, and overcoming the envy of other comics who refused him stage time.

Read full interview (8 pages)