RODNEY PERRY - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - THUR, DEC 17, 2015 - 6:00 PM PST

The term "gotta laugh to keep from crying" could easily be any comedian’s mantra but for one Louisiana transplant, Comedian Rodney Perry, the tracks of his tears have been a passionate journey to the top of his game which has led him to laugh out loud at all his naysayers. Born in Chicago, Perry would find the infancies of his comedy career. He was a rambunctious seven year old. His teacher noticed Rodney's funny nature and made a deal with him. If he would "shut up throughout the course of the day” he would be given an opportunity to perform for his classmates at the end of the day. Rodney took his teacher up on that deal. This was the beginning. Although the city of Chicago has shaped the man that is Rodney Perry. Rodney found his early comedy stride while living in Monroe Louisiana. In the halls of Carroll High School he often found himself acting as the host of talent shows and even emceeing basketball games. Rodney Perry arrived in Louisiana as a boy but he would leave a man. As he graduated from high school Rodney was also given the news that his first daughter was on the way. Perry then made a decision that would affect him for years to come, he joined the U. S. Navy. He says "How could I ask my mom to take care of me and my child? I had to grow up, I had to become a man in a hurry". That was the beginning of eight years of service. During which time Rodney was honing his skills as a comedian. As his second tour began to wind down, Perry felt it was time to take what he calls a "Leap of Faith". He exited the Navy with his then small family and moved to Hollywood.