Arsenio Hall
Arsenio Hall
Host

Host Biography

Arsenio Hall The versatile actor, comedian and producer first became involved in the arts at "The Cleveland Playhouse" and continued to hone his craft through his Kent State University years. In 1979, Hall moved from Ohio to Chicago, Illinois, where he tried his hand at stand-up comedy and was discovered by Jazz singer Nancy Wilson. In the following few years Arsenio toured, opening for twenty major headliners, including Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and Stevie Wonder. Soon after, Arsenio made numerous appearances on television shows such as "Solid Gold" and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson."

In 1987, he served as interim host on "The Late Show," and on the strength of his work, he was signed to a film and television deal with Paramount Pictures, which subsequently led to the opportunity to co-write and co-star in the hit comedy "Coming to America." On January 3, 1989, "The Arsenio Hall Show" made its debut, providing a forum for cutting edge comedy and politics, and the television debut of such pop superstars as Mariah Carey, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Boyz II Men and countless others. He resigned from the late-night gabfest in 1994 to pursue other personal and professional interests.

In 1998, Arsenio joined the cast of the CBS's "Martial Law." He followed this up with a two-season stint as host of CBS's new "Star Search," and then, taking on his most challenging task to date, he returned to stand-up comedy and toured for the first time in over a decade. In 2010, Arsenio was featured in the HBO sports documentary "Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals," A&E's documentary special "The Battle For Late Night." In 2012, he was featured in the NBA Entertainment documentary "The Announcement." Arsenio was also featured as a "Guest Mentor" on the OWN Network's "Your OWN Show," as well as appearing as guest host on "Access Hollywood LIVE!," CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight" and "The View." On May 20, 2012, Arsenio was crowned the "Celebrity Apprentice" on NBC. He returned to late-night television as executive producer and host of the CBS/Tribune Broadcasting nationally syndicated "The Arsenio Hall Show," which aired during the 2013– 2014 season.

Most recently, he appeared on the PBS special "Eddie Murphy: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize," which aired in November, 2015.  Arsenio also appeared in a recurring role on season 4 of BET's "Real Husbands of Hollywood" and served as host of the prestigious 2016 BET HONORS special.  He is also enjoying a triumphant return to his first love of stand-up comedy, performing at venues across the country.