John Henton’s journey to becoming a celebrated comedian and actor is a testament to his enduring talent and dedication, a path that began on the unassuming stages of comedy clubs. Even after achieving television fame, Henton has never forgotten his roots, consistently returning to live performances to hone his craft and connect with audiences. Recently, he even took a detour to grace the small screen in a guest role on “Hannah Montana,” showcasing his versatility and appeal to diverse audiences.
A significant milestone in his career was his performance at the Montreal International Comedy Festival – Just For Laughs in July 2005. Initially booked for a single “Uptown Comedy Show,” Henton’s captivating performance and infectious humor resonated so strongly with the audience that he was immediately invited for a second show. This ability to connect with and energize a crowd underscores his comedic prowess. Adding another dimension to his performances, Henton has also teamed up with Kim Coles, his former co-star from “Living Single,” creating a dynamic duo that has consistently charmed audiences.
Having spent nine remarkable years on network television, John Henton solidified his position as a leading comedic figure. He belongs to an exclusive group of actors who have successfully transitioned from stand-up to television stardom. His portrayal of “Overton Wakefield Jones,” the lovable and sensible character on FOX’s hit sitcom “Living Single,” earned him a devoted fanbase. This loyalty seamlessly followed him to his role as “Milsap” on “The Hughleys,” further cementing his place in television comedy. When “The Hughleys” transitioned to UPN for its third season, it became a vital component of the network’s successful Monday night programming. The show concluded its fourth and final season in the spring of 2002, leaving behind a legacy of laughter. Henton’s exceptional work in television was acknowledged with NAACP Image Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in both 2001 and 2002, accolades that recognized his comedic talent and impact.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, a career in comedy was not initially on John Henton’s radar. In 1982, while juggling a day job with night classes in computer science, a colleague encouraged him to try his comedic material at a local comedy club’s amateur night. Remarkably, by his second performance, Henton won the amateur night competition, marking the start of his part-time stand-up journey. In 1985, driven by his burgeoning passion, Henton moved to Los Angeles, and by 1988, he committed to stand-up comedy full time, chasing his dream.
After a year of touring and honing his act on the road, John Henton achieved a breakthrough in 1991 by winning the Johnny Walker National Comedy Search. This victory proved to be a pivotal moment when Jim McCawley, a comedy executive from “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,” recognized his talent and booked him for a performance on the iconic show. Following his set, Henton received the ultimate validation from Johnny Carson himself. Carson invited him to the coveted couch and, upon learning Henton did not have an agent, famously quipped, “Well you will after tonight.” Henton credits this appearance as the “serious jump-start” his career needed.
Since that career-defining moment, John Henton has become a familiar face on numerous television shows, including “The Arsenio Hall Show,” “Bob Hope’s Young Comedian’s Special,” and multiple return appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” In January 1993, Showtime recognized his rising star power by featuring him in his own half-hour comedy special, “John Henton: Comedy With An Attitude.” His performance on Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend” also garnered an overwhelmingly positive audience response, further solidifying his comedic appeal.
April 1993 marked another significant turning point when Henton was cast in the FOX TV series “Living Single,” alongside Queen Latifah, Kim Fields, and Kim Coles. The series achieved outstanding ratings, and TV Guide highlighted Henton’s character as one of the “break out” characters of the 1993 fall season. Reflecting on the show’s five-year run, Henton expresses pride and satisfaction in his contributions. He remains a sought-after guest on talk shows, having appeared on programs such as “Weekends at the DL,” “Best Damn Sports Show,” “The View,” “Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” “The Howie Mandel Show,” “Roseanne,” “Later,” “Donny & Marie,” “Fox and Friends,” and “Politically Incorrect,” showcasing his engaging personality and comedic insights across various platforms.
While John Henton has made Los Angeles his home, he maintains a strong connection to his roots in Cleveland. He cherishes his personal time with his daughter, Nicole Simone Henton, and has recently taken up golf, adding another dimension to his life outside of entertainment. John Henton’s journey is a compelling narrative of talent, perseverance, and enduring comedic appeal, marking him as a significant figure in contemporary comedy.
