“Tom Joyner Morning Show” jester J. Anthony Brown’s burgeoning
business portfolio is no joke. The comedian, actor, radio personality
and philanthropist says his many business ventures — including The J.
Spot Comedy Club in Los Angeles, J. Spot Clothing Store, J. Anthony
Brown Art Collection, J. Anthony Brown Suit Collection and the J.
Anthony Brown WatchOutDehNow! Productions — help him to maintain
balance in an unforgiving occupation that has devoured so many talented
souls. Mostly though, Brown says there are a few things he employs to
maintain his sanity where other legendary comedians failed: gratitude
and selflessness.
“I think that one of the
things that helps me, man, is that I constantly, constantly say ‘Thank
you, God, for what you’ve given me,’ because I’ve been truly, truly
blessed,” he says. “You get so caught up with so many people kissing
your a–, and you got so much money and you got so many cars and you
got so many houses, but you have not given of yourself. … I think the
thing that helps you avoid feeling sorry for yourself is to give of
yourself.”
Brown says he also ensures he spends
quality time with his friends and relatives. In fact, Brown is just
happy to be alive. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1990, the
same disease that claimed the lives of both his parents. So Brown is
grateful for the simple things in life.
“I
found sometimes that often people will have less in life and are
happier than people who have so much. Why? Because they are thankful
for where they are in life. And that to me — that’s what life is all
about,” he says.
At 56, Brown is just revving
up his engine. He’s coming out with a new clothing line this month, and
his J. Spot will be live every Wednesday on Sirius Radio. Brown wants
to turn his comedy club into a cultural landmark.
“For
me, I want take The J. Spot Comedy Club and make it the spot that you
have to see when you go to L.A. There [are] two places I want you to
[see] when you come to L.A. – Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles and The J.
Spot …,” he says.
