Comedic actor Rodney Perry has made millions laugh through his boisterous and uninhibited on-screen performances. You might recognize him from his work as co-host of “Who’s Got Jokes” or BET’s “Mo’Nique Show,” to his starring role as Harold in Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family. Perry got his start when opening up for the likes of Steve Harvey, George Lopez and Cedric the Entertainer. Almost 10 years later, he is traveling the country to sold-out audiences and hosting his popular online radio show, “Rodney Perry Live.” Perry may wear several professional hats, but admits he will always be a comedian at heart.
“I love what I do in the entertainment industry, but I enjoy giving back even more,” he says. Currently, Rodney has teamed up with the Be Amped Campaign, a nonprofit raising awareness on breast cancer. He is also working on his own upcoming mentoring program for young people who need guidance in their careers.
Rolling out spoke with Perry to further discuss his involvement with the campaign, his health regimen and how he balances his personal and professional life.
Peep the highlights below:
How did you get involved with the Be Amped campaign?
I had an aunt that was diagnosed with breast cancer, so I am always looking for ways to stay connected to the cause. I learned about the Be Amped campaign through an interview I did with the company. When you think about breast cancer, it can become a sad thing for people, but they were more so about being hyped and really attacking breast cancer [in] a different way. I thought the movement was so dope!
Does breast cancer run in your family?
My aunt was the first person to become diagnosed with breast cancer in my family, but there have been other relatives affected with different forms of cancer. As I look back, I remember my aunt going through it very vividly, but she is now a survivor.
What is your personal health regimen?
I am a little bigger than I would like to be right now. Personally, I am trying to do 100 miles between now and the end of the year. This is the goal I have set for myself. I was just talking to the guys at the barbershop I get my hair cut at. They are the ones who have me on this weight-loss challenge. From day to day you have to eat right and keep active. My thing is to make sure that I move every day to get my heart rate up even if it’s just doing some jumping jacks in my home. If you can do that than you can live a long, healthy life.
As a professional comedian, how do you balance your career and personal life?
I don’t. I wish I was balanced. I am always up late at night and not getting the proper sleep, along with eating terribly, in general. What I found out is that I can request the healthy meals. Consistency can be difficult, but you just have to create the habit. When you do your research on cancer you will see that it is connected to dieting and exercising. I try to get as much sleep as I can, because your body needs to recuperate. Most people are glued to their phones and checking their social media. They need to give themselves time to unplug and relax. This is what I have been working on.
How did you come up with the 100 mile challenge for yourself?
I wanted to give myself a goal and I felt like that was attainable. The end of the year is a little less than 50 days away. I think I can manage two miles a day and make it happen. I also think the 100 miles sounds dope. I will try to achieve my goal by running, treadmill usage and walking. I am based in Atlanta, so I typically workout at the Silver County Trail. That is my main spot. I run in to people all the time asking me what I am doing out there. I frequent L.A. Fitness a lot, which is where I have my membership at.
What other social causes do you champion?
I am all about giving back. I am currently working on starting my own nonprofit. I want to create a space where mentors and mentees get connected. For instance, there might be a kid who has an interest in music, then I would marry that kid with a musician or somebody in that field if he wants to produce or write. I have a name in mind, but I am not ready to tell everyone yet.
For more information on Rodney Perry, visit www.rodneyperry.com.
