Atlanta’s Donald Glover, Melissa McCarthy on Hollywood Reporter’s 40 most powerful people in comedy ranking
There are a ton of comedians that bring the funny, but a few are being recognized as the best in the industry, according to a new report.
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The Hollywood Reporter recently released its first "40(ish) Most Powerful People in Comedy" list, which "singles out the people who are charting not just the creative culture of comedy but its booming business," the publication said.
The round-up is comprised of comics, managers, talent agents, executives, producers and writers and includes both newer talents and a few veterans.
Among the honorees are several influencers with strong Atlanta ties.
Donald Glover made the cut for his work on "30 Rock," "Community," and FX's hit series "Atlanta." In 2017, he won Emmy awards for best comedy actor and director for the latter.
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The Stone Mountain-native was joined by Jamila Hunter, senior vice president of comedy at ABC, and Kenya Barris, creator of “Black-ish” and “Grownish,” who both attended schools in the Atlanta University Center. Hunter graduated from Spelman College, and Barris earned his degree from Clark Atlanta University.
Melissa McCarthy was also recognized as she is among the select stars who can open a film, with lifetime grosses of more than $1.1 billion, THR noted. While the Oscar nominee is not an Atlanta-native, she and her husband recently relocated to the city.
Other notables include Kevin Hart, whose upcoming movie "Night School" was filmed in Atlanta, Tina Fey, Kumail Nanjiani, Issa Rae and Michelle Wolf.
Want to know who else earned a spot? Take a look at the full list here.
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About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
