Rasheed Thurmond was a comedian who rose to fame in the early 2000s with his appearances on Def Comedy Jam, Bad Boys of Comedy, and other shows. He was known for his laid-back style of comedy, his witty observations of life in Brooklyn, and his hilarious impersonations of various ethnic groups. He passed away in 2007 at the age of 36, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and inspiration for many aspiring comedians.
Early Life and Career
Rasheed Thurmond was born on January 28, 1971, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a tough neighborhood, surrounded by different cultures and experiences. He developed a sense of humor at a young age, and started making jokes to entertain his family and friends. According to his mother, Elizabeth Thurmond, he began doing comedy at the age of five, when he would prank her friend who was afraid of mousetraps
He attended Erasmus Hall High School, where he met his lifelong friend and fellow comedian, Talent. They started performing together at local clubs and events, and soon gained recognition in the New York comedy scene. Rasheed also worked as a barber, a security guard, and a delivery man to support himself and his family.
Breakthrough and Success
Rasheed’s big break came in 1998, when he auditioned for the Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam Competition and won. He then appeared on several episodes of Def Comedy Jam, showcasing his sharp and witty humor to a national audience. He also performed on P. Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy, HBO’s Rooney’s Barbershop, and MTV’s The Uptown Comedy Club. He became one of the most popular and respected comedians in the industry, and was praised by his peers and fans alike.
Rasheed toured across the country and abroad, performing at various venues and events. He opened for many famous comedians, such as Bill Bellamy, Paul Mooney, D.L. Hughley, and others. He also performed at several colleges and universities, such as Penn State, Boston University, and Norfolk University. He was known for his ability to connect with any audience, regardless of their background or ethnicity. He often joked about his own experiences as a black man in America, as well as the stereotypes and differences of other groups, such as Latinos, Asians, Arabs, and whites. He did so with a sense of respect and affection, and never offended anyone with his humor.
Death and Legacy
Rasheed Thurmond died on November 27, 2007, in Queens, New York, from a heart attack. He was 36 years old. He left behind his wife, Tanya, and his four children, Rasheed Jr., Raheem, Rashawn, and Rashaad. He also left behind a large family of relatives, friends, and fans, who mourned his loss and celebrated his life.
Rasheed’s death was a shock to the comedy world, as he was considered one of the most talented and promising comedians of his generation. Many of his colleagues and admirers paid tribute to him, and remembered him as a kind, generous, and funny person. His comedy videos and DVDs are still widely available and watched by millions of people, who enjoy his timeless jokes and hilarious impressions. He is also an inspiration for many young and aspiring comedians, who look up to him as a role model and a mentor.
Rasheed Thurmond was a comedian who made people laugh and think with his unique and original style of comedy. He was a survivor of the streets of Brooklyn, and a proud representative of his culture and community. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was a legend in the comedy industry, and a star in the hearts of his fans. He was Rasheed, and he will never be forgotten.