What do you get when a witty Texas native and an Olympic track star
meet the world of comedy? A joker on the run! :)
Olympic hurdler McClinton Neal also known as “The Clean Up Man of
Comedy” was born in Dallas, Texas and now lives in Los Angeles
California where he finished out his track and field career with the
Santa Monica Track Club. After retiring from competition in 2000,
Neal started to focus his energy on a career as a comedian/actor.
Neal had great success as a track and field athlete and he is the
first United States Olympian ever to perform stand up comedy
professionally.
Standing at 6’4”, Neal smooth southern style, quick wit and genuine
smile cause his audiences to feel right at home. Neal is very
personable and draws people in through a series of his life
experiences as an Olympic athlete, middle school teacher and coach.
He fuses a story telling style with short, quick jabs about life
situations to create a hodgepodge of variety, versatility and humor.
Neal has always enjoyed laughter with his friends and family.
However, he took his first stab at stand-up comedy during a college
party he hosted at his alma mater, the University of Texas at
Arlington. The comedy bug hit him again at the U.S. Olympic Training
Center a few years later. While Neal was rehabilitating from a knee
injury that sideline him for two tears, Olympic weight lifter, Mark
Henry, gathered up some of the other athletes in the dorm for a
show. Although not typical, each of these performances proved to be
a confirmation that Neal had talent beyond the track.
Neal has performed in some of the most notable comedy showcases in
Hollywood including The Improv, The Laugh Factory and The Comedy
Store. Neal says, “Performing at venues where legends such as Bill
Cosby, Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Redd Foxx and
Eddie Murphy have appeared is like the Comedy Olympics for me.” In
addition to appearances at college campuses, churches and theatres
all across the United States, he has also shared his comedic skills
internationally as part of the official entertainment for the 2000
Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.
He has also received recognition in Hollywood as an actor. You may
have seen him on ABC’s “General Hospital”, “Arli$$”, an HBO series,
or viewed his highlighted segment on Bet’s Comic View.” Neal has
also appeared as a comedy guest on the “Tavis Smiley Show”, who
hosted Urban Gospel International Awards Show in Los Angeles with
Stellar Award Nominee Natalie Wilson and featuring Richard
Smallwood, Donald Lawrence and Edwin & Walter Hawkins. In spite of a
busy schedule, McClinton has completed production of his first
full-length comedy DVD entitled “Who is This Guy?” featuring both
sketch comedy and stand-up.
Described by his high school coach, Earnest James, as being, “the
slowest athlete I have ever seen in 9th grade”, Neal was able to
excel in college and win the NCAA Championship in the 400-meter
intermediate hurdles and compete in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona,
Spain. Neal has been inducted into the University of Texas at
Arlington’s “Hall of Fame”, went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Exercise Science & Sport Studies and is now a
comedian/actor.
McClinton Neal is a well-rounded guy with a sparkling personality
and a lot to share. His background allows for rich stories and great
entertainment that the entire family can enjoy. So, when your event,
organization, or business is in need of a host and/or Master of
Ceremonies, special guest speaker or humorist offering good, clean
comedy, McClinton Neal is one of the best in the business.
