McClinton Neal's Biography

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.