Bill Bellamy: The Man Behind the Legendary ‘Booty Call’ Joke
Bill Bellamy’s journey from Newark, New Jersey to the heights of stand-up comedy and television stardom is a testament to his natural wit, charm, and hard work.
A comedian, actor, and TV host, Bellamy is best known for coining the phrase “Booty Call” on Def Comedy Jam—a joke that not only made audiences laugh but also became part of the cultural lexicon.
Bellamy’s start in comedy was almost accidental. While attending Rutgers University, he entered a male beauty pageant and, for the talent portion, performed stand-up comedy.
His routine won him the competition and planted the seed for a career in comedy. After graduating, Bellamy briefly worked as a marketing executive for a cigarette company while honing his act in clubs and competitions.
His big break came when he performed on Showtime at the Apollo, one of the toughest stages in comedy. Not only did Bellamy make the notoriously difficult audience laugh, but he also caught the attention of Russell Simmons, who was producing HBO’s groundbreaking show Def Comedy Jam.
Simmons saw Bellamy perform at New York’s Uptown Comedy Club and was impressed, especially by a new joke Bellamy had recently developed about “booty calls.”
Simmons insisted that Bellamy perform the joke on Def Comedy Jam, and the rest is history. The joke became a cultural phenomenon and solidified Bellamy’s place in comedy history.
Bellamy’s stand-up success led to a stint as a VJ on MTV, where he became one of the network’s most popular hosts.
His work on MTV opened doors to roles in television and film, including leading roles in How to Be a Player, Any Given Sunday, and Fastlane. His ability to connect with audiences through humor and charisma made him a household name during the 90s.
In recent years, Bellamy has returned to his first love: stand-up comedy. His special Bill Bellamy: Back to My Roots aired on Comedy Central, bringing his unique brand of humor to a new generation of fans.
He also serves as the host of Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes on TV One and hosted Last Comic Standing, giving him the opportunity to mentor and showcase up-and-coming comedians.
Bill Bellamy’s career has spanned decades, and his influence on comedy is undeniable. From his MTV days to coining iconic phrases and delivering laugh-out-loud performances, Bellamy remains a major force in entertainment.
Whether he’s performing stand-up or hosting TV shows, one thing is clear: Bill Bellamy knows how to make people laugh.
