Malik S. is the kind of comedian, actor, and writer who connects with every viewer from all walks of life. Fresh off the release of his fearless new comedy special, Laughing Voodoo, directed by Cedric the Entertainer, Malik is delivering the feel-good, boundary-pushing laughter we grew up on with punchlines that stick long after the lights come up. He is currently on tour with Cedric, rocking his own set during the show and proving, night after night, why he is a headliner in full command.
On camera, Malik has stacked memorable guest and recurring roles on ABC’s Black-ish, CBS’ The Neighborhood, Born Again Virgin, and The Soul Man, while also lighting up HBO’s Bad Boyz of Comedy, BET’s Comic View, and Last Comic Standing. Behind the scenes, his pen is just as dangerous. He has written for Netflix’s Black AF, CBS’s The Neighborhood (where he also recurs on screen), and Comedy Central’s Chamberlain Heights, balancing character-first jokes with cultural bite. He is in year two as a current writer for the NAACP Image Awards, and his live-TV chops include writing for BET’s Soul Train Awards and ABC’s Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, where timing, tone, and precision matter. Malik is also currently writing a Christmas movie for Netflix, expanding a portfolio that moves effortlessly from club to camera to the biggest stages on television.
Tell the Dear Fathers community more about who you are and what you do?
I’m Malik S. I’m a father of two, my son is 27 and my daughter is 17. Both kids are from my ex-wife. I’m a comedian, actor and writer.
Many people wear one hat in this industry. You are a comedian, actor, AND writer. Which one did you show up as first, and which one surprised you the most?
I was a comedian first and will always be a comedian first because it’s opened so many doors for me. I always wanted to act as most comedians do. But I didn’t see myself being a writer but again comedy has opened so many doors for me.
Laughing Voodoo is a strong title. How did you come up with it?
The title “Laughing Voodoo” is a play off the stereotype that Haitian people do voodoo. Yes I’m Haitian American born and raised in Miami. So my voodoo is making people laugh.
Cedric the Entertainer directed this special. What does it mean to have a legend not just co-sign you but actually invest in your vision? What did that relationship look like behind the scenes?
To have Cedric direct “Laughing Voodoo” was an honor and pleasure. We have a great bond as friends and in business too. He’s seen my set many times so it was easy for him to capture every moment just right. He knows my voice and my mannerisms.
Cedric the Entertainer was on our Dear Fathers Podcast before, do you two ever talk about fatherhood? If so, what are those convos like?
Cedric and I talk about everything. We’re like a walking barbershop when we’re around each other nothing is off the table. We’ve had talks about fatherhood. I’ve talked to him about figuring things out with my kids and it’s just a real man to man conversations, it’s just that he’s famous but he’s a regular good hearted human being.
Tour life is no joke. How do you balance being a father while on the road and navigating your career simultaneously?
In this day of such great technology it helps me to stay connected to my kids when I’m on tour. We facetime, text, especially text these kids really only text. But when I’m home I try to spend as much time with them as they let me. They’re growing up and have their own lives now and I try to respect that.
Who is Malik as a father?
As a father , I’m giving, understanding, passionate, stern, funny and loving. I think I’m a cool as father but I’ sure my kids probably think I’m lame and square.
You are in year two writing for the NAACP Image Awards. What does it mean to you personally to be in that room, writing for a ceremony that celebrates Black excellence specifically?
Writing NAACP Image awards is really special because it’s highlighting us (Black people). Any time I have help create something that celebrates my people, I’m all for it.
You have been doing this for years and you are still not just surviving but genuinely thriving and expanding. In an industry that chews people up and spits them out, what is your secret to staying in the game?
To stay in this entertainment thing you have to keep creating. You have to keep setting new goals. My finish line is when my casket closes and then I’ll start a new career in heaven or wherever the creator sends me, I’m bringing the jokes with me.
