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Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Mark Simmons knew early in life that he possessed the gift of humor, but more importantly, he enjoyed the feeling he derived from making people laugh. Following graduation from Illinois State University and a successful stint proudly serving his country as a member of the United States Air Force, Mark returned to his native Chicago. On a dare from a friend, Mark auditioned for the Miller Lite Comedy Search, a high profile marketing initiative from the Miller Brewing Company designed to locate and cultivate new comedy talent. In spite of his limited experience at the time, Mark made an instant impression on the judges, making it to the semi finals of the competition. While he didn’t win the championship, the experience was enough to present Mark with his true calling.Mark concentrated all of his efforts into becoming a world class entertainer. He honed his craft playing clubs, colleges and venues throughout Chicago and across the United States. Mark has developed a following around the world through stand out performances in several countries including Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In 1998, he made his first national television debut appearing on BET’s Comicview and has remained an audience favorite appearing on the show every season since.

Mark continues to grow as an artist while expanding his talent and experience. He followed the success of 2000 by landing a role in MGM’s breakaway hit “Barbershop” and can be currently seen reprising his role in “Barbershop 2: Back in Business.” In 2005 Mark starred in his third role in a major studio motion picture, “Roll Bounce,” a feature comedy spot on the television comedy show P.Diddy’s Bad Boys Of Comedy, on HBO, and he starred and toured in the multi media play Real Men Talking.