Bill Bellamy Reflects on 30 Years and Richmond Connection

Watch: Bill Bellamy Reflects on 30 Years and Richmond Connection

After three decades in comedy, television, film and entertainment, Bill Bellamy is entering a new chapter — but he has no plans to slow down.

The comedian and actor is bringing his stand-up comedy to Richmond this weekend as part of his Summer Top Billin’ Tour, with shows scheduled at the Richmond Funny Bone Friday and Saturday.

But before he takes the stage, Bellamy sat down for a candid conversation about his career, his connection to Richmond, the phrase he helped make famous and the next chapter of his career.

Richmond Has Become a Favorite Stop

Bellamy said Richmond has always given him a warm reception, and the city has become a natural stop during his current East Coast run.

“I love when I hit the East Coast,” Bellamy said, explaining that he had already performed in Washington, D.C., and Virginia Beach before making his way to Richmond. “So, hitting Richmond is super dope.”

He said the city’s mix of people from Virginia, Washington, D.C., New York and New Jersey makes the atmosphere feel familiar.

“It really feels like I’m at the crib,” he said.

For Richmond audiences who haven’t seen Bellamy perform stand-up, he promises something different from the roles many fans may know him for.

Don’t Expect Just the Bill Bellamy You Remember

For longtime fans, Bellamy may be best known from Def Comedy Jam, MTV, How to Be a Player and Love Jones. But Bellamy wants audiences to remember that comedy was where his career began.

“I came up in the game as a stand-up comedian,” he said.

Bellamy said people may recognize him from his acting and television work but may not realize just how much energy he brings to a live comedy show.

“I think I’m so surprising to people,” he said. “You might not necessarily see how explosively funny I am.”

That live performance is also where Bellamy said he is currently challenging himself as a comedian.

Bellamy Is Still Trying to Prove He’s “Top Five”

After 30 years in entertainment, Bellamy isn’t content to simply rely on his résumé.

He’s preparing to shoot a new comedy special and said he’s determined to prove that he belongs among the best comedians working today.

“I’m at this point in my life where I just really want to prove to everybody I’m top five,” Bellamy said.

He compared his current mentality to Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards — confident, hungry and still working toward the championship.

“I ain’t got my championship yet, but I’m on the way with it,” Bellamy said.

That competitive spirit is part of what has kept him going after three decades in the entertainment industry.

Thirty Years Later, the “Booty Call” Legacy Lives On

Bellamy also reflected on one of the most recognizable phrases associated with his early comedy career: “booty call.”

He was asked what it feels like to hear the phrase still being used three decades after he introduced it to mainstream audiences.

“It’s never going to go away.”

For him, the continued use of the phrase is a reminder of how certain moments from his career have become part of everyday culture.

“People Are Calling Me a Legend”

Bellamy is also beginning to embrace a title he says he didn’t necessarily expect: legend.

He said people have increasingly been telling him that he’s a legend in the entertainment industry.

At first, he wasn’t sure exactly what they meant.

“Does it mean because I’m still here or is it what I did?” he said.

Either way, Bellamy said he’s enjoying the recognition.

What’s Next for Bill Bellamy?

Despite three decades in the business, Bellamy isn’t looking backward for long.

Bellamy will perform at the Richmond Funny Bone Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. as part of his Summer Top Billin’ Tour.

After 30 years in the entertainment industry, Bellamy says he’s still hungry, still creating and still proving himself.

“I’m cooking,” he said.

Catch the full interview below.