Shaq Brings the Funny to YouTube

The ex-NBA great on building a comedy empire and being inspired by Eddie Murphy and Fred Sanford.

(The Root) — Since he was a kid, Shaquille O’Neal has known how to make people laugh. Whether he was coining a hilarious new nickname (the Big Aristotle, the Big Cactus and the Big Shamrock, just to name a few) or dropping one-liners at postgame press conferences, Shaq frequently displayed great comic timing.

Now retired from the NBA, O’Neal is focused on creating a comedy empire: The Shaquille O’Neal All-Star Comedy Jam Tour is in its fourth year. His latest venture is the Comedy Shaq, a recently launched YouTube channel featuring a variety of programming, including skits, stand-up and appearances from Shaq and celebrity friends such as Kevin Hart, Chris Tucker and Steve Harvey. In fact, he’s one of several celebrities — including Russell Simmons, Jay-Z and Pharrell Williams – who have also recently launched their own YouTube channels.

Read more at the Root