Earthquake shakes up ABC
T'stone signs King of Comedy vet for show
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Studio has signed the comic known as Earthquake to a talent holding and development deal designed to result in a half-hour comedy project built around his act. Producer David Himmelfarb ("My Wife and Kids") will serve as exec producer on any project that results from the deal.
Earthquake, a veteran of "Kings of Comedy" producer Walter Latham's standup tours, is expected to topline a family comedy, according to Touchstone Television prexy Steve McPherson.
"I saw him as part of the 'Kings of Comedy 2' tour," exec said. "He's an equal-opportunity offender but he's a truth-sayer. He wants to do a show about a proud American father who's done everything right in life, but that's still not enough."
McPherson said Earthquake has "a bit of Roseanne and Archie Bunker in him. He has a very interesting voice for an African-American lead."
Earthquake recently toplined his own special for Comedy Central. He also starred in the just-released DVD "Latham Entertainment Presents," taped in Chicago.
Comic is also a headliner on the upcoming Crown Royal Comedy Soul Fest, a 20-city tour mixing comedy with music from performers such as Earth, Wind and Fire.
Deal was brokered by Gersh, Principato-Young Entertainment and attorney Stephen Barnes.
