Brian Hooks sits down with Lou Williams and the Underground Lounge for a conversation about comedy, Hollywood, independent filmmaking, and the career that made him a familiar face in some of the most memorable Black comedies and cult classics.

Hooks takes us through his journey from Bakersfield and studying to become a math teacher to becoming an actor, comedian, producer, and filmmaker. He opens up about Three Strikes, The Eve Show, Soul Plane, Nothing to Lose, including how independent movies changed the business and gave filmmakers a way to create opportunities outside the traditional Hollywood system.

Brian also talks about working with some of comedy’s biggest names, the difference between making movies and television, his experiences on network TV, the evolution of Black movies and urban comedy, working with Tubi, and why today’s filmmakers don’t have to wait for Hollywood to give them a shot. His advice is simple: build your own team, create your own content, and let the industry catch up.

Plus, Brian gets into stand-up comedy, fan reactions to his most recognizable characters, life outside of acting, and some hilarious stories along the way.