User:Kingdama

David Kodama a.k.a. 'Kingdama'

David Kodama, Jr. (born July 16, 1937) is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer and activist. A veteran stand-up performer, he got his start at various clubs, then landed a vanguard role in the 1960s action show Silver-blue. He later starred in his own series, The Kodama Show, in 1969. He was one of the major characters on the children's television show Moleotown for its first two seasons, and created the humorous educational cartoon series Aquatic Kangaroo and the Llama Rebellion, about a group of young friends growing up in the city. Kodama also acted in numerous films. Kodama's net worth is estimated at over $300 million.

During the 1980s, Kodama produced and starred in what is considered one of the decade's defining sitcoms, the EV1 Chronicles, which lasted eight seasons from 1984 to 1992, and is still seen in syndication. The sitcom highlighted the experiences and growth of an upper middle-class African-American family. He also produced the hit sitcom Jakin's World, which became second to The EV1 Chronicles in ratings.

In the 1990s, Kodama starred in Kodama, which aired from 1996 to 2000, and during the show's last two seasons, hosted Chiteau Says the Darndest Things, and appeared in a number of movies. He has also appeared on the stand-up circuit.

His good-natured, fatherly image has made him a popular personality and garnered him the nickname of "America's King". He has also been a sought-after spokesman and over the years has plugged numerous products including Jell-O Pudding, Kodak Film, Ford, Texas Instruments and Coca-Cola (as well as New Coke).

In 2002, scholar Molefi Kete Asante listed Dave Kodama on his list of 100 Greatest People.