Doug E. Doug

Doug E. Doug, born Douglas Bourne on January 7, 1970, is a multifaceted entertainer with roots in both Jamaican and African-American heritage. He began his career at a young age, starting as a stand-up comedian at just 17. Early performances included a notable appearance at the Apollo Theater, where he was observed by Russell Simmons. This encounter proved pivotal, leading Simmons to ask Doug E. Doug to write and host 'The New Music Report,' a syndicated late-night program.

His work quickly expanded beyond stand-up and television hosting. He took on acting roles, including a brief part in Spike Lee's 'Mo' Better Blues'. Doug E. Doug gained wider recognition for his portrayal of Sanka Coffie in the 1993 film 'Cool Runnings,' where he played a pushcart driver who also participates as a bobsled racer. For his portrayal of Willie Stevens in 'Hangin' with the Homeboys' (1991), he was nominated for a Best Actor Independent Spirit Award. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, he appeared in various films such as 'Class Act,' 'Operation Dumbo Drop,' 'Dr. Giggles,' and the remake of 'That Darn Cat,' as well as taking on roles like a paranoid radio host in 'Eight Legged Freaks'. He also lent his voice to Bernie the jellyfish in the animated film 'Shark Tale' (2004).

Doug E. Doug has maintained a consistent presence in television, appearing in episodes of 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' in both 2004 and 2012, as well as 'Touched by an Angel' and 'Conviction.' He starred in the short-lived ABC sitcom 'Where I Live,' portraying Douglas Saint Martin, and played Griffin Vesey on the television series 'Cosby' for four seasons. In 2005, he participated in the musical production of 'Purlie'. He has also ventured into directing and producing, notably with 'Citizen James,' which he directed, produced, co-wrote, and starred in; it aired on Starz Encore/BET Movies. Since late 2012, Doug E. Doug has been creating content for his YouTube comedy series, 'The Doug Life Show,' part of The Comedy Shaq Network, featuring skit comedy and commentaries often with his cousin Sasikumar Ramakrishnan. In 2015, he appeared in 'An Act of War,' and additionally served as co-host of the VH-1 series 'Rock of Ages'.