By BOTWC Staff
From – https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/
Reprinted – by Texas Metro News
Ladies and gentlemen, the one and only SINBAD!
Legendary comedian Sinbad made his long-awaited return to the stage for the “Netflix is a Joke” fest. Billed as the “biggest comedy festival in North America,” the Netflix fest is a partnership between the streaming giant and Live Nation that ran from May 2nd to 12th. Featuring more than 400 live stand-up shows with some of the best burgeoning and veteran comedians in the world; the festival descended on Los Angeles for 12 days of laughter in the city’s most historic venues.
Four years ago, the beloved comedian suffered a stroke as a result of a blood clot that traveled from his heart to his brain, the Los Angeles Times reports. Earlier this year, he returned to social media to thank fans for all of the love, prayer, and support while announcing that he’d soon be returning to the spotlight.
“Expect to see more of me soon…You can’t believe it? You better believe it. Miracles happen,” Sinbad said in his video.
His family backed him up in a statement, saying the comedian had vowed not to stop fighting until he returned to the stage.
This year, he began making appearances again, joining his fellow cast members from “A Different World” on their HBCU Tour via Zoom to address students from Clark Atlanta, Spelman, and Morehouse at the Atlanta University Center (AUC).
“It’s wild that the kids even know who I am. That’s beautiful,” he later said in a social post.
Now the “Jingle All The Way” star has finally hit the stage again, joining attendees of Netflix is a Joke to close out the festival. Assisted by a walking staff and family members, he arrived on stage to thunderous applause as the host announced the icon’s arrival. Seated, Sinbad called his return a miracle.
“I’m gonna tell you something – it is a miracle for me to come out tonight, even to be walking with that staff. I feel good that I can do that because the left side of my body was affected. My left hand, my left leg, just quit,” he told the audience.
He went on to encourage attendees to watch their words and the material they used in their jokes. He reflected on some of his earlier stand-up routines while also cracking a few jokes in tribute to his wife, who has stuck by his side.
“Be careful what you talk about. Remember I did my joke about having a stroke? You gotta be careful what you talk about because you’ll bring it to fruition. Thank God I did have the woman I talked about, the strong woman who loved me…This is your marriage vows, better or worse, in good health, bad health, rich or poor…Because I know with some of the dumb stuff I did during my marriage, I know some days when I’m in this wheelchair at the top of the steps, I know you’re up there thinking, ‘I know what you did,’” he joked.
As the audience burst into laughter, one thing was clear: Sinbad’s still got it and will always be one of the greatest comedians to ever do it. Here’s wishing the legend a full recovery. We can’t wait to see him at the next show.
Check out Sinbad’s return to the stage below!
Cover photo: Sinbad Makes Triumphant Return to Comedy Stage for ‘Netflix is a Joke’ Fest/Photo Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
