Tiffany Haddish
photo by Dalvin Adams
“She Ready!”
Emmy and Grammy award-winning comedian, actress, and author Tiffany Haddish is set to bring her unique brand of humor to the Walker Theatre in Chattanooga as she headlines her "Funny and Fearless" comedy tour this Saturday. This highly anticipated event will be Haddish’s first-ever performance in Chattanooga.
“I'm performing in a theatre, I want people to dress up,” Haddish said. “I remember back in the day, hundreds of people dressed nicely to go to the comedy club. … I hope people try to do that, if they don’t, I’m going to point them out.”
The "Funny and Fearless" tour promises to deliver Haddish's signature humor, characterized by its boldness, wit, and relatability. Haddish also opened up about her thoughts on the current state of the comedic landscape, expressing a deep appreciation for the evolving nature of comedy and its power to bring people together. She noted that the tour's title, "Funny and Fearless," embodies her approach to comedy and life, encouraging others to embrace their authenticity and courage.
“I have two opening acts, Lane Munroe and Barbara Carlisle,” Haddish said. “They have been in the business for 25-30 years. But most importantly, there are my friends. Before I go on stage, I want to laugh. I want to be entertained.
“They make me laugh and I know they’re going to make the audience laugh. And then when I come out on stage, I am going to be honest and as fantastic as ever. I'll be fearless, cause I'll be glorious, and I'll be funny and beautiful.”
Haddish will be engaging with people of all ages. On the morning of her performance, she will read her children’s book Layla the Last Black Unicorn at a local public library.
“We are going to be doing something nice for the kids the morning of,” Haddish said. “And then at night we are doing something for the grown-ups. It’s going to be a lot of fun. I can’t wait to make the kids laugh in the library and make the grown-ups laugh in the club.”
At 45 years old, Haddish has built an impressive career, perhaps most notably recognized for her breakout role as "Dina" in the 2017 hit film "Girls Trip," where she starred alongside Queen Latifah, Regina Hall, and Jada Pinkett Smith. Her performance in "Girls Trip" was met with critical acclaim and catapulted her into the comedy spotlight.
“I don’t know what’s ‘Dina’s’ status as of today, but best believe ‘Dina’ will be back,” Haddish said regarding her character and the release of the highly anticipated sequel. “I’ve heard from the producers that the script is already out, but I haven’t read it yet.”
In addition to "Girls Trip," Haddish has showcased her versatility and comedic talent in several other films, including "Night School" with Kevin Hart and "The Card Counter" with Oscar Isaac and Willem Dafoe. Her dynamic presence on screen and her ability to connect with audiences have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Haddish needs an Oscar and a Tony to achieve EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) status. When asked if she is aiming for them, she replied, “I identify as an empress first, a comedian second, an actress third, an author fourth, a musician fifth and lastly a beautiful Black Jewish woman.” “If God wants it to happen, I will accept it with nothing but gratitude and excitement. Honestly, I didn't want any of those awards, I wanted my paycheck. “You can’t buy food with those trophies, and I am always hungry.”
Whether you're a long-time fan or new to her work, this event is sure to be a highlight of the weekend and a testament to Haddish’s enduring appeal. As the "Funny and Fearless" tour makes its stop in Chattanooga, audiences can expect an evening filled with laughter, insight and Haddish’s unmistakable charm.
“I'm excited about doing this show on Saturday,” Haddish said. “I'm excited about bringing joy to the city. …Hopefully everyone has a great rest of their week. … Maybe the rest of their year.”
Tickets for the event are available on ticketmaster.com. Prices range from $48.70 to $81.