Sinbad (b. 1956)

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Biography

David Adkins, better known by his stage name Sinbad, is an American stand-up comedian and actor. He became known in the 1990s from being featured on his own HBO specials, appearing on several television series, most notably as Coach Walter Oakes in A Different World (1987–1991) and as David Bryan on The Sinbad Show (1993–1994). He has also appeared in films such as That's Adequate (1989), Coneheads (1993), Houseguest (1995), Jingle All the Way (1996), Good Burger (1997), Crazy as Hell (2002) and Planes (2013).

Timeline

The story of Sinbad, told in moments.

1956 Birth

Born David Adkins in Benton Harbor, Michigan. His father was a Baptist minister. Grew up with five siblings. Attended the University of Denver on a basketball scholarship but didn't make the team.

What was growing up as a preacher's kid like? Did losing the basketball scholarship redirect your life? Was comedy always there beneath the surface?

1985 Life

Broke into comedy after serving in the Air Force, where he'd repeatedly gone AWOL and nearly gotten a dishonorable discharge. Won an Air Force talent contest in 1981. The military's loss was comedy's gain.

How did repeated AWOL get resolved by winning a talent contest? Did the Air Force accidentally make you a comedian? Was military discipline good for your timing?

1987 Event

Cast as Coach Walter Oakes on A Different World, the Cosby Show spinoff set at a historically Black college. Stayed four seasons. His clean, physical comedy style made him a household name.

What was A Different World's set like? Did four seasons as Coach Oakes typecast or launch you? Was clean comedy a choice or just who you are?

1996 Event

Starred in Jingle All the Way alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, one of several 1990s family comedies. HBO specials and a self-titled sitcom cemented his status as one of the decade's top comedians.

What was it like going toe-to-toe with Schwarzenegger in Jingle All the Way? Were the 1990s your golden era? Is physical comedy a gift you were born with?

Artifacts (8)

Sinbad's Guide to Life: Because I Know Everything

My friend Oprah Winfrey, on her TV show, has called me "the funniest man on the planet." That was kind of embarrassing--but if Oprah wants to think I'm funny, who am I to argue? My mother says I'm...

1997

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A Modern Sinbad

1933

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Salt of the Sea: The Chronicle of a Genial Outcast, Red Saunders

1934

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Sinbad the Sailor

1962

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Sinbad's Funny, Funny, Funny Funny Guide to Life: Because I Know Everything

1997

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Sinbad's Guide to Life 6c Counter

1998

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Sinbad

2003

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The Life & Adventures of Sinbad the Sailor. Embellished with ... Copper Plate Prints

1801

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