By Willie Ellison

Mike Epps’ career is going strong and the multi-talented double threat’s career is getting stronger and stronger each year. Epps is a double threat in the entertainment industry because of his skills on the stage as a stand-up comedian and on the big screen.

Epps started in comedy at a very early age, but trouble still found the Indiana native. He was able to overcome many pitfalls that would ruin most people, but he managed to use life’s struggles and life’s experiences as part of his stage act, and was able to connect with the crowd on many different levels.

Epps recently brought his stage act to San Bernardino with his “I’m Still Standing Tour” featuring special guests. The show was held at the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino and attracted fans from throughout the Inland Empire and beyond. A number of fans braved the cold temperatures and drove from as far as Canyon Country and Lancaster to see Epps, their favorite comedian, who they refer to as Dae Dae, a character he plays in the hit “Friday” movie franchise created by actor/rapper Ice Cube.

Epps recently closed the show of his gut-busting I’m Still Standing Comedy Tour, which featured many of his friends who are up and coming in the comedy field. Comedian Chris Spencer was the host and did a great job and kept the crowd entertained between acts with his stand-up routine. Other guests included Uncle Grady, Michael B and Scruncho.

All the comedians kept the crowd laughing with their different styles of comedy. During their acts the comedians thanked Epps for giving them a shot and taking them on tour with him.  None of them disappointed the crowd and they represented Epps well.

Epps closed the two-hour show with a barrage of jokes and stories that had the crowd falling over in their seats. He touched on a number of topics that the diverse crowd of young and old could relate to, as well as the different ethnicities.

He talked about when he was young and growing older; he talked about being a parent, relationships and a number of other topics that had the crowd in stitches, but made them think as well.

He also shared with the audience the Twitter war he has been having with his comedian friend Kevin Hart. Many in the crowd follow Epps on Twitter so they were familiar with the war and the jokes that were told, but hearing him tell them had a much different effect.

Epps talked about the upcoming movies he will be featured in which include the remake of “Sparkle” and the fourth installment of the “Friday” movies. Of all the movies and characters Epps spoke of Dae Dae and the “Friday” movies the most, letting people know that he doesn’t mind when people call him Dae Dae in the streets, because that’s where he got his start. Epps’ special guests gave him love for giving them a shot and taking them on tour, and although Epps has found success in the entertainment business, he still thanks Ice Cube for giving him his start.

Epps, who began his career as a quick-witted, street-wise stand-up comedian with a little edge was able to parlay his unique style into a very successful career on the big screen. His cinematic range goes far beyond comedy. He broke into the movies with Ice Cube, playing his cousin Dae Dae in “Next Friday,” which was the sequel to the hit movie “Friday,” which launched Chris Tucker’s career.

When Tucker declined to do the follow up “Next Friday,” Ice Cube went to Epps and he played the part of Ice Cube’s cousin. The movie was so successful, and Epps was so well received Ice Cube quickly followed up with “Friday After Next” featuring Epps; he then teamed up with Epps on another Ice Cube creation called “All About The Benjamins.”

Epps quickly proved his big screen skills go far beyond comedy. He has starring and recurring roles in the big budget action series “Resident Evil.”  He appeared in the first three before his character suffered a tragic end, and didn’t make the fourth.

Epps has also appeared in a number of romantic comedies, including “Something Different” featuring Sanaa Lathan, and most recently “Jumping the Broom.”  He has also hosted the BET Hip Hop awards, posting some of the highest reviews in the show’s history.

In February Epps will be an Ambassador and Special Friend of Super Bowl XLVI to be played in his hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana.