Shes the top selling female comedian of all time, with performances such as Laughing in the Dark and her new Dove Channel comedy series, Chonda Pierce Presents Stand-Up for Families. Additionally, Pierce is a devout evangelical Christian, one whose faith has been a great source of strength and community. [3], Pierce got her start in comedy during a six-year stint at a theme park in Nashville, Tennessee called Opryland USA. Selfie Dad: Directed by Brad J. Silverman. By signing up, you agree to the our terms and our Privacy Policy agreement. Find a doctor. But at a certain point, Pierce realized not only that her faith was not preventing depression, but also that her experience of depression was making her question her faith. But you begin to have common interests. Pierce received five Daytime Emmy nominations for her work co-hosting talk show Aspiring Women on the Total Living Network and her first television special, This Aint Prettyville! on CMT (Country Music Television). It didnt affect me as far as questioning whether there is a God, or why is God allowing this? Her comedy shows are also regularly aired on Sirius Satellite Radios Blue Collar Comedy and XM Radios Laugh USA. X. And Chonda lost two sisters in two years, one in a car crash, the other to leukemia. Chonda Pierce: Laughing In The Dark opened October 27, 2015 at 500 theaters throughout the country for a one-night special event and was so incredibly popular, it returned to nearly 800 theatres for an additional one-night encore showing. In addition to her 10 successful albums to date, she has also authored eight books, most recently Laughing In The Dark (Simon&Schuster/Howard), the inspiration for her upcoming film, and appears at venues big and small throughout the United States making audiences laugh with her ability to find the positivity in any situation. And then at the same time there were pockets of people and places and things and conventions and conferences that did have me. No matter where you are and whatever you do. Chonda Pierce @chondapierce 25.3K subscribers Subscribe Facebook Home Videos Shorts Live Playlists Community Channels About Search Videos Play all 31:41 Live with Chonda! Additionally, Pierce felt that her depression highlighted a weakness in her faith, where she questioned why God was forcing her to suffer. Pierce, 59, is a preacher's daughter whose strict upbringing strongly discouraged profanity. Along come a few folks who said, Hey youve got a great following you can amass some great comics that are family friendly. So we put it all together and Im so grateful that they did. She has appeared in several of the Gaither Homecoming recordings and she wrote about her struggle with depression in Laughing in the Dark: A Comedian's Journey Through Depression (.mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit;word-wrap:break-word}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"\"""\"""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .citation:target{background-color:rgba(0,127,255,0.133)}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Lock-green.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg")right 0.1em center/12px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:none;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;color:#d33}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{color:#d33}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#3a3;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}ISBN1-58229-641-3). FOX411:You speak openly about your depression. 0. Pierce has an ongoing concert calendar[6] and her comedy segments also frequently appear on XM Radio's Laugh USA and Sirius Satellite Radio's Blue Collar Comedy 103. Piercing the darkness | Christian comedian overcomes depression, grief Get the help you need from a therapist near youa FREE service from Psychology Today. Market data provided by Factset. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Chonda Ruth Pierce (ne Courtney, born March 4, 1960), is a Christian comedian often billed as "The Queen of Clean." Background [ edit] She was born, Chonda Ruth Courtney, [1] in Covington, Kentucky, on March 4, [2] 1960, [3] while she was raised in South Carolina, by her father who was a preacher and mother, Virginia Whalen. [3] Chonda Pierce: Girl Talk. Her daughter is Chera Kay Pierce, while her son is David Zachary. I think he really dwells with us. She named her after her deceased sisters. callback: cb Not now, I'm highly medicated, people chuckle at that. With Michael Jr., Chonda Pierce, James Denton, Karen Abercrombie. Chonda Pierce's family had three girls and one boy, and Chonda was the third born. . But the thing that started weakening my faith a little bit is that it took so long for healing to kick in. I know I cant go back and fix that or change that. Chonda is a comedian; she spreads laughter and happiness to others. Nov 16, 2013 Updated Feb 18, 2020. "Born on March 04 resides in Nashville, Tennessee", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chonda_Pierce&oldid=1078034609, This page was last edited on 19 March 2022, at 14:17. Follow Sasha Bogursky on Twitter@SashaFB. Frantic, she called an ambulance to their Murfreesboro home. (function() { Being the daughter of one of the widely popular and well-earned comedians, the 38-year-old celebrity kid has had a comfortable life whose wealth is yet to be reviewed. When I tried to go back to work, and I realized that there were concerts cancelled that they began to cancel because they heard that Chondas depressed, shes taking medicine, she just got out of the hospital, she recalled. And she is happy and proud that she has emerged from depression with an even stronger sense of faith. You are already subscribed to our newsletter! Her daughter was given the names of her deceased sisters. And that would revolutionize the world, she said. He passed on due to complications resulting from the stroke her suffered. In 1999, the U.S. surgeon generals report on mental health identified stigma as one of the greatest barriers to people seeking treatment. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. A stand-up comedian, television hostess, author and now actress, Pierce has channeled her life experiences into positivity, bringing laughter to audiences around the country. Chondas childhood was so traumatic because of the loss she had to undergo at a young age. @ 2022 Copyright by tlwastoria. She has also appeared on Entertainment Tonight, The View, Fox News Channel, Wanda Sykes, and her comedy is regularly featured on XM and Sirius satellite radio. Chera was raised alongside her brother in Ashland City. It is alleged that her bitterness toward her mother has to do with Chonda's extreme focus on her career at the expense of the family. However, her career breakthrough came in 2015, when she earned the role of Kandi. During Chondas childhood, they lived in Georgetown, South Carolina, and later when she was 15, they moved to Ashland City. About - Chonda Pierce Her daughter is Chera Kay Pierce, while her son is David Zachary. From there, Pierce turned her gift of storytelling into a successful comedic career, selling more comic albums than any other female comedian. David was a gorgeous young man who wrestled for the state championship and also played the guitar. But I also feel grateful that what I do for a living, even just sharing a laugh for people, you get to see how much it pulled them out of dark. I do believe it was a providential thing. Chonda, a preacher's kid from Ashland City, grew up hearing that alcohol was evil, and if she drank, she was going to hell in a handbasket. Loving ourselves unconditionally, loving God unconditionally thats the beginning of learning to love others unconditionally. The Unconditional Love of Chonda Pierce | Psychology Today ", She was born, Chonda Ruth Courtney,[1] in Covington, Kentucky, on March 4,[2] 1960,[3] while she was raised in South Carolina, by her father who was a preacher and mother, Virginia Whalen. Let your voice and your choice be known. Riding on the success of her career as a comedian, singer, actor, and writer, 62 years old Chonda earned a decent amount of salary. She hoped that with her documentary, she would inspire others that had reached a point of depression like her. But its through that questioning that someone may be better able to discover that he or she is not depressed because of sin. And so I think thats where we really all struggle -- because were not Jesus. [4] A Theater Arts major from Austin Peay State University, Pierce went to the park to pay her college bill. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. John Michuki's Daughter Resigns from Ruto's Gov't as President Intensifies Purge on Uhuru's Appointees, Naftali Kinuthia Says He Regrets Killing Lover Ivy Wangeci Using Axe: "Too Angry to Think", Mother's Love Prevails: Chinese Woman Divorces Husband After Refusing To Pay Son's Medical Bills, US Denies Pushing LGBTQ Agenda in Kenya Through Donations: "We Respect Kenyan Position", TikToker Brian Chira Confesses Love for Andrew Kibe: "I Want You". Over the years, Chonda's daughter, Chera, began to resent her parents. Piano Side," a collection drawing material from her childhood growing up as the daughter of a . The way that you fall in love with someone is that you meet him. Id be a great Christian, if it wasnt for me, she said. We were each others soulmates through all that.. 16,236 talking about this. Besides, I can use the sleep!. Chera Pierce Meredith is the daughter of Chonda Pierce, a notable stand-up Christian comedian, television host, author, and actress. And were supposed to strive to be that way., And yet this message may not always be conveyed. But now, Pierce has come to a new understanding about her depression, in which she has reconciled that she can be a deeply spiritual person and suffer from depression at the same time. Chonda Pierce is the mother of two children: Chera Pierce Meredith and David Zachary Pierce. Performance & security by Cloudflare. He was good looking, with brown, wavy hair, smart, a guitarist and a state champ wrestler in the 100-pound weight class. And I think that hes in the business of reminding us that we are defeated., But Pierce believes that her faith in God is stronger. Since she had a troubled childhood she needed the entertainment to study. It resonated with people and the more opportunity that you have to share you should. If you can identify it, great. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2d7dfb98fcbca6 But we forget that. That teaches me that he doesn't leave us empty handed. They had me because I was speaking about something that needed to be heard. Chonda Pierce turns tragedy into comedy | Fox News During her USO tours, she performed for the troops. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. For example, one study of 142 patients a week prior to heart surgery found that individuals with stronger religious beliefs had fewer subsequent complications and shorter hospital stays. They were a family of four, consisting of her husband and two children. Further, depression can be a chronic condition, with depressed people at risk for relapse over their lives. What made you decide to do this? I was already set up to be a comic, then I got depressed. Her father's name is David W. Pierce. A few months later, David started drinking again. Chonda Pierce finds humor in her South . April is famously known as Kandi on Two and a Half Men, the role which catapulted her to fame. But instead of losing hope, the comedian turned to stand up and comedy as a way to work through the hard times. David W. Pierce, Chonda's husband, initially met as a sophomore at Cheatham County High School in Ashland City, Tennessee. Knowing what you value will help you build the most meaningful life possible. And they had me because I was depressed. I had lost both sisters by the time I was 18. It was something that needed to get out and needed to get dealt with, she said. Chonda Pierce appeared on many stages, including the Grand Ole Opry in Tennessee. Chonda Pierce | Nashville TN - Facebook Comedian Chonda Pierce has lived a life of paradox. on: function(evt, cb) { David W. Pierce was her husband until he died in 2014. 998 views1 year ago. PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see TUKO News on your News Feed, Get the news that matters from one of the leading news sites in Kenya, Linet Toto's Dowry: 7 Delectable Photos from MP's Negotiation Ceremony, Kenyans Share Hilarious Memes, Frustrations as KPLC Announces Nationwide Power Blackout, Xtian Dela's Mum Cries Bitterly As She Begs Son to Come Home, Says She's Not Seen Him in 4 Years, Couple Lose KSh 3.4m on Their Wedding After Guests Don't Show Up: "So Heartbroken", Who is Mary Nolan? window.mc4wp.listeners.push( The documentary made many people wonder how such a great talent of comedy that made many people happy had endured a life of struggle and the loss of her loved ones. Preacher's daughter went from the pews of Orangeburg to heights of comedy. I have always been solid in that area, Pierce explained. Cheras mother got her break in comedy when she went to the theme park in Opryland USA in Nashville, Tennessee, while she was majoring in Theater Arts at Austin Peay State University. ); And Im crazy enough to believe that., He had a stroke because of his drinking in 2013, and brain surgery couldnt save him. ABC, NBC, the big networks, they still don't know what to do with me. As the undisputed highest-selling female comedian of all time, this preacher's daughter is here to share some of her funniest stories with you and your whole family. Chonda Pierce Brings America Laughter from Her Living Room with She grew up in South Carolina. He had this beautiful, unconditional love. She majored in theatre arts. They first met in his second grade at Cheatham County High School in Ashland City, Tennessee. Press Esc to cancel. In the middle of all that, Chondas mother died. And to realize that in this body, in this flesh, we have limitations, she said. PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! The patients were standing on the porch. Today, as the RIAAs best-selling female comedian, Pierce continues to bring the laughs with her unique blend of music and comedy. She is the thirdborn of four siblings. By using BiJog.com you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. David W. Pierce is the co-author of two children's books with his wife, popular Christian comedienne Chonda Pierce, and a memoir, Salvage. Chonda was born on March 4, 1960, in Covington, Kentucky, where she grew up. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Are comedians, like Amy Schumer for example, too vulgar? Through her experience with depression, Pierce gained a clearer understanding of the influences of God and Satan in our lives. After being hospitalized and diagnosed, Pierce saw immediate improvement. Because if we can learn to love him unconditionally, then we dont get mad when he doesnt answer our prayers the way we think he should answer them, she explained. Loretta . How am I going to provide for my family? Don't Let Me Go: What My Daughter Taught Me About the Journey Every By Martha Rose Brown, T&D Staff Writer. She started in comedy because of a six-year stint on the Park of Nashville in Tennessee called Opryland USA. Unfortunately, there are no records about her husband and children, as it seems she cut all ties with her parents for unknown reasons. Chonda, a beloved Christian comedian, always has shared intimate parts of her life with millions of fans at concerts and through recordings. Chonda Pierce:You just take the next day and the next day and if you're really blessed, somebody goes thank you for taking the next step. She is also a member of several reputed organizations related to comedy. She performed many times at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Chonda Ruth Pierce, popularly known as "The Queen of Clean," is a Christian comedian. Unfortunately, she has kept everything about herself private. Where is Chera Kay Pierce now? Throughout her massively successful career she has released ten comedy DVDs. Know About Chonda Pierce's Daughter Chera Pierce Meredith Summary: Chonda Pierce has two children: Chera Pierce Meredith (one daughter, born February 13, 1984) and David Zachary Pierce (her son, born September 6, 1989.) I think that my God is much more powerful than any other entity out there. May 15 FAMILY CAMP is all about family and faith and it's FUNNY! She was previously married to David, but she is now single, not as a result of a divorce but instead as a result of David's death during emergency brain surgery. Did You Know Anxiety Can Enhance Our Relationships? She even has her husband and daughter at this concert. And Ive been grateful for that, because Ive known people who give up on faith for a lot less.. He and Chonda were friends at first, and over time their friendship turned into a full-fledged romance. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. While Minnie left some big shoes to fill a distinctive, well-worn pair of black Mary Janes to be exact after her passing in 1996, a new generation of female comedians have taken up the mantle in her honor at the Opry House, including regular Chonda Pierce, who impersonated Minnie while working at the old Opryland USA theme park. Pierce described how the fear of stigma kept her from seeking help. Get a diagnosis. Chondas husband was a professor and an alcohol addict. Chonda drove him back to Discovery Place that same night. Popularly known as The Queen of Clean for exceptional skills in comedy, the Emmy-nominated comedian released her first film Chonda Pierce: Laughing In The Dark, in October 2015. She was raised alongside her brother David. This article about an American comedian is a stub. Pierce is fresh off an incredible year after debuting her movie Chonda Pierce: Laughing In The Dark, to rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. In addition to her comedic work, Pierce has used her success to help others, and in 2006 founded Branches Recovery Center, which offers counseling and treatment to those with depression, anxiety, addiction, regardless of their ability to pay. Chonda Pierce bringing hope, laughs to pandemic-weary fans Pierce: I believe in the Bible and what it says. Legal Statement. Besides being a TV presenter, author, and actress, she is also a contemporary gospel stand-up. Pierce: I think they're funny and clever and I love that. David turned to alcohol for comfort after the loss of their daughter due to parental neglect and poor parenting, and Chonda Pierce's life got even more complicated. Chonda also has a son with her late husband David W. Pierce. My job is good, she said. Emmy-nominated comedienne Chonda . She named her after her deceased sisters. And then it opens the dialogue to begin to love each other more, Pierce explained. Our father was a pastor and was a very abusive man. Despite attending rehab, he did not stop drinking, and this caused him to have a stroke in 2013. That keeps me going and lets me know that he's not out to get me, he's not trying to pick on me. What he does is, when our own humanity, our own self, does something stupid or steps out of line or sins or gets sick or depressed, the way he operates is through our thought process to allow that to defeat us. tickets.familycampmovie.com 2:19 630 views Chonda Pierce Chonda Penetrate is an American entertainer. Chonda Pierce Biography - Affair, Single, Ethnicity, Nationality Chonda was pretty popular herself, and she and David formed a friendship that turned romantic. Chonda Pierce "Laughing In The Dark" | FREE FULL LENGTH FEATURE One of those well-meaning church ladies said to me once, You shouldnt talk about anti-depressants from the stage. She is the RIAA's most-granted female comic ever. For comedian Chonda Pierce, comedy isn't just her day job; it's also a way for her to share her faith and overcome depression. Chonda felt like a complete idiot. I have to have that same unconditional love for myself. While growing up, she was looked at as a preacher's daughter, conversing with the hellfire preaching with wooden pews. Preacher's daughter went from the pews of Orangeburg to heights of Being one of the most popular Christian comedians, with five Gold certified and two Platinum comedy albums to her credit. Maybe you dont even have to open the Bible. The two dated on an off, and shortly after college, they got married. Lets redeem that. Popularly known as "The Queen of Clean" for exceptional skills in comedy, the Emmy-nominated comedian released her first film "Chonda Pierce: Laughing In The Dark," in October 2015. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. } These events in part fueled Pierces bout with severe depression, which left her suicidal and eventually hospitalized. Pierce described how she experienced this interpersonal cycle. David struggled taking care of his divorced, alcoholic father known as the Ashland City drunk who sometimes slept on downtown benches. . In addition to her accolades, Pierce is a frequent guest on famed Grand Ole Opry and has served as host of the Inspirational Country Music Awards and Christian Music Hall of Fame Awards and also co-hosted the GMA Dove Awards in 2012. My thinking became cloudy. By Punam Karki | January 16, 2023 01:49 AM. She attended Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville for her studies. I loved the sound of an audience laughing. Old Medication, New Use: Can Prazosin Curb Drinking? Michael Friedman, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist in Manhattan and a member of EHE Internationals Medical Advisory Board. Watch Chonda Pierce: Girl Talk | Prime Video - amazon.com Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. So were all very afraid to step out., And Pierce did experience stigma after she was first hospitalized. Sometimes You Have To Laugh To Keep From Crying It may come as a surprise since she consistently keeps her audiences rolling, but Chonda Pierce's life has been anything but a barrel of laughs. Christian Comic Chonda Pierce On Her Late Husband's Alcoholism **Please note that due to scheduling and other constraints at this time we are accepting inquiries for private engagements only, and that will not be advertised** The DVD and digital versions will debut on April 5, 2016 and will be available nationwide. My thing is that I think its great to have those questions. Chonda Pierce's daughter, Chera Kay, is still estranged from her mother.