Funnyman Tony Rock has been in comedy specials, sitcoms, hosted his own show and made appearances in countless movies, not to mention he is the younger brother of comedian Chris Rock. You would think that in the world of stand-up comedy, Tony would look up to his brother for guidance, which he did a little bit, but it was another man who truly inspired Tony to go towards his dreams, Tony & Chris’ dad, Julius Rock.
During his teenage years, Tony’s dad died and it completely left him feeling like he didn’t know what to do. But it was during his time of reflection that Tony started to remember some of the things his dad taught him and they carried over to adulthood. Now, Tony runs a foundation in honor of the man who laid the foundation for him.
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MyRock Foundation is a charity founded by Tony Rock to help build awareness and prevention of diabetes among African Americans. MyRock sponsors annual events in New York and California that include fundraising, awareness and prevention programs and family building activities.
“The foundation was started as a tribute to my Father,” explains Rock. “One of the most difficult times in my life was when I lost my father, Julius Rock, due to health complications caused by diabetes. Growing up, my Pops was the strongest guy I ever saw before in my life. He instilled a hard work ethic for me and my brothers and always told us about responsibility to others. MyRock is an example of my responsibility to educate people about diabetes.”
“My father was pretty much the President of the United States as far as I was concerned. He was that influential in my life that not having a Black President didn’t make me think that the unattainable wasn’t attainable because my pops taught us that we could do anything. My pops probably told us a million times that we could be the first black President. I didn’t have the grades for it so I didn’t believe him.”
“I really care for my friends and family. My pops told me when I was growing up that your friends are your brothers and sisters if you’ve got to pick them. So I don’t really have any “yes men” around me. I don’t have any people…
…around me that are leeches or just entourage. Everybody you see around me is a real friend, has my best interest at heart and I have theirs at heart and we love each other tremendously.”
“My favorite memory of my father was at the age of 14, when he made everyone get a job. You could have whatever you wanted for your birthday up until age 13, but at age 14, you could still have whatever you wanted, you just had to buy it. So I had a job with my father at 14 working at the New York Daily News.”
“Every time I take another step I’m proud. The first time I performed at a comedy club I was proud of that. When I got my first T.V. appearance, I was proud of that. When I got my first road gig, I was proud of that. When I got my sitcom, I was proud of that. I hope I keep progressing and making steps in the right direction to continue to make me proud of what I’m doing.”
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