Till date, he is majorly recognized as the first black late-night syndicated talk show host from his groundbreaking Arsenio Hall Show (1989 – 1994) and for his signature rallying hand and excited whooping gestures. Not only was he known in the comedy sector but Arsenio acted in movies like Coming to America (1988) and Amazon Women on the Moon (1987).
Date of Birth: February 12, 1956
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
He became interested in magic as young as 7 and began performing at birthday parties weddings and other celebrations. His interest changed gradually from magic to comedy ad he finally decided in the 1980s to pursue a career as a comedian. Hall started out in advertising though but switched to stand-up comedy and was eventually discovered by singer Nancy Wilson. Keep on reading as we take you through the small family of the hilarious African-American.
Annie Hall (mother)
She was the secretary who worked in church on summer vacations and fell in love with the older pastor who was also her father’s best friend. After her divorce from Fred, she took her son and went to live with her mother a few blocks away. She attended school while working two jobs in order to cater for her family and because she was so busy, Annie barely had the energy to pay attention to her son’s theatrical abilities but she did send him to summer classes that helped hone his creativity.
Fred Hall (father)
Year of Death: 1979
Fred was a Baptist preacher but separated from Anne when their only child was just six. According to Arsenio, his father was the clergy man who rarely had time for social activities with his “family” as he was always preparing one sermon note or the other. This does not go to say his father did not love him but ministry just came first all the time.
Arsenio Hall has no siblings
Cheryl Bonacci (former partner)
Cheryl with son Arsenio Jr
Duration of Relationship: 1987 – 2002 (15 years)
Cheryl was his former girlfriend, manager and mother to his only child.
Arsenio Cheron Hall Jr. (son with Cheryl Bonacci)
Month of Birth: September 1999
Hall had been told by his doctor that he couldn’t physically have children and this news saddened him big time. He really loved kids and seeing his friends happy as fathers only made him want it much more. He tried several times to be hopeful but nothing seemed to work until his former lover got pregnant. As expected, the talk show host was overjoyed and could care less whether it was a boy or girl but secretly hoped his child would be a boy. Again, his wishes were granted and Bonaccci had a boy.
For many years after the birth of the younger Arsenio, Hall chose fatherhood over fame and became a stay-at-home dad. According to the celebrity entertainer, he fell in love with the idea of fatherhood so much so that he was willing to let go of his career at least for the early years in his son’s life. He was determined to be there for every milestone however insignificant it may be.
Arsenio Hall Jr. with mother Cheryl Bonacci
One day, Arsenio Jr. encouraged his father to go for the Celebrity Apprentice show. It was a program they always watched as father and son and Hall had been invited quite a few times to come for the show but he declined every invite saying it would take him away from his son and he wasn’t ready for that. He took his son’s advice and fortunately, he won the show. Now, Arsenio is looking forward to working more as he thinks he can finally juggle life as an entertainer and a dad.
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