It's been a while since Academy Award-winning actor
Jamie Foxx has been on the small screen. As of late, unbeknownst to many, the comedian has been making his presence felt behind the scenes.
The 'Blame It' singer produced the MTV series 'From G's to Gents' which turned slacker men into reformed gentlemen, and also served as an executive producer for the Emmy Award nominated HBO film 'Life Support.'
Now, he's gearing up to get back to his comedic roots with a new Fox sketch comedy series.
This fall, Foxx will produce a new half-hour show tentatively called 'The Jamie Foxx Project.'
Similar to the now defunct Fox sketch comedy series 'Mad TV,' the new show will include spoofs of commercials, television shows and celebrities and according to the network will offer a "fresh take on pop culture."
The Sirius satellite radio host is excited about the new venture.
"I'm looking forward to delivering a groundbreaking new series and working closely with the talented team at FOX again," Foxx said in a statement.
And, FOX President of Entertainment,
Kevin Reilly, seemed just as thrilled about the new partnership.
Reilly added, "Jamie Foxx's brilliance first shined on FOC, so it's fantastic to welcome him back to the network."
Before becoming a force in Hollywood with his Oscar-winning portrayal of singer
Ray Charles in 'Ray,' Foxx joined the cast of the hit 1990s sketch comedy show 'In Living Color,' as a relative newcomer and made a name for himself alongside the
Damon Wayans,
Keenan Ivory Wayans,
Marlon Wayans and
Shawn Wayans, as well as
Jim Carrey,
David Alan Grier and
Tommy Davidson. The Terrell, Texas native, born
Eric Marlon Bishop, followed that up in 1996 with his own sitcom 'The Jamie Foxx Show' which lasted for five seasons.
Also joining the production team for 'The Jamie Foxx Project' is comedian
Affion Crockett (pictured above)who has worked on 'The Boondocks,' '
Nick Cannon Presents Short Circuitz' and 'Dance Flick.'
It is unsure whether Foxx and Crockett will appear on the show or simply serve as producers, but they plan to enlist the help of a diverse cast of comedians.
Foxx is rumored to be in pre-production for 'Skank Robbers' a movie with
Martin Lawrence where the two men revive their infamous television characters Sheneneh Jenkins from 'Martin' and Wanda from 'In Living Color.' Sony Pictures has set an Aug. 19, 2011 release date for that film.
He will reunite with his 'The Soloist' co-star
Robert Downey Jr. for his next film 'Due Date,' which hits theaters on Nov. 5.
