LOS ANGELES — XBIZ is pleased to announce that comedian and actor Orlando Jones will join adult film superstar Tera Patrick as co-host of the 2013 XBIZ Awards, presented by Fleshlight, this Friday night in Los Angeles.
Jones, one of Hollywood's most prolific funnymen, cut his teeth 25 years ago as a writer on NBC's hit "Cosby Show" spinoff "A Different World" and the FOX TV sitcom's "Roc" and "Martin."
In 1995, Jones was handpicked by legendary producer Quincy Jones to write and star in the FOX comedy sketch program "MADtv." Jones' big acting break came in 1999 when he was tapped to play an accident-prone pitchman for 7-UP.
The "Make 7-UP Yours" campaign instantly made Jones a recognizable face, and perhaps the most memorable 7-UP pitchman since Geoffrey Holder (the "Un-Cola Guy"). Doors immediately opened up for Jones, leading to a career on the big screen.
Jones' notable comedies include Ivan Reitman's "Evolution," Harold Ramis' "Bedazzled," Howard Deutch's "The Replacements" and Berry Levinson's "Liberty Heights," the fourth entry in the director's "Baltimore" series.
Jones has peppered his comedic offerings with dramatic turns in films such as Paul Thomas Anderson's "Magnolia," the John Grisham-based courtroom thriller "Runaway Jury," the feel-good drama "Drumline," the H.G. Wells adaptation "The Time Machine" and Paul Weitz' supernatural-fantasy "Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant."
“We’re thrilled to have Orlando Jones as co-host of the 2013 XBIZ Awards,” XBIZ Executive Managing Editor Dan Miller said. “His comedy will not only put smiles on the faces of our nominees, but maybe help calm their butterflies. It’s going to be a fun night for all.”
The most vibrant personalities and brightest stars in the world of adult entertainment have made the XBIZ Awards the most prestigious symbol of industry success. The annual event attracts A-list movers and shakers of the multibillion-dollar adult entertainment industry, generating buzz throughout the business and media.
This year’s gala will culminate an unprecedented series of six grand-slam industry events, dubbed XBIZ 360°, which kicked off today at the Sofitel Hotel.