Today’s comedy spotlight falls squarely on a man named Arsenio Hall. Hall is perhaps best known for his hosting work on The Arsenio Hall Show, which had a five year run.  He spent a lot of time making a woofing noise and shaking his fist.  Remember that?  It was pretty fun. He also performed in a couple of notable movies including Coming to America and Harlem Nights.

Here’s something I bet you didn’t know about Arsenio:  When he was a kid, he performed as a magician.  How about that?

Here’s another thing: Arsenio Hall once had a relationship with Paula Abdul while she was on the rebound from a relationship with MC Skat Kat:

Finally, maybe you didn’t know that he was supposed to be the host for the syndicated version of Deal or No Deal, and even filmed a pilot.  In the end it didn’t work out and Howie Mandel (the guy who puts a rubber glove over his head and blows it up) became the host.

Where is Arsenio Hall today?  He will be appearing in The Celebrity Apprentice, which begins airing February 12, 2012.

Here are a few clips for you to enjoy

Doing Stand-Up

Arsenio Hall’s Bad Day from Amazon Women On The Moon

Ice-T Schools Arsenio

Surprise appearance by Michael Jackson, featuring Eddie Murphy

Arsenio goes ballistic when members of Queer Nation protest his show

Arsenio interviews influential rapper Vanilla Ice