In a clip from his conversation on Club Shay Shay, Arnez J. shared with Shannon Sharpe his unexpected experience opening for Prince, reflecting on it as one of the most surreal moments of his life. Despite being a comedian, he was flown out personally by Prince, performed during rehearsal with no audience, and even met legendary bassist Larry Graham, Prince’s mentor. Arnez expressed disbelief that someone of Prince’s stature would choose him to open, calling it a humbling and almost unreal experience.
Arnez also spoke about his time playing with the Harlem Globetrotters, joking about his basketball style and sharing locker room stories, including one involving teammate Sweet Lou Dunbar. He recalled playing alongside notable players like Orlando Antigua, the first Puerto Rican Globetrotter.
When the topic shifted to live performance, Arnez explained that while hecklers are rare for him, he takes stage safety seriously. He joked about an incident where someone rushed the stage and admitted he reacted quickly and physically—something he’s not necessarily proud of, but says comes from growing up in a tough environment.
Sharpe and Arnez then turned to more personal ground. Arnez revealed a traumatic experience from his past—his father, a Vietnam veteran, once shot him three times during a flashback episode triggered while they were watching The Dirty Dozen. Arnez ran through a glass door and didn’t realize he had been hit until later. Miraculously, the bullets passed through his body without hitting vital organs.
He also reflected on how family responsibilities may have cost him career opportunities. Arnez made a conscious decision to prioritize his son, who he recognized early on had special gifts, even though that meant missing out on potential professional advances.
The episode was a mix of humor, vulnerability, and life lessons, showcasing Arnez J.’s journey through fame, family, and the unexpected turns of a career in comedy and entertainment.
