Jeff Ross, known for the popular series “Comedy Central Roast,” reflected on his role as his late grandfather’s caregiver on The Creative CoalitionThe 10th Humanitarian Awards Ceremony will be held on September 14.
The annual gala, organized by Varieties Marc Malkin honors actors, writers and producers from across the industry for their work with charitable, philanthropic and social welfare causes.
Ross spent much of his young adult life living with his grandfather because his mother died of leukemia when he was 14 and his father died of drug-related causes when Ross was 19. He recalled taking his grandfather to doctor’s appointments and then heading to New York City to perform stand-up comedy at open mic nights.
“I was just a young comedian, 23 years old, and I didn’t think I could handle it,” the comedian said. Variety. “In the end, we got through it together. I’m glad I spent that time with him.”
Ross said he initially tried to turn down the Creative Coalition award, but ultimately agreed to accept the honor on his grandfather’s behalf.
“The Burn With Jeff Ross” creator said he has been asked to participate in many prime-time game shows lately and always looks to imbue an element of charity into the event. He cited Meals on Wheels as an organization he has raised money for and expressed gratitude for the many meals the nonprofit provided to his grandfather years before.
“I always tried them too, just to make sure they weren’t poisoning him,” Ross joked.
John Stamos, Seth Green and Rich Eisen presented his award to Ross. Green called Ross one of the most generous people he has ever met. Stamos said that Ross embodies everything that he humanitarian award represents and credits the comic for making the world a better place through its unique brand of humor and compassion.
“Your comedy isn’t just about roasting,” Stamos said. “It’s about revealing the truth with love and making life’s difficult moments feel lighter and showing us that humor can heal.”
In his acceptance speech, Ross teased his special “The Roast of Tom Brady” and said, “Shout out to the lighting designer. Do you know how difficult it is to light both Tom Brady and Kevin Hart? He went on to thank the teleprompter, adding, “I was slow with the football players…these are the jokes I was going to tell if I won the Creative Arts Emmys.”
Ross hosted the Creative Coalition Humanitarian Awards ceremony in 2019.
Dulé Hill, recipient of the humanitarian award, said Variety Being recognized at the gala was truly a humbling experience and highlighted the Creative Coalition’s commitment to advocating for the arts.
Wendell PierceKnown for leading roles such as Detective Bunk Moreland in HBO’s “The Wire” and trombonist Antoine Batiste in “Treme,” he also received the humanitarian award.
Pierce made a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention on August 20 and galvanized Louisiana voters to support Kamala Harris. The actor contextualized the importance of this award in the current political climate, urging those attending the ceremony to vote.
“There’s blood in that urn,” Pierce said. “Many people from my community and my world died at the hands of their neighbors, hoping that one day their deaths would not be in vain. “We have a great responsibility to honor them… especially in this election.”