Pierce is looking forward to continuing her work. } And I could speak with authority now, because Im there. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. . In 2016, Chonda Pierce released a documentary that talked about her life. After being hospitalized and diagnosed, Pierce saw immediate improvement. The world we live in today, it was not supposed to be this way. Ben Marcus "Michael Jr.", a former stand-up comic in mid-life crisis, tries to become a social-media star until he and his family are radically changed by the Bible. listeners: [], Get a diagnosis. Im waiting my turn. She performed many times at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. After the wedding, the couple had a daughter and a son, and their careers took off, Chonda as a comedian popular on the church circuit, joking about services and fellowship, David as an English professor at Middle Tennessee State University and other colleges. And I dont know why we forget that.. Get the help you need from a therapist near youa FREE service from Psychology Today. Further, depression can be a chronic condition, with depressed people at risk for relapse over their lives. From the documentary, the losses Chonda had experienced in life made her struggle with depression. I was mad as fire at him. Chera Pierce Meredith is the first child of the queen of cleanliness, Chonda Pierce. And then everyone else around you, especially if they dont know youre depressed, they have a tendency to go, OK, then, Ill let you sleep for a while., Ultimately, like many people who suffer from depression, at one point Pierce became hopeless that she would recover. Chonda lost her two sisters, Charlotta Kay and Cheralyn Ann, before turning 18 years old. What is hidden deep in the dark, as you drag things into the light, it diminishes the power it has over you and then it becomes an empowering thing that helps others. Get the latest sports news from SportsSite about soccer, football and tennis. X. David struggled taking care of his divorced, alcoholic father known as the Ashland City drunk who sometimes slept on downtown benches. She was born on March 4th, 1960, in Covington, Kentucky, United States. Faith & Fameis a regular column exploring how a strong belief system helps some performers navigate the pitfalls of the entertainment industry. We shoot our wounded, in other words, and we have a bad history of that. When Pierce was 16, her older sister, Charlotta, 20, was killed in a head-on crash while heading home from work. My husband is a brilliant man and wanted to read up on what do we have to do here? she explained. The documentary made many people wonder how such a great talent of comedy that made many people happy had endured a life of struggle and the loss of her loved ones. I had a painful childhood. And thats a good thing to strive for. I pray you have a great day. It makes your faith look weak. I told her, Then take your glasses off and drive home!. This time, he went to Discovery Place, a mens rehab in Burns, Tenn. Pierce chronicled her bouts with depression after losing her mother, dealing with her husbands alcoholism battle and death, an estranged daughter and the loss of her sisters as a child. April is famously known as Kandi on Two and a Half Men, the role which catapulted her to fame. The eldest died at 20 in a car accident, while the other, Cheralyn Ann, died at 15 due to Leukemia. David turned to alcohol for comfort after the loss of their daughter due to parental neglect and poor parenting, and Chonda Pierce's life got even more complicated. From there, Pierce turned her gift of storytelling into a successful comedic career, selling more comic albums than any other female comedian. When I finally got diagnosed, that was a game changer. With Michael Courtney, Doug Griffin, Stan Lowery, Chonda Pierce. Her daughter is Chera Kay Pierce, while her son is David Zachary. Chonda's Official Web Site: http://chonda.org At the time, David was caring for his divorced father, the Ashland City drinker, who was a habitual alcoholic. Chera was raised alongside her brother in Ashland City. Chonda Pierce's daughter, Chera Kay, began to resent her parents, mostly her mother, for unknown reasons. Chonda joined Trevecca Nazarene University before transferring to Austin Peay State University and majoring in theater arts. Unfortunately, there are no records about her husband and children, as it seems she cut all ties with her parents for unknown reasons. It was something that needed to get out and needed to get dealt with, she said. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed. After more than three decades of marriage, the husband passed away. He wants to know whats going on with your heart more than he wants to know whats going on with your head. Reach Brad Schmitt at 615-259-8384 or on Twitter @bradschmitt. Chonda Ruth Pierce (ne Courtney, born March 4, 1960), is a Christian comedian often billed as "The Queen of Clean. Write For Us: info@tlwastoria.com, Know About Chonda Pierces Daughter Chera Pierce Meredith, How to Use Terpenes to Improve Your Home Cooking, How to Find Same-Day Local Movers Near You, Adele Georgiana Gianopoulos: The Daughter of a Hollywood Star, Quincy Xavier Morgan, Kim Fields and Christopher Morgas Second Son, Gloria Darlene Fox: A Mothers Love and Legacy. One of the greatest things that we did was that they would set up a puzzle on the table, and I would sit at the table with the puzzle with my kids, with my husband or just sit there. I was really surprised that the stigma was still there, that people still remain that uneducated about this situation., And then when this happened, I sadly realized, Oh, no, we havent come that far.. We're in a culture that accepts that stuff and that to me is the sadder part of the story then someone who degrades women in a way that's just not clever anymore. There is always darkness at work in the world. Chonda Pierce: Laughing in the Dark: Directed by Rick Altizer. Then the financial worry kicks in. Prince Harry addresses 'Spare' backlash in interview: 'I have never looked for sympathy in this', Shania Twain was 'uncontrollably fragile' from ex Mutt Lange's affair with friend: 'How could I be so stupid', Olivia Newton-John's daughter Chloe reveals 'promise' she made to mother before her death, Emma Stones 'And' co-star Willem Dafoe had her slap him 20 times to get scene right, Prince Harry's 'attacks' on 'villain' Camilla led to Frogmore Cottage eviction: expert, Film industry reacts to death of 'Saving Private Ryan' star Tom Sizemore: 'You're a legend'. She was born and raised in Vallejo, California. Click to reveal Follow Dr. Friedman onTwitter @DrMikeFriedman and EHE @EHEintl. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. She was previously married to David, but she is now single, not as a result of a divorce but instead as a result of David's death during emergency brain surgery. Im obeying the laws of the land. If you don't like them, stop buying a ticket. After deciding to pursue comedy fulltime, she recorded Second Row, Piano Side, a collection drawing material from her childhood growing up as the daughter of a preacher in South Carolina. Chonda drove him back to Discovery Place that same night. She is an American by birth. But it gives me the mindset to lighten up on myself and have some unconditional love for myself. Find a doctor. After a troubled childhood, she said that playing and hearing the audience laughing was the best medicine she would ask for. Chonda Pierce is a singer, a television host, author, and a Christian. Further, a 10-year study of 114 adults found that those who considered religion or spirituality more important to them were significantly less likely to be depressed over time. She is ranked amongst Pollstar.coms top-selling live performers and five of her DVDs have been certified Gold by the RIAA, signifying sales of more than 50,000 units, and three have been certified Platinum, signifying sales of more than 100,000 units. She started in comedy because of a six-year stint on the Park of Nashville in Tennessee called Opryland USA. She has five gold-certified comedy albums and two platinum albums under her name. She cheered his occasional sobriety, stayed away when he started drinking again. Chonda Pierce: Laughing In The Dark opened October 27, 2015 at 500 theaters throughout the country for a one-night special event and was so incredibly popular, it returned to nearly 800 theatres for an additional one-night encore showing. Chera was born on February 13, 1984, and raised in Ashland City with her brother. David was a gorgeous young man who wrestled for the state championship and also played the guitar. But at a certain point, Pierce realized not only that her faith was not preventing depression, but also that her experience of depression was making her question her faith. She was raised alongside her brother David. But Pierce knows that her faith may get tested again and shes ready. In the middle of all that, Chondas mother died. Pierce made the film in hopes it would serve as a vehicle to inspire others who may be hitting points of darkness and depression in their lives. It almost gives you this power to fight it even more. Pierce: I think they're funny and clever and I love that. These events in part fueled Pierce's bout with severe depression, . Believe me, I am not a perfect Christian.. So you can't turn around and blame the creator for something that we started. Im not cheating on my husband. How old is Chonda Pierce's daughter now? However, her career breakthrough came in 2015, when she earned the role of Kandi. How am I going to provide for my family? It was hard on her parents. And we would not get discouraged when we dont get our way., Pierce explained how her view of Jesus reflects this concept of unconditional love. No matter where you are and whatever you do. That keeps me going and lets me know that he's not out to get me, he's not trying to pick on me. At first, I thought there was something physically wrong with me. Meet Ice-T's daughter, Letesha Marrow: Who is her mother? Press Esc to cancel. I pulled at it, and under, it was full of cans and bottles, all empty. Tell somebody youre sorry. She had a tough time as a kid, growing up in the South as the daughter of an ultra-conservative preacher. Im in the middle of it. Pierces material resonated with people from all walks of life, and she credits her southern upbringing both for her warped sense of humor and her solid roots. She is, however, a private individual, and it is impossible to know where she is and what she is doing. Pierce has gone on to appear numerous times on the stage of The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, write eight books, and become a highly sought after Christian comedian, having five gold-certified comedy albums and two platinum albums to her name. David was a heavy drinker who died of a stroke. Along with being a spokesperson for World Vision, she serves as a member of the Christian Comedy Association. 185.120.79.100 Riding on the success of her career as a comedian, singer, actor, and writer, 62 years old Chonda earned a decent amount of salary. Tuko.co.ke recently published an article on April Bowlby. Chonda Ruth Pierce (ne Courtney, born March 4, 1960), is a Christian comedian often billed as "The Queen of Clean." Background [ edit] She was born, Chonda Ruth Courtney, [1] in Covington, Kentucky, on March 4, [2] 1960, [3] while she was raised in South Carolina, by her father who was a preacher and mother, Virginia Whalen. Besides, I can use the sleep!. A few months later, David started drinking again. I know I cant go back and fix that or change that. During Chondas childhood, they lived in Georgetown, South Carolina, and later when she was 15, they moved to Ashland City. Chonda and her husband, David W. Pierce, gave birth to two children. In October 2015, Pierce took her humor to the big screen with her first film Chonda Pierce: Laughing In The Dark, based on her personal struggle to overcome depression. Chonda Pierces family had three girls and one boy, and Chonda was the third born. The last thing that the dark wants is for you to have chemo -- because he doesnt want the possibility of you getting healed from cancer. Her daughter is Chera Kay Pierce, while her son is David Zachary. She released many albums, and the tenth--which is the latest--is I'm a big deal. And to realize that in this body, in this flesh, we have limitations, she said. One of my counselors told me, Depression is anger turned inward. We hit the mother lode!, But as Pierce recovered, what also emerged was an opportunity for her to rethink her faith. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Today, as the RIAAs best-selling female comedian, Pierce continues to bring the laughs with her unique blend of music and comedy. [3] He was a state wrestling champion and also played the guitar. Chera got married, had kids, and cut off all contact with her parents and family. By signing up, you agree to the our terms and our Privacy Policy agreement. When I tried to go back to work, and I realized that there were concerts cancelled that they began to cancel because they heard that Chondas depressed, shes taking medicine, she just got out of the hospital, she recalled. Knowing what you value will help you build the most meaningful life possible. She was born with three other siblings, Michael, Charlotta, and Cheralyn. Chonda was born on March 4, 1960, in Covington, Kentucky, where she grew up. Its a spiral that just sucks you down a dark, dark tunnel.. They have two children including Chera and a son David Zachary Pierce. Over the years, Chonda's daughter, Chera, began to resent her parents. Pierce is a member of the Christian Comedy Association, but outside the comedy, she is a spokesperson for World Vision and works with various other Christian leaders and organizations. And she continued to grieve the loss of her relationship with her daughter. [3], Pierce got her start in comedy during a six-year stint at a theme park in Nashville, Tennessee called Opryland USA. In the two years since, Chonda has found some healing. My kids didnt want to be around me. Chonda, a preachers kid from Ashland City, grew up hearing that alcohol was evil, and if she drank, she was going to hell in a handbasket. Shes the top selling female comedian of all time, with performances such as Laughing in the Dark and her new Dove Channel comedy series, Chonda Pierce Presents Stand-Up for Families. Additionally, Pierce is a devout evangelical Christian, one whose faith has been a great source of strength and community. Chonda Pierce is the mother of Chera and is a recognized comedy queen. Market data provided by Factset. She is a Christian comedian who came to be known as The Queen of Clean. She majored in theatre arts. I just want to throw my arms around them and go, Who beat you up that it spills out into an art that was meant to be so healing?. Next image (1) (0) by countrygoldkat Dec 28, 2016. Chonda dealt with the pain by crying often. Chera Kay Pierce is a celebrity kid. There are so many that I think are so funny but I wouldn't take my kids to see them and I wouldn't want to sit and listen to them for an hour. And Chonda lost two sisters in two years, one in a car crash, the other to leukemia. Here is a look at what is available about her. Having had a troubled childhood, Pierce used entertainment as a needed catharsis, reporting "I was hooked! Her father, David W. Pierce, worked as an English professor at Middle Tennessee State University. The information about Cheras career is not available as she and her family did not reveal the same in the media. I dont know if Im incredibly optimistic, or I have such a strength in faith. Chonda felt like a complete idiot. Her father was a preacher. Now I thought it would totally be the end of my career, and it would trickle down, and I would not get work. event : evt, Piano Side," a collection drawing material from her childhood growing up as the daughter of a . Let your voice and your choice be known. And Im crazy enough to believe that., He had a stroke because of his drinking in 2013, and brain surgery couldnt save him. Isnt it a shame? Chonda and David married in Ashland City in 1984, shortly after graduating from college. TSA staffer donates life-saving kidney to co-worker, We were recovery partners after we found each other, Chonda said. And her hopes were well-placed: Research suggests that spirituality predicts improved health and mood. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Some. David went to treatment at Cumberland Heights for 30 days in 2011, and Chonda sold their Murfreesboro home to free herself of painful memories and moved them both to a downtown Nashville condo. Chonda decided to pursue a career as a religious comedian. She takes that vulnerability to a new level in a documentary about losing her husband, Laughing in the Dark, out April 5 on DVD. Cheras mother was born Chonda Ruth Courtney on March 4, 1960, in Covington, Kentucky. For co-hosting the massively popular talk show Aspiring Women On total Living Network she received five Daytime Emmy nominations. Or its a brain tumor. David W. Pierce, Chonda's husband, initially met as a sophomore at Cheatham County High School in Ashland City, Tennessee. Research suggests that many forms of medication and psychotherapy may be effective in treating depression. And wouldnt it be interesting that the common interest is our ailments. You will laugh so hard at Chonda Pierce. I just sat on that garage floor.. Write that down, she said. 425425 91 comments 1 share Share David W. Pierce was her husband until he died in 2014. Frantic, she called an ambulance to their Murfreesboro home. ", She was born, Chonda Ruth Courtney,[1] in Covington, Kentucky, on March 4,[2] 1960,[3] while she was raised in South Carolina, by her father who was a preacher and mother, Virginia Whalen. We will always love you. } When he succumbed to stroke complications, Chonda was left with her son. And then at the same time there were pockets of people and places and things and conventions and conferences that did have me. It was supposed to be a utopia that we were supposed to live in and God gave us a choice to love him or not, and I would imagine -- I'm not God -- but the thought process was 'I'm going to create all of this but I want to know that they really love me' and so he gave us free will and in that free will we make the choice to believe or not. As the undisputed highest-selling female comedian of all time, this preacher's daughter is here to share some of her funniest stories with you and your whole family. } What: Sams Place Music for the Spirit, hosted by Steven Curtis Chapman, with performances by Pierce, Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, The Gettys and The SteelDrivers, Website: http://ryman.com/events/Sams_Place_041016, What: Laughing in the Dark documentary on DVD. Your IP: But you begin to have common interests. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( But we forget that. Popularly known as "The Queen of Clean" for exceptional skills in comedy, the Emmy-nominated comedian released her first film "Chonda Pierce: Laughing In The Dark," in October 2015. The film topped charts and competed with some of the years biggest films. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Chonda, a preacher's kid from Ashland City, grew up hearing that alcohol was evil, and if she drank, she was going to hell in a handbasket.