Andy Bumatai

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Born Name:  Andrew Jackson Bumatai

Born Date:  December 24, 1953

Born Place:  Germany

Died Date: 

Died Place: 

Occupations:  Actor, stand-up comedian, television host, producer

Brief Biography:  Andy Bumatai is a pioneering American comedian and actor known as Hawaii's first stand-up comic. With a career spanning over 40 years, he is celebrated for his "Hawaii-Style" comedy that draws on local culture, dialects, and the Hawaiian Pidgin language.

Early Life and Background:
Born in Germany to an American military father and a German mother. He is of Native Hawaiian, Filipino, French, and German descent.
Move to Hawaii: After living in San Francisco, he moved to Hawaii at age 13, eventually settling in Waianae.
Early Years: Known as the "class clown," he dropped out of Waianae High School in 11th grade and worked various jobs, including sales, before pursuing comedy in his 20s.
Injuries: At age nine, an accident with a popsicle stick left him nearly blind in his left eye, a trait that contributed to some of his unique facial expressions on stage.

Comedy Career:
Pioneer Status: When he began, Hawaii venues preferred musical acts over comedy. He broke through by opening for Frank De Lima and later replacing Rap Reiplinger in the iconic comedy troupe Booga Booga.
Albums & Awards: He has won four N? H?k? Hanohano Awards, including "Most Promising Artist" and three for "Best Comedy Performance". Notable albums include Hawaii's First Stand-up Comic and Aloha, My Name is Captain Cook.
Mainland Success: He headlined comedy clubs across the U.S. and opened for major acts like Lionel Richie, Natalie Cole, and Kenny Loggins.

Television and Media:
TV Specials: Created local classics such as High School Daze and All in the Ohana for KGMB-TV.
Acting Roles: Appeared in national series including Raven, Baywatch, North Shore, and Marker.
Innovative Host: Hosted numerous shows including NightTime with Andy Bumatai (a nightly talk show), Toolin' Around (focused on motorcycles), and In The Car.
Digital Presence: Currently hosts The Daily Pidgin podcast and streams regularly on YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook.