Frank De Lima
RETURN TO INDEX
Born Name:
Frank Wilcox Napuakekaulike De Lima, Jr.
Born Date: July 8, 1949
Born Place: Pauoa Valley, Honolulu, Oahu
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations: Comedian, singer
Brief Biography: Franklin Wilcox Napuakekaulike De Lima known as the "Prince of Ethnic Humor". Over a career spanning 50 years, he became a cultural icon in Hawai'i for his musical parodies, zany characters, and sharp observations of the islands' diverse ethnic cultures.
Early Life and Education:
He is of multiracial descent, including Portuguese, Hawaiian, Irish, Chinese, English, Spanish, and Scottish roots.
Neighborhood Influence: He grew up on Pakohana Street, which housed families of many different ethnicities. This environment allowed him to observe various customs and dialects, later becoming the primary inspiration for his comedy.
Education: He graduated from Damien Memorial School in 1967. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Chaminade University and a Master of Divinity from St. Patrick’s Seminary & University in California.
Path to Comedy:
De Lima initially intended to become a Catholic priest. He was ordained as a deacon at age 25 and served for nearly a year at Holy Trinity Church in Kuliouou. However, he eventually chose a career in entertainment over the priesthood, citing a desire to serve through laughter instead.
Career Highlights:
Comedy Style: His work often features lighthearted parodies and "Portagee" (local Portuguese) humor. He is known for iconic characters like the "Filipino Christmas Tree," sumo wrestlers, and various local archetypes.
Awards: He has received 12 N? H?k? Hanohano Awards for his comedy albums.
Discography: His catalog includes 17 comedy albums and several videos. His first breakthrough record was titled A Taste of Malasadas.
Collaborations: He frequently performs with long-time sidemen Bobby Nishida and David Kauahikaua.
Community Impact:
Student Enrichment Program: Since 1980, he has run a non-profit program visiting schools across Hawai'i to deliver motivational speeches and drug education to students through humor.
"Aging Well": Even in his 70s, he remained active, performing for senior groups and continuing his school tours.
Born Date: July 8, 1949
Born Place: Pauoa Valley, Honolulu, Oahu
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations: Comedian, singer
Brief Biography: Franklin Wilcox Napuakekaulike De Lima known as the "Prince of Ethnic Humor". Over a career spanning 50 years, he became a cultural icon in Hawai'i for his musical parodies, zany characters, and sharp observations of the islands' diverse ethnic cultures.
Early Life and Education:
He is of multiracial descent, including Portuguese, Hawaiian, Irish, Chinese, English, Spanish, and Scottish roots.
Neighborhood Influence: He grew up on Pakohana Street, which housed families of many different ethnicities. This environment allowed him to observe various customs and dialects, later becoming the primary inspiration for his comedy.
Education: He graduated from Damien Memorial School in 1967. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Chaminade University and a Master of Divinity from St. Patrick’s Seminary & University in California.
Path to Comedy:
De Lima initially intended to become a Catholic priest. He was ordained as a deacon at age 25 and served for nearly a year at Holy Trinity Church in Kuliouou. However, he eventually chose a career in entertainment over the priesthood, citing a desire to serve through laughter instead.
Career Highlights:
Comedy Style: His work often features lighthearted parodies and "Portagee" (local Portuguese) humor. He is known for iconic characters like the "Filipino Christmas Tree," sumo wrestlers, and various local archetypes.
Awards: He has received 12 N? H?k? Hanohano Awards for his comedy albums.
Discography: His catalog includes 17 comedy albums and several videos. His first breakthrough record was titled A Taste of Malasadas.
Collaborations: He frequently performs with long-time sidemen Bobby Nishida and David Kauahikaua.
Community Impact:
Student Enrichment Program: Since 1980, he has run a non-profit program visiting schools across Hawai'i to deliver motivational speeches and drug education to students through humor.
"Aging Well": Even in his 70s, he remained active, performing for senior groups and continuing his school tours.