Soul Train Dancer Alex Thomas Recalls His Journey From Soul Train To Stand-Up Comedy

[@tuningin88]

Never knew he was a Soul Train dancer. I always know him as a stand-up comic and actor.

[@empresserica]

Ikr!?!? Me too!

[@kianaayala3022]

Right! And the fact that he was in there for 5 years is crazy!

[@marlonharrison5511]

I remember him mentioning it on VladTV.

[@Tonia682]

This was surprising!

[@anthonybaker7433]

I swear I didn't lol

[@rnbmatters8224]

BET really missed the ball not turning this into an actual series on television. an unsung for the dance community.

[@t.thompson8985]

Seriously.

[@Tha90sKid]

Yess

[@likesmusic11]

So true!!!!

[@makreviews2146]

Yes but honestly it has probably reached more people online than it would have on tv. Unless maybe TV One would have done it, they’re the ones behind Unsung.

[@reneishabrooks5187]

Same thing I've been thinking. This would've been amazing content for their actual network.

[@timothyfitz1010]

So many careers were launched or inspired by Soul Train! This show is a large and vital part of American history!

[@kjones3270]

@Timothy Fitz I agree! It seemed so easy back then and natural. I wish it was this way today instead of utilizing social media.

[@timothyfitz1010]

@@kjones3270 yep, those were different times.

[@carlitosortiz2870]

I love that you said AMERICAN HISTORY

[@chocolatenbeautiful]

Had no idea that Alex was such a good dancer and on Soul Train. I’m loving these interviews with the former dancers

[@chocolatenbeautiful]

@CHRIS G Thank you!

[@drewali7]

Dude will give you a hernia from laughing!!!

[@henrybiggs3113]

He always dances in his routine & movie roles...

[@TheRaginRach]

Same been bingeing for days

[@teenatchie1313]

He should of been in house party

[@desra753]

LOL 'HE MOVED HIS JERRYCURL TO THE SIDE' had me rollin!🤣👨🏾‍🦱

[@peepzsnap7356]

Me too 😅

[@plugged1]

Alex had that Troop swag. His soul train story is really cool.

[@marvinbennett8384]

Troop was the best

[@erinwilliams57]

Loved me some Troop!

[@Getitgirlllll4717]

Right! Troop was fire!

[@ryandavis6562]

💯💯💯💯🇭🇹

[@LordHaveMurcielago]

Troop was dope!

[@itsgreat7150]

I certainly hope everyone was paying attention. The most important thing he said about making it in the entertainment industry or any business endeavor is. 1. Networking 2. Networking 3. Networking

[@jelanibeats]

💯

[@CTeale1]

This is a beautiful story. This brother was mentored. The way all our young brothers and sisters should be mentored.

[@Rhythm973]

Very cool story. His Persistence and networking REALLY paid off! Also shoutout to Rosie Perez; testament to how simply looking out for those who come after you can change countless lives.

[@powerbad696]

Didn't know Alex was a dancer on Soul Train!!! Man,he was killing those dance moves!!!LOL.His boys too.Being on Soul Train led to so many other oppurtunities,good going Alex.

[@rogerfittro3842]

ತಪ ತಪ. ' ' ...

[@EverEssence4790]

To know that Alex, Rosie, Vivica and so many more started on Soul Train and went on to Hollywood success is a wonderful thing ⭐️I love this series🖤 It must be a blessed one- of-a-kind experience to say “ I was a Soul Train Dancer” !

[@misterbee66]

Wow, Vivica A. Fox was also on Soul Train?

[@humbleone4800]

@@misterbee66 yes, she danced for 1 year, it helped start her career too

[@misterbee66]

@@humbleone4800 Wonderful.

[@Kamala_b]

Affion Crockett

[@humbleone4800]

@@Kamala_b yes I saw he's as well

[@v.nikkijohnson]

This brother is amazing! Watching him on The Jamie Foxx Show, in Players Club, etc, I never would have known that dancing led to him becoming a comedic actor, but he brought his dance background with him. Growing up, I just thought that that was a part of his act!

[@rebeccagarner8289]

I love him in BAPS. When he was dancing in the record store 🤣🤣🤣

[@ms.kim7493]

The cartoons crack me up 😂 It’s so realistic though! Love this series! Keep up the great work. ❤️

[@desra753]

I miss Saturday morning then! Cartoons, then SOOOOOUUUUULLL TRAIN!

[@desra753]

@Music Vibes yes they were my friend seemed way more simple.

[@clarencesimmons8580]

It really was the most TV every Saturday morning Cartoons of the 1990s On Soul Train™ at 11:00AM as a Childhood in Chicago.

[@cuquee12]

Yes!!!

[@richiebee1984]

@@clarencesimmons8580 THANK GOD SOUL TRAIN CAME ON AT 12 NOON IN NEW YORK SO I NEVER HAD TO CHOOSE BETWEEN WATCHING SOUL TRAIN OR WWF SUPERSTARS I CAN WATCH BOTH ALONG WITH AMERICAN GLADIATORS!! AFTER SPIDERMAN AND X-MEN OF COURSE!!

[@desra753]

@@richiebee1984 I swear decisions lol! Channel surfing 90's!!

[@richkid1970]

When you don’t know someone’s story, you tend to overlook their success. Alex Thomas journey and persistence is what people need to emulate. Keep striving and find your niche and hopefully make a few contacts for future endeavors.

[@JayMich29]

Keep these coming! Add me to the list of "i didn't know they were on Soul Train" folks. These are fascinating stories.

[@katiedonner5963]

I had no idea! I love watching the background stories about the wonderful Soul Train dancers!

[@clarencesimmons8580]

Nellie Gonzalez she was the Soul Train™ Dancer 1979-1995 I want her and Rosie Perez former Soul Train™ Dancer '86-88 Now!!!!💃🏽💃🏽🎵🎵📺

[@marcterrencetate3117]

Brooooo this just made my whole day… Always been a fan of the homey Alex Thomas… I never knew this side to him but needless to say the brother is legit…

[@shonuff5806]

TOO LEGIT, TOO LEGIT! TOO QUIT! (MC Hammer voice)

[@nitab5734]

Right

[@vaderthekittenchannel1979]

Those days were pure FUN! 🙌🏾

[@carayj]

He was literally on Soul Train during high school yrs, I graduated in 1990...I never knew he was on Soul Train he did well for himself

[@xoacatl]

Shows you how long hes been in the entrainment industry dancing, comedy & acting

[@Tha90sKid]

This is why this series is well needed. Cause I would have never known Alex was a Soul Train dancer 😲 This surprised me along with the Vivica Fox one.

[@nickfreshalive]

Alex was so hype. Especially between 89-90. Definitely part of the killers that kept that show hot around that time. I remember the line when they were dancing like uncoordinated white dudes haha The only thing I wish they talked was his return as a guest host! I was 10 and knew that was a big deal. Didn’t know Darrell Heath was in that crew, either.

[@richiebee1984]

YOU MEAN ICE PICK FROM DON'T BE A MENACE BECAUSE I SAW A DUDE WHO LOOKS LIKE HIM IN THIS!!

[@nickfreshalive]

@@richiebee1984 that’s him!

[@iluvmyboba]

Soul Train was one of the best shows I can clearly recall from my childhood. I looked forward to seeing who would appear every Saturday morning.

[@Adgegbe50ag]

Omg i remember him as Jamie's friend on the Jamie Foxx show. didn't know this dude was on soul train and didn't know Omarion's mom was on Soul Train with him either. Love this episode ❤

[@triggatrevor1849]

After watching this, it explains his connection to the Wayans and how he got his role in Don't Be A Menace. Great story Alex, this definitely put the pieces together even more.

[@osobreeze3916]

Buster lol he killed that scene

[@THEE_ONE1]

Mind bloooooown! 🤯 Had no idea. Should have known from the was he was poppin' it on B.A.P.S. 🤣🤣

[@shamickawhite9524]

His daughter is an amazing dancer also, she’s dope and fearless…. I see she learned from the best!

[@heathertea2704]

Never knew this about Alex Thomas. Just his Acting & Standup. I see he could Dance & Dressed his ass off. ...Boy I miss the 80's.

[@gabrielmatthews9494]

I never knew that he was a dancer on SOUL TRAIN!!!🙀 This and Every other famous people who made a name for themselves in entertainment should be represented in the "SOUL TRAIN LINE" movie!

[@bingo2069]

Lots of respect for Alex! He put in the work and got his rewards!

[@margaretbarnes2753]

Love these Soul Train stories ....so much history have happened behind those doors.Good looking out Rosie Perez for helping the journey along .

[@clarencesimmons8580]

There's more Bio stories like Rosie Perez, Nellie Gonzales, Christina Sanchez, Desiree Young, Sandy Hall, Robin Power Royal, Tiffany Yee and Nick Cannon on I was the Soul Train Dancer™ all upcoming upload this Month!!!💃🏾🎵💃🏽🎵🚆📺

[@RoninAli1]

Now THAT’S a great story! The real ones are the best. He’s hilarious!

[@kofoblue3172]

I just know him as someone who grew up at my church and we sang in the same choir. His mama was the organist and he was always funny and cracking jokes. Beautiful family

[@empresserica]

Oh my goodness these stories add pure joy to my life!💃🏽👏🏾💯🎯💜

[@mohara1984]

They really do. I just had a tear of joy. So good to see and support our own people. And I remember him on that movie called The Wash. He was funny as shit on that movie. But nevertheless have a good day sister and Merry Christmas!

[@empresserica]

@@mohara1984 He was! Thank you so much and the same to you! Bless

[@EnlightenedGoldenBeauty]

I really enjoyed this episode like most of them. The history and the piecing together of their stories, and other people who became famous, is so nice to watch. The way he was dancing down the soul train line like he couldn’t dance was 😂 . I was a young girl watching him, and had no idea until now of course. Keep these stories coming ❤️

[@zdoll12]

Great story teller! :-) Most all comedians are.... the love to talk LOL!

[@RP.123]

I had no clue. I love hearing these stories. Take me back to a more innocent time!! His Rosie Perez accent is on point! LMAO!!

[@gsnman]

Listening to these former dancers’ testimonies is awesome! Merry Christmas from Texas! 😊🙏🏽🎄🚂

[@lyricaanderson6205]

This was hands down one of the best ones to watch

[@mohara1984]

You so pretty.

[@tredseeker]

These stories just keep getting better and better. Great journey Alex Thomas. Wow! Never knew all this positive life energy was going on behind the scene. You “ Leslie, Omarion’s mama”, the Soul Train Line & Rosie Perez, Living Color music video & you morphing yourself as a pro dancer, actor & comedian made this video a golden law of attraction manifestation experience!!!

[@almostfame86]

Everything he said when he talked about the danced scene is True! Ultra Wave was for the groovers who can dance. I am proud to say I was a part of that era.

[@TheMlforever81]

I remember him dancing the music shop in the movie BAPS when he was helping the butler🙌🏾

[@wlrouse7024]

Alex Thomas you’re a bad dude bro. Great energy.

[@johnniepope7214]

Very Humble and Blessed Brother Great Interview and its Beautiful how Rosie and the Wayans looked out... Mad Respect Sir.

[@brizy___]

I remember laughing every time he did some silly ass dance in a movie or show and now I’m mad to find out he was a part of a historic dance scene as a legit dancer I’m so tickled 🤣

[@davidtolbert716]

BIG RESPECT to Rosie Pérez(still looking Goooood!) and Soul Train for being a Blessing to talents like Alex Thomas because that's how it is when you see a person working hard and they're trying to improve themselves, Love is going to open a door eventually!👍👍👍👍

[@specialk5579]

Rosie really looked out for the brother with skills 👌🏽🔥💯

[@purposedriventv]

I never knew he was this nice on the dance floor. DOPE!!! Also, hearing how Rosie Perez looked out for him with the Wayans is also amazing to hear/see. We as a society have to get back to this type of energy. Helping the next man even if it is nothing in it for us to gain, just doing it because it's the right thing to do. God bless.

[@Blktxdom2004]

The black book… OG AF! You are living history, Alex! The transition is a testament to your experience. Blessings!

[@mynameisnotgirl8184]

I’m glad you posted this because I had no idea he used to dance on Soul Train.

[@Acinc-lr2jp]

What a story and journey of success!

[@traceyhoward78]

Never knew he was a Soul Train dancer. Hats off to Alex!!!💯❤...great launch to his career....persistence 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@sirpoppinchuck]

Ha! Ha! Been waitin for some real trendy scene dancers to speak on it!!! That's my cousin Kevin behind Alex dancin n begininng and 8:45. I was shocked when i seen him on Soultrain!! "He couldnt call no body" ha! ha! Lets go Alex!!!!!! Westchester stand up, Uni, Fairfax,Dorsey, Washington, L.A.High!!!!! "The Romeos!" R.I.P "G-Bone" Ultrawave prod.!!!! I did go to Uncle Jams Army 83-86!!! Ultrawave was the westside trendyscene lil Uncle Jams. Historical!!!

[@loveangel102]

U never kno who all was a soul train dancer until bet drop an episode!!

[@ahmad.tillery.1987]

I didn't know Alex Thomas was a dancer back in the day. You learn something new everyday.

[@stephaniejohnson943]

It's so many unknown celebrities that pass through Soul Train during that time.You did your Thang😉

[@desra753]

Yeah he did! I could only wish to be apart of such an iconic show!🙏🏾

[@shaungresham4968]

I didn't know he was a soul train dancer. I remember him hosting the show in the 90's with Angela Winbush.

[@funkkidmusic301]

This man is a whole legend!

[@BadFriend145]

You inspire Unc. You inspire me to be a better man than what I am now. Compassionate, Stong, a Listener, Husband material and a good friend. Thank you big dawg, I’m fighting back the tears but I got you to thank.

[@Nonchalant_248]

Yeah I remember him dancing on the show. This was a great episode. Rosie Perez and others really helped him.

[@BenJaminn90]

THIS WAS THE BEST SOUL TRain dancer video ever !!

[@LorenzoThomas1972]

Alex, you have told me some stories but you left this one out!! Great job!!!!!

[@I_be_e]

Ultra Wave!!! You really had to be from LA to feel what Alex was saying! Those were the best of times ever!!!!!!

[@rainbow3649]

Whoever came up with this amazing idea to tell these stories, please please please, get someone to turn this into a documentary(film)! Prwtty please! So important, so crucial for history, crucial for this generation. Oh my goodness, what an era! I was growing up all the way in Ghana, and all my friends that participated in disco dance competitions every weekend, would crowd in my poor mom's living room, just for 30mins to watch SOUL TRAIN! We learned, the steps like our lives dependend on this, I remember telling people that Don Cornelius was my relative, becos he looked so much like an Ashanti man, and a couple of "inrants" believed me too. Hahaha! When I got to the states, all I wanted to do was go to a soul train show. Didnt even know where it was. In the states, I never missed a show...oooo I could go on and on. There's none other than this era! Anyone who didnt grow up in the 70s 80s, never lived, and definitely never saw, pure, unadulterated youthful fun fun fun! 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️aaaw, what can I say

[@rarejourneys]

Wow, I enjoyed your story

[@AlishaJH89]

I watch these stories over and over. Love these so much!!!!

[@Marie34694]

He’s hilarious!! One of my favorite actors 💕

[@ShaShaLuva414]

I Remember him. Lol I lived on the Westside and I went to LA High. It’s good to see him doing well. One ☝🏽 Love ❤

[@msladystarr]

I love these, such amazing stories. Keep em’ coming!!!

[@dalejimison7986]

95-97 here. danced with a few female guests, on stage, riser, scrabble board, and the line. great times.

[@deonnadyson]

Why did you leave?

[@dalejimison7986]

@@deonnadyson I was in the military and got transferred to the East coast.

[@eaqua56]

He was so fly and energetic!

[@rodneythomas8813]

I had no idea he had been a Soul Train dancer and I was a regular viewer. I've seen him in a few sitcoms, such as In Living Color, The Jamie Fox Show and maybe a movie or two. I knew was also a comedy writer for a few shows. It was very apparent that he could really dance. Anytime an acting role included dancing, his skills and his personality would quietly explode on camera. I've seen Alex on Def Comedy Jam and he was super intelligent, brilliant, relatable and funny as hell. I've always thought he possessed a unique and special quality.

[@29jcorn]

Now it makes sense from his scene in “Don’t be a Menace”😂😂😂 “U NEED TO GET OUT DA GANG, GET OUT DA GANG”😂He killed it!!!

[@twistoffate4791]

Houdini!! The Freaks Come Out at Night!! Loved Houdini & played them over & over.

[@maryalalim6454]

He's one of the funniest comedians too

[@aGwEENapple]

I really really love these stories. The animations, the clips and just imagining being in their positions as their first experiencing these new moments meeting these important people. So exciting!

[@BuffaloBILLSandBOXING]

Shout out to the brother, Alex Thomas. He knew how to network since he was a teenager and Damon Wayans is a fucking G.O.A.T. for stunting like that.

[@missjanedoe4053]

This was a good episode! I did not know that he danced - I remember him from Comic View and Players Club. The Wayans (In Living Color) opened the doors for a LOT of people. ❤

[@TTSantiago821]

Alex was cute as hell lol. This is such a dope story and I love these segments. Some many of our people had a moment on soutrain. Awesome .

[@dudeseriously57]

There have been a lot of great dancers telling their Soul Train stories, but this one is the best I've seen. Great insights

[@travispearson2784]

Might be the best of all these amazing stories. Truly inspirational.

[@bcuz30]

This is so nice to see. I've always known him as a comedian and actor. Nice that he started on Soul Train. The nice fun fact was him dancing with Omarion's mom. Please continue these

[@annkelley6813]

What a wonderful time in America!

[@renaissancemusicllc9804]

This was unexpectedly dope!😁 I didn't know Rosie Perez was part of the Soul Train Dance crew or that AT was a part of "In Living Color".

[@deb8911]

Wow! I didn’t know Alex Thomas was a soul train dancer!

[@streetfamdjs]

I truly loved this!! I was glued to it.

[@kolbycarter357]

The scene where he did the scramble board was when they played ROSES ARE RED by THE MAC BAND in 1988. Because I still watching that KZbin video of him and his partner putting together FRANK ROBINSON.

[@tamikabroyles6627]

i love watching this series and learning how people got on soul train and what they did with their careers after. i've always seen alex in shows and movies but never knew how good of a dancer he was please keep more of these videos coming with more former soul train dancers this is so much fun!!! lol

[@stylebykatb.5661]

Awesome come up story! Never knew he was on Soul Train - He has always been funny in his roles.

[@UnZolvedV]

Aye...Baps Record store guy.. Wow you are not only hilarious but also a great dancer. I've seen all your movies now I got to look for your moves... 👍👍👍👍

[@ebonyjames8934]

Omarion moms was beautiful in her prime wow!... make sense how he such a good dancer. ..lol...Beautiful story. Wish soul train exist now days.🥰

[@BriPri-89]

Great video Please keep them coming 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

[@kiky4881]

The 80s was the best decade of all time!! And, 🙌🏽✊🏽👌🏽

[@amirthephotographer]

This was a REALLY COOL story, hella inspirational!.....RIP Don ❤

[@curt349]

Wow I never knew he was a ST dancer! Or even danced! I thought he was a just a comedian and actor. He maybe the 1st (and only) dancer to come back and host the show

[@nickfreshalive]

he wasn't the only dancer to come back to host, but he was the first. Darnell Williams - Jesse from All My Children - originally danced on ST in the 70s and came back to host in '95. I'd like to hear his story as well.

[@benjaminoduro9159]

wow. what a beautiful story. dang I didn't know he was that old. he looks great! wow! I really enjoyed this, and I enjoys these soul train stories. Great job!

[@josephwise1531]

Was up Alex this is Joseph we met at one of the tv show tapings and only a few more times I was if you remember the audience member when you asked if anyone has a good your momma joke I had one that I thought of and when I told it no one never have heard the one I told I was and hit with the audience you even patted me on the back for that one stay up my friend

[@yolandagoode4577]

I'm 57 years old me getting to know the history of soul train is Awesome!! I had know idea !! I Love It !! History I will show my kids and grandchildren! Love It

[@isaachatten8760]

He deserves a part two.

[@gigidawn2003]

I appreciate hearing his humble beginnings on Soul Train and how he was able to transition from dance..comedy and to television. Great story!

[@rodneyplayer5785]

I didn't know him as a S.T. dancer either. I just know him from different movies and I always got a kick out him cause he was always funny. Anyway I'm glad he got assisted by the Wayans into the business. God bless him.

[@GrumpyToast1971]

You guys are what I loved about Soul train. Y'all were fly as he11 . You made my heart beat faster