Roy Wood Jr. is quickly becoming one of the rising stars in the comedy world. Wood is part of a new entertainment series sponsored by the Student Activities Council at Southeast Missouri State University, called Laughter at :15 After.

Four comedians will step up to the microphone this semester at Rose Theatre. Roy Wood Jr. is the third of these comedians featured in the series. His performance will take place April 9 as he tries to bring down the house with his newest repertoire of jokes.

Wood has been in the national spotlight for some time now. As of right now, he is a series regular on the hit TBS comedy Sullivan and Son. Wood plays a character named "Roy" who is the best friend of the main character on the show, Steve Byrne. In the show, Wood owns a video rental store right next door to his friends bar. Instead of working, he can be seen on a regular basis at his friend's bar, usually with a drink in hand.

Before his career as a TV actor, Wood shined on the comedy stage working his way up in some of the most famous comedy clubs in the nation.

His biggest claim to fame in the comedy world was during his time on NBC's "Last Comic" Standing. Wood finished in the top 10 before being voted off of the show.

Fans of the hit E! talk show Chelsea Lately may also recognize him. Wood is a regular panel guest on the show.

Wood spent most of his college years as a broadcast journalism major at Florida A&M University. There he tried to focus on his studies, but admitted it wasn't what he really wanted to do.

"I knew I had the talent to tell jokes as a profession, but it took me awhile to get my foot in the door and before I did, I was failing in school," Wood said. "After that my career just really took off. I guess in the end, you have to learn from your mistakes to make yourself better."

He did just that making it onto national television and eventually to comedy clubs all across the country, which is right where members of SAC found him.

"We found Roy at the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) conference last fall. Our delegation laughed so hard they cried," said Trevor Mulholland, president of SAC. "The delegation brought his information back to the members of SAC, and they voted to bring him to Southeast."

This semester's "Laughter at 15: After" series has been quite successful with over 250 people in attendance at each of the previous two shows. Jessi Campbell and Adam Mamawala visited Southeast earlier this winter, leaving most people in attendance with a smile on their face.

"The series has been great success. I've attended both comedians so far, and just about every student left with a giant smile on their face," Mulholland said.

The series will wrap up with Comedian Eric O'Shea at 10:15 p.m. May 7 in the UC South Dining Room in conjunction with the Late Night Breakfast.