Mitch Mullany

Mitch Mullany's work as Marlon Wayans' friend on "The Wayans Brothers" led to his own sitcom on The WB, "Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher" (1996-98). At age 19, the Caucasian Mullany began honing his act in predominantly African-American comedy clubs in his native California, where his success led to the moniker "The White Boy." Within four years, he was working as an emcee at The Punchline in San Francisco and later headlined at clubs in the area. Mullany went on to make TV appearances in such efforts at "Evening at the Improv" and "Showtime at the Apollo," where his ethnically-blended comedy scored a hit. Having opened for Earth, Wind and Fire and The Pointer Sisters, Mullany moved to TV sitcoms and his breakthrough role on "The Wayans Brothers" during the 1995-1996 season. As 'White Mike', the Harlem-raised Caucasian confused about his ethnicity, the comic actor appeared sporadically but made enough of an impression to land his own sitcom. "Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher" cast Mullany as a would-be comedian who supports himself as an energetic, frenetic teacher, butts heads with his principal and uses comic methods along with a big heart to aid his pupils.