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The Triumphant Return: A Complete Look At Sinbad's Filmography, From 'A Different World' To Tyler Perry's 'Straw'

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Few comedians possess the infectious energy and clean, observational humor of Sinbad. The actor and stand-up legend, whose career spans over four decades, has cemented his status as a cultural icon, known for his signature style and memorable roles in 90s cinema and television. This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into the complete Sinbad filmography, tracing his journey from his early days on Star Search to his inspiring, triumphant return to Hollywood following a major health crisis.

The story of Sinbad’s career is one of resilience and versatility, blending his roots as a stand-up comedian with a successful transition into acting, producing, and voice-over work. His recent return to the spotlight, including a new major acting role, has re-energized fans eager to celebrate his legacy and future projects.

Sinbad: Biography and Profile (David Adkins)

David Adkins, universally known by his stage name Sinbad, is an American stand-up comedian and actor whose career is defined by his ability to connect with audiences across various media. His clean comedy style, which often focuses on family, relationships, and everyday life, has earned him a devoted following.

  • Full Name: David Adkins
  • Known As: Sinbad
  • Date of Birth: November 10, 1956
  • Place of Birth: Benton Harbor, Michigan, U.S.
  • Profession: Stand-up Comedian, Actor, Producer
  • Breakthrough Role: Coach Walter Oakes in A Different World (1987–1991)
  • Notable Achievements: Starred in four HBO comedy specials, numerous feature films, and his own sitcom, The Sinbad Show.
  • Recent Update: Returned to acting in Tyler Perry's Straw (2025) after recovering from a 2020 stroke.

The Golden Era: Sinbad's Iconic 90s Film & Television Roles

Sinbad’s career truly exploded in the late 1980s and 1990s, where he became a fixture on television and a reliable box-office draw in family comedies. His on-screen persona was often that of the energetic, slightly exasperated, but ultimately lovable sidekick or lead.

A Different World and The Sinbad Show

His breakout role came in 1987 with the highly influential sitcom A Different World, a spin-off of The Cosby Show set at a fictional historically black college (HBCU). Sinbad played the charismatic and often hilarious Coach Walter Oakes, the campus athletic director and a fan favorite for four seasons.

Following this success, he starred in his own Fox sitcom, The Sinbad Show (1993-1994), where he played David Bryan, a foster parent to two children. While short-lived, the show further showcased his ability to carry a series and blend comedy with heartfelt family moments.

Feature Film Highlights

The 90s saw Sinbad transition seamlessly to the big screen, delivering memorable performances in several major studio comedies. These roles solidified his reputation as a comedic powerhouse:

  • Coneheads (1993): Sinbad played the small but memorable role of Otto, an alien who helps the Conehead family. The movie, based on the classic SNL skit, was an early comedy success for him.
  • Houseguest (1995): This film is arguably his first major leading man role. He played Kevin Franklin, a con man who poses as a friend of a wealthy family to escape the mob. The comedic chemistry with co-star Phil Hartman was a highlight.
  • Jingle All the Way (1996): A holiday classic, Sinbad starred as Myron Larabee, a mailman and the main rival to Arnold Schwarzenegger's character, Howard Langston, in a frantic search for the season’s hottest toy. His performance as the increasingly desperate and unhinged Myron is often cited as one of his best comedic turns.
  • Good Burger (1997): He appeared as Mr. Wheat, a teacher, in the popular Nickelodeon movie based on the sketch from the show All That.

The Complete Sinbad Filmography: Movies, TV, and Stand-Up

Sinbad's career is a rich tapestry of stand-up specials—the medium where he first gained fame—and diverse acting roles across film and television. His HBO comedy specials, such as Sinbad: Brain Damaged and Sinbad: Son of a Preacher Man, were pivotal in establishing his national profile.

Selected Filmography (Movies)

  • That's Adequate (1989)
  • Necessary Roughness (1991) - Andre Krimm
  • Coneheads (1993) - Otto
  • Houseguest (1995) - Kevin Franklin
  • First Kid (1996) - Sam Simms
  • Jingle All the Way (1996) - Myron Larabee
  • Good Burger (1997) - Mr. Wheat
  • Crazy as Hell (2002) - Orderly
  • Planes (2013) - Roper (Voice)
  • Sinbad: Make Me Wanna Holla (2014) - Stand-Up Special
  • Straw (2025) - Benny (Upcoming Netflix Film)

Selected Television Filmography (Series)

  • The Redd Foxx Show (1986) - Byron Lightfoot
  • A Different World (1987–1991) - Coach Walter Oakes
  • The Sinbad Show (1993–1994) - David Bryan
  • The Parent 'Hood (1995) - Himself
  • Cosby (1997) - Voice of the TV Announcer
  • It's All Relative (2003–2004) - Voice
  • American Dad! (2005) - Various Voices
  • Comedy Bang! Bang! (2015) - Noel DeSoil Holyfield
  • Rel (2018–2019) - Milton (Rel's father)

The Inspiring Comeback: Sinbad’s New Chapter in Hollywood

The latest updates on Sinbad’s career are a powerful testament to his unwavering spirit. In October 2020, David Adkins suffered an ischemic stroke, which was followed by a cerebral hemorrhage. This health crisis led to a long and arduous recovery process that saw him learning to walk again.

Despite the challenges, Sinbad has been steadily making a return to the public eye. In a truly moving moment, he returned to the stand-up stage for the first time since his stroke at the "Netflix Is a Joke Presents: Sinbad Tribute Show," marking a significant milestone in his recovery.

Returning to Acting in Tyler Perry's 'Straw'

The most exciting news for fans is Sinbad’s return to acting in the upcoming Netflix movie, Straw, directed by Tyler Perry. The film, which is set for release in 2025, features an ensemble cast including Taraji P. Henson and Sherri Shepherd. Sinbad takes on the role of Benny, marking his first major acting role since his stroke.

Tyler Perry has publicly praised Sinbad's dedication and performance on the set of Straw, calling his role another leap in his recovery journey. This new project is not just another credit on his filmography; it symbolizes his resilience and determination to continue his craft, proving that the legendary comedian's story is far from over.

From his early days as Coach Walter Oakes, bringing laughter to millions on A Different World, to his unforgettable cinematic turns in *Jingle All the Way* and *Houseguest*, Sinbad has built a legacy on clean, relatable humor. His latest venture in Straw is a powerful reminder of his enduring talent and inspiring comeback, securing his place as one of the most beloved figures in American comedy.

sinbad filmography
sinbad filmography

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