Ralphie May was born on February 17, 1972, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Sue Ann Sykes May and Charles Winston. He grew up in Clarksville, Arkansas, alongside his three older siblings. His childhood was not easy, as his parents divorced and battled over child support, which left a lasting mark on him. Despite the difficulties, Ralphie often credited his grandmother for stepping in and raising him and his siblings with care and stability. She became one of the most important figures in his life, often mentioned in interviews with deep affection. From a young age, Ralphie showed a natural ability to make people laugh, which later became the foundation of his career.
Path to Comedy
At 17, Ralphie May had a turning point in his life when he won a contest to open for his idol, comedian Sam Kinison. Impressed by May’s talent, Kinison encouraged him to move to Houston, Texas, to develop his comedy further. Following that advice, May enrolled at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, sharpening his performance skills. His time in Houston allowed him to perform at open mic nights and small clubs, slowly building confidence and gaining experience. This early dedication laid the groundwork for a career that would eventually make him one of the most recognizable names in stand-up comedy.
Career Breakthrough
Ralphie May’s big break came in 2003 when he competed in the first season of Last Comic Standing. His sharp wit and fearless stage presence helped him reach the finals, where he finished in second place behind Dat Phan. Even though he didn’t win, the exposure gave him national recognition and opened doors to appearances on popular shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Wayne Brady Show.
In 2005, he became the only white comedian to perform on The Big Black Comedy Show alongside Mo’Nique, Rodman, and Vince Morris. The same year, he released his debut comedy album Just Correct, which received positive reception. This was followed by a series of successful Comedy Central specials, including Girth of a Nation (2006), Prime Cut (2007), and Austin-tatious (2008). His later specials like Too Big to Ignore (2012), Imperfectly Yours (2013), and Unruly (2015) further cemented his reputation as a bold, unfiltered, and hilarious performer.
Net Worth and Achievements
At the time of his death in 2017, Ralphie May had a net worth of $2 million. His earnings came from years of touring, television appearances, comedy albums, and specials on Comedy Central and Netflix. His stand-up tours were widely popular, often selling out large venues across the United States. Ralphie’s ability to connect with audiences of different backgrounds gave him a unique appeal and long-lasting fan base. Even after his passing, his work continued to generate recognition, with posthumous releases such as Ralphie May Presents (2018) and the documentary What’s Eating Ralphie May (2019).
Personal Life and Family
In July 2005, Ralphie May married fellow comedian Lahna Turner. The couple shared both a personal and professional partnership, even starting a podcast called Perfect 10 in 2013. Together, they had two children, a daughter born in 2007 and a son born in 2009. Despite their strong connection, their marriage faced struggles, leading to a divorce filing in 2015, though it was never finalized.
Family played an important role in Ralphie’s life. While his career kept him on the road for much of the time, he often spoke about how becoming a father changed his perspective. He wanted his children to see him as not only a comedian but also a loving dad who worked hard for their future.
Health Challenges
Throughout his life, Ralphie May faced major health struggles due to obesity. At one point, his weight exceeded 700 pounds. In 2004, he underwent gastric bypass surgery after competing in VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club, which helped him reduce his weight to around 350 pounds. However, his battle with weight continued over the years.
In 2011, Ralphie suffered a near-death experience when he contracted viral pneumonia. Shortly after, he developed a pulmonary embolism caused by a blood clot, a health scare that nearly claimed his life. Despite repeated attempts to regain control over his health, his weight and medical issues remained constant challenges.
Final Years and Death
By 2017, Ralphie May was still actively performing and had a residency at Harrah’s in Las Vegas. However, his health continued to decline, and he battled pneumonia in the weeks leading up to his death. On October 6, 2017, Ralphie went into cardiac arrest at the age of 45 and passed away in Las Vegas. The news shocked fans and fellow comedians, many of whom paid tribute to his legacy. Pictures surfaced from his final meet-and-greet with fans just hours before his death, showing him pale and unwell, yet still determined to perform.
His funeral was held in Tennessee, where family, friends, and fans gathered to honor his life. Comedians across the industry shared their memories, highlighting Ralphie’s generosity, humor, and influence in comedy.
Legacy
Ralphie May’s career spanned over two decades, leaving behind an impressive body of work. Known for his fearless humor and willingness to address sensitive topics, he broke barriers in comedy and inspired many up-and-coming comedians. His specials remain widely streamed, keeping his comedic voice alive for future generations.
Though his net worth was $2 million at the time of his passing, Ralphie’s real legacy lies in the laughter he brought to millions and the mark he left on the comedy world. His story is one of talent, perseverance, struggles, and triumphs, remembered fondly by fans and family alike.
