Renowned comedian Sinbad, whose real name is David Atkins, is currently on life support following a recent stroke. The 64-year-old entertainer’s family released a heartfelt statement on Monday, expressing their optimism for his recovery. “Our beloved husband and father is recovering from a recent stroke. Sinbad is a light source of love and joy for many generations,” they shared, urging fans to keep him in their thoughts and prayers.

Sinbad, who rose to fame in the 1990s, first gained national attention by competing on “Star Search” in 1985. Although he did not win, the exposure helped launch his Hollywood career. He is best known for his role as Coach Walter Oakes on “A Different World,” a popular spin-off of “The Cosby Show” that aired from 1987 to 1991. His comedic prowess led to a series of successful HBO specials throughout the decade, and he starred in various films, including “Houseguest,” “Jingle All the Way,” “First Kid,” and “Good Burger.”

Most recently, Sinbad appeared in the Fox series “Real,” which aired for one season from 2018 to 2019. He remained active in stand-up comedy, performing shows as recently as October of this year. The exact timeline of the stroke remains unclear, but the Atkins family has requested privacy during this challenging time, thanking fans for their love and support.

As Sinbad embarks on his road to recovery, his family remains hopeful that he will soon bring laughter back into the lives of many. They emphasized the importance of prayers and respect for their privacy, stating, “We thank you in advance for your love and support and ask for continued prayer for his healing.” Fans and fellow comedians alike are rallying to show their support for the beloved entertainer during this difficult moment.