Coming to Kansas City Big Slick: ‘American Idol,’ ‘Boondocks,’ ‘Dawson’s Creek’ stars

Big Slick is bringing Uncle Ruckus to town.

Comedian Gary Anthony Williams, the voice of the antagonistic, aggravating, Black-people-hating “Uncle Tom” character on the animated sitcom “The Boondocks,” will make his Big Slick Celebrity weekend debut this year, organizers announced Wednesday.

Irish comedian Aisling Bea, who co-starred with Big Slick host Paul Rudd on the Netflix comedy series “Living With Yourself,” will also appear for the first time.

“American Idol” winner David Cook, a native of Blue Springs, will make his fourth appearance.

Also returning are comedian Sara Tiana and TV stars James Van Der Beek (“Dawson’s Creek” and “CSI:Cyber”) and Dylan Baker (“Hunters,” “Homeland” and “The Good Wife.”)

The events are spread over two days, with a June 24 softball game at Kauffman Stadium and a June 25 party and auction at the T-Mobile Center.

Hometown hosts Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, Eric Stonestreet, Rob Riggle and David Koechner bring celebrity pals with them every year to help raise money for Children’s Mercy. Organizers are announcing the guests for this year’s 13th event a few names at a time this week.

Williams, who shows off his improvisational skills as a recurring cast member of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” is best known for giving voice to one-eyed Uncle Ruckus on Aaron McGruder’s adult animated series.

“The Boondocks” tackled politics, racial injustice and other social justice issues of the day. A reboot effort failed earlier this year.

Big Slick events this year include:

▪ The Big Slick Celebrity Classic softball game at 5 p.m. Friday, June 24, at Kauffman Stadium. Anyone who buys a ticket to the Kansas City Royals game that night against the Oakland A’s can watch the celebrity softball game beforehand for free.

▪ The Big Slick Party & Show at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at the T-Mobile Center downtown. Tickets range from $75 for standard lower level to $250-$375 for upgraded seats with Founder’s Club access, including drink tickets or open bar. They’re available at bigslickkc.org and T-MobileCenter.com.

Other guests already announced include Heidi Gardner from “Saturday Night Live,” a graduate of Kansas City’s Notre Dame de Sion; comedians Brian Quinn and James Murray from TruTV’s “Impractical Jokers;” actor Adam Scott and WWE star Happy Corbin from Lenexa.

This story was originally published June 15, 2022 at 10:07 AM.

Lisa Gutierrez

The Kansas City Star

816-562-6832

Lisa Gutierrez has been a reporter for The Kansas City Star since 2000. She learned journalism at the University of Kansas, her alma mater. She writes about pop culture, local celebrities, trends and life in the metro through its people. Oh, and dogs. You can reach her at lgutierrez@kcstar.com or follow her on Twitter - @LisaGinKC.