PRESS RELEASE

Comedian, Actor and SC Native to Perform Benefit Show for Governor’s School for Science & Math

Wednesday, January 25, 2012, Columbia, SC – Comedian Aziz Ansari will perform in Charleston to benefit his alma mater, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM). The event will take place at the Charleston Music Hall, February 3, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Born in Columbia and raised in Bennettsville, Ansari is a graduate of the GSSM class of 2000. During his time at GSSM, he was involved in a variety of endeavors, including the tennis team. Prior to being accepted to GSSM, he attended Marlboro Academy in Bennettsville.

Dr. Carlanna Hendrick, GSSM history professor, fondly remembers Ansari from his time at the School.

"Aziz’s energy was apparent when he was the number one seed on our district championship tennis team,” says Hendrick. “His keen and analytic mind was revealed through the excellent grades he earned in my history class. Aziz was an unforgettable student with a strong work ethic and an equally strong sense of humor and fun."

Following GSSM graduation in 2000, he left for New York University, where he graduated in 2004 with a marketing degree. Ansari then shifted his career to become a comedian and actor. He is now well known for his role as on NBC's , as well as his roles in the blockbuster movies 30:Minutes or Less and Get Him to the Greek, among others. Ansari first came to audiences’ attention when he co-created and starred on MTV's hit sketch comedy series, . An accomplished stand-up comedian, Ansari was named “The Funniest Man Under 30” by Rolling Stone in 2011.

“Amid a swelling alumni base of doctors, scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs, we are extremely proud to have such a successful actor and comedian as an alumnus,” says Kim Bowman, CEO of the GSSM Foundation. “Aziz’s story just goes to show you never know where a solid background in science and math will lead you. From what we’ve seen from Aziz so far, the sky is the limit.”

Ansari is also performing six other shows during his time in Charleston. Get more information and purchase tickets here: http://www.theatre99.com/showdetail.php?id=149.

For more information on the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics, contact Leigh Hewlett at 803-252-9152 or [email protected].

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