Reynaldo Rey Documentary Wins Telly Award

Reynaldo Rey’s legacy celebrated as Cocoa Brown’s documentary picks up first Telly Award.

By Pratibha Pratibha linkedin_icon

Cocoa Brown has announced a major milestone for the team behind the Reynaldo Rey documentary: the film has just secured its first Telly Award. The Emmy-honoring Telly Awards celebrate excellence in video and television across all screens, and Brown’s Instagram reveal captures her excitement for a project years in the making.

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Cocoa Brown Celebrates Telly Award Win

“I am thrilled to announce that the Reynaldo Rey Documentary has received its first award @tellyawards for our amazing work,” Brown wrote, saluting the crew’s dedication. Images shared on her feed show the actress-comedian holding the gleaming Telly statuette against a backdrop of applause, as well as close-up shots of the bronze trophy engraved with the production’s title. In her post, Brown also thanked “the entire team that made this happen” and teased an imminent announcement on which streaming platform will carry the film next.

Honoring A Comedy Icon

Reynaldo Rey, born Harry J. Reynolds, rose from New York’s famed Apollo Theater to become one of stand-up comedy’s most versatile voices. He appeared in movies such as White Men Can’t Jump and Friday, and on TV in series like The Royal Family and Martin. The documentary traces his journey from early club dates through decades of film and television work, featuring interviews with family members, colleagues, and fellow comics who reflect on his quick wit and warm spirit.

Brown and the MHEAD Films production team sifted through hours of archival footage to weave together a narrative that highlights both Rey’s professional triumphs and his off-stage generosity. Viewers will hear from comedy legends who credit him with opening doors—and from newer performers who cite him as a creative inspiration.

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Streaming Platform Announcement Coming Soon

While the Telly Award marks a critical achievement, Brown’s followers are equally eager for viewing details. “We will be making an announcement on the streaming platform we have selected soon so everyone will have access to watch the film,” she added. Industry insiders say the deal may land on a major subscription-based service before the end of the quarter, offering fans everywhere a chance to celebrate Rey’s legacy from home.

Until then, the award-winning documentary is already generating buzz on the festival circuit, with screenings planned later this summer at comedy and film events in New York and Los Angeles. Organizers praise its lively pacing and heartfelt interviews, calling it “a must-see for anyone who loves the history of stand-up.”

Behind Mhead Films And Cocoa Brown

Best known for her acting credits on Tyler Perry’s Single Mom’s Club, 9-1-1 and 2 Broke Girls, Cocoa Brown has branched out into producing and documentary work with MHEAD Films. This project marks her first major foray into filmmaking behind the camera. Through MHEAD, she teamed up with veteran director Marcus Hill and editor Tasha Grant to bring the Reynaldo Rey story to light.

Brown’s transition from performer to producer reflects a growing trend of actors stepping into development roles to champion underrepresented stories. In her announcement, she noted how personal the film became: “Getting to know Rey through conversations with those who loved him made this project incredibly rewarding.”

The Telly Award win solidifies the documentary’s reputation and builds anticipation for its public release. As Brown and her collaborators fine-tune the final cut, audiences can look forward to a streaming debut that will shine a spotlight on a comedian who paved the way for many of today’s stars.

Fans and fellow entertainers alike are encouraged to stay tuned for the official platform announcement—and to prepare for an affectionate, revealing portrait of a comedy legend who gave laughter to so many.

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Cocoa Brown has a strong presence on social media, where she shares insights into her life and career with her fans.
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Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.

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