Kevin Hart comes to the EMU Convocation Center on Thursday.

Kevin Hart, comedian

Thanks to his 5-foot, 4-inch height, Kevin Hart has been nicknamed “The Shortest Comedian To Ever Touch A Microphone and Get On Stage.” But his diminutive stature bears no resemblance to his career, where Hart is clearly standing tall.

The comedian/actor will play Eastern Michigan University’s Convocation Center on Thursday.

The talent behind the short-lived NBC sitcom “The Big House” in 2004, Hart’s “I'm a Grown Little Man,” from 2009, was one of Comedy Central’s highest-rated specials.

A native of Philadelphia, Hart quit his job as a shoe salesman to follow his dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. An appearance at the Montreal Just for Laughs Comedy Festival led to work in films such as “Scary Movie 3,” “The 40 Year Old Virgin” and “Along Came Polly.” He also appeared in “Meet Dave” with Eddie Murphy and “Fools Gold” with Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. Hart recently placed number 5 on Comedy Central’s list of Top 5 Best Black Comedians.

Although he wasn’t doing interviews in advance of the Ypsilanti show, Hart, 31, spoke recently with the Columbus Dispatch.

“It's called "Laugh at My Pain,’” he said of his current tour. “I talk about my trials and tribulations in my everyday life. The purpose is to put out the pains that hurt me, now that I'm in a place where I talk about it. ... I don't know anything else, only my experiences and feelings - what I love and hate. My fans relate to it, I think, because they feel they know me. ... Comedy gives some healing when you relate to real life, marriage, kids, turmoil. You're helping people who have problems. Laughter heals all wounds.”

Hart’s comedy influences include Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, Chris Rock and Bernie Mac.

Hart is currently appearing in a new urban advertising campaign for Ford Motor Co. The TV spot features Hart showing up late for his brother's wedding in a 2011 Ford Explorer. He has also been seen in ads for eBay. His 2010 special “Seriously Funny” included a new character, the streetwise Chocolate Drop, who mocks just about everything mockable about rappers.

In an interview with Pennsylvania’s Reading Eagle, Hart said that although his acting career has been in the forefront lately, comedy remains key.

"It all comes back to stand-up comedy," he said. "It can put you in a position to move on to bigger things. Stand-up will always be first in my life, though. I'm always going to revert back to it."