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Black Comedians
From the early comedy of Nipsey Russell, Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby to the contemporary routines of Steve Harvey, Mo'Nique, Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes and Dave Chappelle, black comedians have often used their wit to become the voice and face of the African-American experience. These legendary comedians have also set a very high bar—not only for African Americans, but for all comics trying to make it in show business. Learn more about these famous jokesters, from their early days to their comic beginnings, to their side-splitting performances and more.
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Featured Black Comedians
Browse biographies, including photos and video, of some of comedy's most famous stars, including Chris Rock, Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Bill Cosby and Dave Chappelle.
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Chris Rock
- In these groups:
- Cast of Saturday Night Live
- Black Comedians
- Celebrities With Court-side Seats
Chris Rock
Film Actor, Theater Actor, Television Actor, Comedian, Director, Producer / 1965 -
Former Saturday Night Live castmember Chris Rock has appeared in such films as Bad Company and is the creator of the television show Everybody Hates Chris.
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Bill Cosby
- In these groups:
- Black Comedians
- Celebrity Enlistees
- The Ed Sullivan Show Guests
Bill Cosby
Film Actor, Television Actor, Comedian, Television Producer / 1937 -
Bill Cosby is an American comedian, actor and producer, who has played a major role in the development of more positive portrayal of African-Americans on television.
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Richard Pryor
- In these groups:
- Black Comedians
- Numerous Nuptials
- Soul Train Guests
Richard Pryor
Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter / 1940 - 2005
Richard Pryor was a groundbreaking African-American comedian and one of the top entertainers of the 1970s and '80s.
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Whoopi Goldberg
- In these groups:
- Black Comedians
- U.N. Goodwill Ambassadors
- Female Talk Show Hosts
Whoopi Goldberg
Film Actress, Television Actress, Comedian, Talk Show Host / 1955 -
Whoopi Goldberg is a Grammy-Award winning comedienne, an actress, a human rights advocate, and TV host of the daytime talk show The View. -
Dave Chappelle
- In these groups:
- Black Comedians
- Famous Virgoans
- Famous Actors
Dave Chappelle
Film Actor, Television Actor, Comedian, Producer / 1973 -
Dave Chappelle is a comedian whose Comedy Central show Chappelle's Show became a smash hit in the mid-2000s.
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Eddie Murphy
- In these groups:
- Cast of Saturday Night Live
- Black Comedians
- Vampires
Eddie Murphy
Film Actor, Television Actor, Comedian, Director / 1961 -
Actor and comedian Eddie Murphy began doing stand-up as a teenager. He became a popular Saturday Night Live cast member and starred in several box-office hits.
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