Ever since Flip Wilson graced TV sets in the sixties, bringing on all the funnies, Black comedians have made us laugh through critical observation of the Black experience, self-reflecting stories and humor that’s too blue to jot down here. VICE TV’s series Black Comedy in America has chronicled our comical history, highlighting the most iconic comedians, television shows, films and moments in time that have shaped Black comedy.
Comedian Chris Spencer, Black Comedy In America‘s executive producer and co-host, looked back at five Black men who followed in Wilson’s footsteps to shape and revolutionize the comic landscape. “We chose these five comics because of their impact on Black comedy and culture across multiple vertices in entertainment,” he shared with EBONY. “Many of these men laid the foundation and drew up the plans to build a successful career while always chasing the biggest laugh and telling the hardest truths.”
Get your chuckles on with these five Black male comedians who know how to make you giggle.
Richard Pryor. “There was no one more honest and truthful with the subjects of their comedy. For Richard, nothing was off limits: people, race, drugs, sex/sexuality and politics. Richard took no prisoners and spared no one, including himself. Undoubtedly, he is the greatest storyteller of all time and will forever be the blueprint for all that is Black comedy. The beauty about Richard is that he crossed over into all parts of the business: stand-up, TV variety shows and film. He was a leading man in multiple films—unheard of from a Black man who was not considered classically handsome nor a dramatic actor.”
Sherman Hemsley. “Sherman played the first self-made Black man on TV. His character was rich, brash, unapologetic, but more importantly, very funny. Sherman went from playing a character in All in the Family to leading his own series, depicting Black success and love. While we laughed, we also cringed when Sherman would let his white neighbors have it, telling them how it is “race relations in America.” Sherman went from The Jeffersons and Amen to other projects and always kept the laughs coming. While he wasn’t a standup comedian, he had impeccable timing and knew how to deliver and land a joke.”
Bernie Mac. “Bernie was truly a one-of-a-kind fearless comic. Bernie knew how to write a joke and tell stories. His voice and delivery are unforgettable, as are his unforgettable sayings, “Sumofabitch” and “I’m not afraid of you motherf&^%kers.” Every time you saw him, whether on stage, in film or on TV, he stole the show. Over the course of his career, Bernie played some of the most iconic characters in Friday, Bad Santa, the Oceans movies and more, and he was fearless.”
Dave Chappelle. “Dave is a brilliant, pure comic. He is more than hysterical; he is deeply thoughtful and deeply committed to talking about the human story and the symbiotic relationship between humans and society. Dave is this generation’s Dick Gregory and George Carlin. His career spans decades, and his decision to be Hollywood-adjacent has paid off because Dave’s principles are unflappable. His brilliant mind created one of the most iconic sketch shows and comedy specials. While Dave cares what people think of his work, he doesn’t let it dictate his next move. Undoubtedly, he has cemented his place in the top five of comedy as creator of Chappelle’s Show and dozens of comedy specials.”
Kevin Hart. “Kevin might be the hardest-working man in the comedy business. Comedy is to Kevin what oxygen is to us humans: a necessity. He was a true student of the craft coming up, and now, as a vet, he remains as disciplined. Kevin has created a career built on never giving up and doing it his way, from stand-up to the screen. He never shies away from talking about his upbringing and family, and he has produced nearly a dozen comedy specials. What sets Kevin apart from most is his understanding of the power of social media; learning this early on was genius and showed his business savvy. Over the past ten years, Kevin has proven that some folks can do it all: stand-up, TV and film and run a hugely successful production company, tequila company and more. You can see Kevin’s influence on young comics today, especially in their use of social media to build their capital and popularity. And he’s just hysterical.”
Catch the Black Comedy in America finale on December 17 on VICE TV. A full marathon will air on Christmas Day.
