Black Comedians on Television
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| Black comedians on television |
Several stand-up comedians augment their center-stage solo acts with headlining soundstage ensembles. Who's among the most famous? In celebration of Black History Month, we highlight black stand-up comics who had TV shows in prime time.
Redd Foxx
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| Redd Foxx |
Redd Foxx, born with this name, became a household name portraying the cantankerous junk dealer in a famous section of Los Angeles
Flip Wilson
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| Flip Wilson |
Flip Wilson, born with this name, and his alter ego held their own in the heyday of the prime-time variety show.
Mo'Nique
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| Mo'Nique |
In this sitcom's spin-off, Mo'Nique turned her breakthrough portrayal of a lovesick, nontraditional college student into Hollywood gold
Bill Cosby
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| Bill Cosby |
Bill Cosby became a cultural icon as America's favorite dad and his on-screen wife, a modern-day mother with a career.
Martin Lawrence
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| Martin Lawrence |
Martin Lawrence located his single-but-committed disc jockey character in a struggling American city
Wanda Sykes
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| Wanda Sykes |
Wanda Sykes tried to make her fictionalized alter ego, a stand-up comic-turned-political correspondent, work without much success. But this young co-star continues to build her résumé on a legal drama.
D.L. Hughley
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| D.L. Hughley |
D.L. Hughley and his on-screen wife portrayed a successful couple who moves their family into an upscale suburban community
Bernie Mac
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| Bernie Mac |
In a show inspired by his stand-up act, the late Bernie Mac and his on-screen wife played a childless couple who take custody of his troubled sister's three children.
Dave Chappelle
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| Dave Chappelle |
Dave Chappelle catapulted to international notoriety when he abruptly left his sketch comedy show and disappeared, eventually surfacing in this place
Richard Pryor
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| Richard Pryor |
Only four episodes of Richard Pryor's variety show aired after the network slotted the adult-oriented series against this popular sitcom and its spin-off.
Steve Harvey
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Steve Harvey |
Showcasing his signature look, Steve Harvey's funk legend-turned-high school teacher anchored the ensemble cast that included this breakout star.
Jamie Foxx
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| Jamie Foxx |
Jamie Foxx, born with this name, portrayed an aspiring musician from his actual hometown with a daytime gig at the Los Angeles hotel of relatives. Who knew his small-screen singing chops would lead to an Oscar-worthy performance
Chris Rock
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| Chris Rock |
Chris Rock narrates this sitcom inspired by his teenage adventures in this neighborhood. This young actor played the lead role.
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