The Funniest Black Comedians of All Time
Over 9,000 comedy fans have spoken, and the verdict is in: Who are the funniest Black comedians of all time? The best Black comedians come in many forms. Some famous comedians who are Black joke about family in their stand-up acts, while other African American comedians crack wise about politics. A few hilarious Black comedians have gone on to become some of the most successful stand-ups in the world. Who is the funniest black comedian ever? Which black comedians do you love?
When it comes to the funniest black comedians, Eddie Murphy has to be at the top of the list. Before he was known as a mega-movie star, Eddie Murphy was a stand-up comedy giant releasing such hilarious specials as Delirious and Raw in the 1980s. Dave Chappelle is another one of the funniest Black comedians of all time. Wanda Sykes is hilarious on and off stage as the producer of Last Comic Standing, The Chris Rock Show and her own hilarious specials. Other funny African Americans featured on this top Black comedians list include Richard Pryor, Katt Williams, and Hannibal Buress.
Do you have a favorite Black comedian? Give the funniest comics a thumbs up and vote others down accordingly.
Known for his sharp wit and unapologetic humor, Dave Chappelle has been a force in stand-up comedy since the 1990s. He gained widespread fame with his television sketch comedy series Chappelle's Show, which covered topics from race relations to pop culture. Despite walking away from the show at its peak, Chappelle recently made a successful comeback with several Netflix comedy specials.
A trailblazer in the world of stand-up comedy, Richard Pryor was renowned for his raw, honest storytelling through humor. With fearless social commentary, Pryor tackled issues of race and class during the 1970s and 1980s, leaving an undeniable impact on comedians who followed. Beyond stand-up, he also starred in numerous films and wrote for television shows such as Sanford and Son.
Rising to fame as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, Eddie Murphy quickly became one of the biggest names in comedy. His edgy stand-up routines often revolved around race, sexuality, and impersonations of celebrities. Murphy transitioned to a successful acting career as well, starring in popular films like Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America.
With a style that was direct and brutally honest, Bernie Mac always commanded attention onstage. Best known for his work on The Original Kings of Comedy tour, Mac's humor reflected his tough upbringing on Chicago's South Side. He later starred in the sitcom The Bernie Mac Show, which showcased his unique brand of family humor.
Redd Foxx was a pioneer of adult-themed comedy, known for his raunchy, risqué humor on records and in nightclubs. He gained mainstream success as the star of the sitcom Sanford and Son, which showcased his impeccable comedic timing and knack for physical comedy. Despite facing financial hardships later in life, Foxx's legacy continues to influence future generations of comedians.
One of the most influential comedians of his generation, Chris Rock's intelligent, biting humor has earned him numerous Emmy and Grammy awards. He gained fame on Saturday Night Live before transitioning to a successful stand-up and acting career, tackling topics such as race, relationships, and politics in his routines. Rock has also written, directed, and produced for television and film.
