The 10 Most Influential African American Comedians of All Time

As the famous comedian Chris Rock once said, "I love being black. It's so cool." And when it comes to American culture, few groups have had as much influence and coolness as African Americans, especially in the world of comedy. From groundbreaking pioneers like Moms Mabley to modern-day superstars like Kevin Hart, African American comedians have brought us joy, laughter, and important social commentary. In this article, we'll take a look at the 10 most influential African American comedians of all time, and explore how they have made us laugh while also shaping American culture. 

Moms Mabley: The Pioneering Queen of Comedy

Born in 1894 as Loretta Mary Aiken, Moms Mabley was a pioneering African American comedian who started her career in vaudeville in the 1920s. She was known for her signature toothless grin, her no-holds-barred humor, and her ability to tackle taboo topics such as race, sex, and politics. Mabley was the first female comedian to perform at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, and she appeared in a number of films and TV shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.

Notable Works:

• "The Funniest Woman in the World" (1960)
• "Amazing Grace" (1974)
• "Moms Mabley at the UN" (1962)

Richard Pryor: The Raw and Honest Voice of Comedy

Born in 1940 in Peoria, Illinois, Richard Pryor is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time. Pryor's brand of comedy was honest, raw, and often controversial, as he tackled issues such as race, drug use, and poverty. He had a successful career in stand-up comedy, TV, and film, and his influence can still be seen in the work of many comedians today.

Notable Works:

• "Live on the Sunset Strip" (1982)
• "Richard Pryor: Live in Concert" (1979)
• "Stir Crazy" (1980)

Redd Foxx: The Raunchy Humorist Who Broke Barriers

Born in 1922 as John Elroy Sanford, Redd Foxx was a comedian and actor who rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s. He was known for his raunchy humor and his portrayal of Fred Sanford on the hit TV show Sanford and Son. Foxx's career spanned more than five decades, and he influenced generations of comedians with his style and wit.

Notable Works:

• "Sanford and Son" (TV series, 1972-1977)
• "Harlem Nights" (1989)
• "Cotton Comes to Harlem" (1970)

Eddie Murphy: The Infectious Energy of Stand-Up Comedy

Born in 1961 in Brooklyn, New York, Eddie Murphy started his career as a stand-up comedian in the early 1980s. He quickly became one of the most popular comedians in the country, with his infectious energy and his ability to mimic characters and accents. Murphy went on to have a successful career in film, with roles in movies like Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and The Nutty Professor.

Notable Works:

• "Raw" (1987)
• "Coming to America" (1988)
• "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984)

Chris Rock: The Sharp Wit and Social Commentary of a Comedic Legend

Born in 1965 in Andrews, South Carolina, Chris Rock is a comedian, actor, and writer. He first gained fame in the 1990s with his appearances on Saturday Night Live and his HBO comedy specials. Rock's style of comedy is marked by his sharp wit, his social and political commentary, and his ability to turn his own experiences into hilarious anecdotes.

Notable Works:

• "Bigger & Blacker" (1999)
• "Top Five" (2014)

Dave Chappelle: The Fearless Approach to Comedy and Controversial Topics

Born in 1973 in Washington, D.C., Dave Chappelle is a comedian, actor, and writer. He first gained fame in the early 2000s with his hit TV show Chappelle's Show, which tackled issues of race, politics, and culture with a unique blend of humor and satire. Chappelle is known for his fearless approach to comedy and his ability to address controversial topics with honesty and insight.

Notable Works:

• "Chappelle's Show" (TV series, 2003-2006)
• "Sticks & Stones" (2019)
• "The Age of Spin" (2017)

Whoopi Goldberg: The Barrier-Breaking Comedian and Advocate for Social Justice

Born in 1955 in New York City, Whoopi Goldberg is a comedian, actress, and talk show host. She first gained fame in the 1980s with her one-woman show and her role in the film The Color Purple. Goldberg has since gone on to have a successful career in TV and film, and she has used her platform to advocate for social and political causes.

Notable Works:

• "Sister Act" (1992)
• "The View" (TV series, 2007-present)
• "Ghost" (1990)

Martin Lawrence: The Physicality, Impressions, and Everyday Humor of a Comedic Icon

Born in 1965 in Frankfurt, Germany, Martin Lawrence is a comedian, actor, and producer. He first gained fame in the 1990s with his hit TV show Martin and his appearances in movies like Bad Boys and Big Momma's House. Lawrence's style of comedy is marked by his physicality, his impressions, and his ability to find humor in everyday situations.

Notable Works:

• "Martin" (TV series, 1992-1997)
• "Bad Boys" (1995)
• "Blue Streak" (1999)

Martin Lawrence: The Physicality, Impressions, and Everyday Humor of a Comedic Icon

Born in 1979 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kevin Hart is a comedian, actor, and producer. He first gained fame in the early 2000s with his stand-up comedy and his appearances in TV shows like Undeclared and The Big House. Hart has since gone on to have a successful career in film, with roles in movies like Jumanji and Ride Along.

Notable Works:

• "Laugh at My Pain" (2011)
• "Central Intelligence" (2016)
• "Get Hard" (2015)

Bill Cosby: The Comedy Legend and TV Icon

Born in 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bill Cosby is a comedian, actor, and producer. He first gained fame in the 1960s with his comedy albums and his TV show I Spy. Cosby went on to have a successful career in TV and film, with roles in shows like The Cosby Show and movies like Uptown Saturday Night.

Notable Works:

• "The Cosby Show" (TV series, 1984-1992)
• "I Spy" (TV series, 1965-1968)
• "Uptown Saturday Night" (1974)

Mic Drop

These 10 comedians have had a huge impact on American culture, both through their contributions to comedy and their advocacy for social and political causes. From Moms Mabley to Kevin Hart, they have made us laugh, made us think, and made us better as a society. As we continue to celebrate diversity and representation in media and entertainment, it is important to remember the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations.

Who is your favorite comedian on this list, and why? Did you learn something new about their life and career that surprised you? We would love to hear your thoughts and insights in the comments below!

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