Rock, Chris (1965-…), is an American comedian, writer, actor, and director known for his controversial humor. Rock has won several Grammy Awards for his comedy albums. He also has won several Emmy Awards for his television programs.
Christopher Julius Rock III was born in Andrews, South Carolina, on Feb. 7, 1965. He grew up in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Rock began his career performing in comedy clubs. He made his motion-picture debut in the action comedy Beverly Hills Cop II (1987). He also had a small role in the comedy film I’m Gonna Git You Sucka (1988).
Rock was a regular performer on the television program “Saturday Night Live” from 1990 to 1993. His early comedy albums include Born Suspect (1991) and Roll with the New (1997). From 1997 to 2000, Rock hosted the late-night TV program “The Chris Rock Show.” The TV series “Everybody Hates Chris” (2005-2009), narrated by Rock, was based on his school days. Rock has starred in a number of stand-up comedy specials for TV, including “Bring the Pain” (1996), “Bigger & Blacker” (1999), “Never Scared” (2004), “Kill the Messenger” (2008), “Tamborine” (2018), and “Selective Outrage” (2023). Rock also has released comedy albums that include material from his TV specials.
Rock wrote, directed, and starred in the movies Head of State (2003), I Think I Love My Wife (2007), and Top Five (2014). His other notable films include Beverly Hills Ninja (1997); Lethal Weapon 4 (1998); Dogma (1999); Nurse Betty (2000); Down to Earth (2001); Bad Company (2002); The Longest Yard (2005); Death at a Funeral (2010); Grown Ups (2010); Grown Ups 2 (2013); 2 Days in New York and What to Expect When You’re Expecting (both 2012); and Rustin (2023).
In addition, Rock provided the voice for a talking zebra in the popular animated films Madagascar (2005); Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008); and Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012). He also narrated the documentary Good Hair (2009), which explores the hairstyles of African American women. Rock wrote a best-selling book, Rock This! (1997).
