Black comedians on television


Black Comedians on Television
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
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
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
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
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
Martin Lawrence
Martin Lawrence located his single-but-committed disc jockey character in a struggling American city

Wanda Sykes
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
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
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
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
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

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
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
Chris Rock
Chris Rock narrates this sitcom inspired by his teenage adventures in this neighborhood. This young actor  played the lead role.
Follow us on Twitter! Follow us on Twitter!
Get our Latest Updates!