Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of African American comedy in America, from the earliest minstrel shows to the latest HBO special. Featuring interviews with cultural critics and loads of comedic clips, this program features appearances by a who's-who of black comedians including Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg and many more.
Full Cast of Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
Angela Bassett
Angela Evelyn Bassett (born August 16, 1958) is an American actress. Known for her work in film and television since...
Bill Bellamy
William Bellamy is an American actor and stand-up comedian. Bellamy first gained national notoriety on HBO's Russell...
Tommy Davidson
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Tommy Davidson (born November 10, 1963) is an American comedian, film and...
Michael Eric Dyson
Michael Eric Dyson is an academic, author, preacher, and radio host. He is Professor of Sociology at Georgetown University.
Marla Gibbs
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Marla Gibbs (born June 14, 1931) is an American television and film...
Louis Gossett Jr.
Louis Gossett Jr. (born May 27, 1936) is an American film and television actor, best known for his role as Gunnery...
D.L. Hughley
Darryl Lynn "D. L." Hughley is an American actor and stand-up comedian. He is perhaps best known as the star of the...
Faizon Love
Faizon Andre Love was born June 14, 1968. An actor and comedian, he is best known for roles in the films Friday,...
Mo'Nique
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Monica Imes (born December 11, 1967) known professionally as Mo'Nique, is an...
Garrett Morris
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Garrett Gonzalez Morris (born February 1, 1937 height 5' 8" (1,73 m)) is an...
Niecy Nash-Betts
Niecy Nash-Betts (born Carol Denise Ensley; born February 23, 1970), is an American actress, comedian and television...
Chris Rock
Christopher Julius "Chris" Rock III (born February 7, 1965) is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, television...
Sherri Shepherd
Sherri Evonne Shepherd (born April 22, 1967) is an American comedienne, actress, and television personality. She is...
Damon Wayans
Damon Kyle Wayans Sr. (born September 4, 1960) is an American actor, comedian, producer, and writer. He's best know...
Marlon Wayans
Marlon L. Wayans was born on July 23, 1972 in New York City. He is the brother of Nadia Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Keenen...
Shawn Wayans
Shawn Mathis Wayans (born January 19, 1971) is an American actor, producer, writer and comedian who starred in In...
Todd Boyd
Walter Fauntroy
Shang Forbes
Sheila Jackson Lee
Eddie Levert
Kweisi Mfume
Thea Vidale
Topper Carew
Crew of Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
Full backstage crew list →- Released on January 01, 2009