The Funniest African-American Actors of All Time

African-American comedians and actors have reshaped film, television, and stand-up, bringing sharp wit, cultural insight, and unforgettable characters to generations of audiences. Their work spans sketch shows, sitcoms, blockbuster movies, and groundbreaking stand-up specials, and it often blends humor with social commentary and personal storytelling. Many of these performers have also written, produced, or directed projects that opened doors for others and expanded what onscreen comedy could look like. Together, these forty actors form a rich history of talent that continues to influence entertainment around the world.

Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor was a stand-up comedian and actor whose confessional storytelling style changed modern comedy. He released landmark concert films such as ‘Richard Pryor: Live in Concert’ and ‘Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip’, which captured his material for wide audiences. In film, he appeared in comedies like ‘Silver Streak’, ‘Stir Crazy’, and ‘Harlem Nights’, often playing characters caught in chaotic situations. Pryor also co-wrote screenplays, including contributions to ‘Blazing Saddles’, and his body of work has shaped the approach of many later comedians.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy became widely known through ‘Saturday Night Live’, where his characters and impressions helped revitalize the show. He translated that momentum into film, starring in hits such as ’48 Hrs.’, ‘Trading Places’, ‘Beverly Hills Cop’, and ‘Coming to America’. Murphy also headlined stand-up specials like ‘Delirious’ and ‘Raw’, which showcased his high-energy storytelling style. Later, he took on family comedies such as ‘The Nutty Professor’ and voice roles like Donkey in ‘Shrek’, showing his range across different kinds of humor.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock first gained national attention as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and through his early stand-up work. His specials, including ‘Bring the Pain’ and ‘Bigger & Blacker’, focused on race, relationships, and politics in a sharp, observational style. Rock created and narrated the series ‘Everybody Hates Chris’, loosely based on his own childhood. He has also appeared in films such as ‘Head of State’, ‘Down to Earth’, and the ‘Madagascar’ franchise, and he has hosted major award shows and produced projects for other comedians.

Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle built his reputation through stand-up before creating ‘Chappelle’s Show’, a sketch series that mixed comedy with pointed social commentary. The show introduced recurring characters and sketches that quickly became part of popular culture. After leaving the series, Chappelle returned to stand-up with specials released on streaming platforms, focusing on topics such as race, fame, and free speech. He has also appeared in films like ‘Half Baked’, ‘The Nutty Professor’, and ‘A Star Is Born’, often bringing a laid-back style to his supporting roles.

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence broke out with his own sitcom, ‘Martin’, where he played both the main character and several over-the-top supporting roles. Before that, he hosted the stand-up showcase ‘Def Comedy Jam’, helping to introduce many other comedians to television audiences. Lawrence moved into film with comedies such as ‘Bad Boys’, ‘Blue Streak’, and ‘Big Momma’s House’, often playing characters in outrageous or high-pressure situations. He has also toured extensively as a stand-up comedian, releasing specials that highlight his animated stage presence.

Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac gained national recognition through the stand-up tour and film ‘The Original Kings of Comedy’, where his closing sets drew widespread attention. He starred in ‘The Bernie Mac Show’, a sitcom that used mockumentary-style interviews to show his perspective on parenting and family life. In film, Mac appeared in comedies and ensemble projects such as ‘Head of State’, ‘Bad Santa’, ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, and ‘Guess Who’. His work often drew from his upbringing in Chicago and emphasized a tough but affectionate persona.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart built his career through a series of stand-up tours that he turned into concert films such as ‘Laugh at My Pain’, ‘Let Me Explain’, and ‘What Now?’. These projects combined live performance footage with behind-the-scenes material showing his life on the road. Hart expanded into movies with comedies like ‘Ride Along’, ‘Think Like a Man’, ‘Central Intelligence’, and the ‘Jumanji’ franchise, often playing characters who are ambitious but anxious. He also founded the production company HartBeat, hosts podcasts and interview shows, and works on fitness and philanthropic initiatives.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx started in sketch comedy on ‘In Living Color’, where he portrayed a variety of characters and impressions. He then led his own sitcom, ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’, which followed a hopeful entertainer working at a family-run hotel. In film, Foxx balanced comedic roles in projects such as ‘Booty Call’, ‘Horrible Bosses’, and ‘Django Unchained’ with dramatic work that earned major awards. Beyond acting, he has released R&B albums and collaborated with other artists, building a career that spans comedy, music, and drama.

Cedric the Entertainer

Cedric the Entertainer rose to prominence as one of ‘The Original Kings of Comedy’ and as a co-star on the sitcom ‘The Steve Harvey Show’. His film roles include playing the barber Eddie in ‘Barbershop’ and appearing in movies such as ‘Johnson Family Vacation’ and ‘Be Cool’. Cedric has hosted game shows and events, including ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’, and has lent his voice to animated films like ‘Madagascar’ and ‘Ice Age’. He also created and starred in the TV series ‘The Soul Man’, about a singer who becomes a minister.

Steve Harvey

Steve Harvey started as a stand-up comedian and became widely known through the sitcom ‘The Steve Harvey Show’, where he played a former musician working as a high school teacher. He joined the stand-up tour featured in ‘The Original Kings of Comedy’, which brought his material to a larger audience. Harvey later transitioned into hosting, leading programs such as ‘Family Feud’, ‘Celebrity Family Feud’, and ‘The Steve Harvey Morning Show’ on radio. He has also written books like ‘Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man’, which inspired the film ‘Think Like a Man’.

Chris Tucker

Chris Tucker came to prominence with his role as Smokey in ‘Friday’, where his fast-talking style stood out. He followed that with the ‘Rush Hour’ series alongside Jackie Chan, playing Detective James Carter in a mix of action and comedy. Tucker has appeared in other films such as ‘Money Talks’, ‘The Fifth Element’, and ‘Silver Linings Playbook’, often bringing high energy to his performances. He has also returned to stand-up over the years, touring and releasing specials for live audiences.

Mike Epps

Mike Epps gained attention as Day-Day in ‘Next Friday’ and ‘Friday After Next’, where he joined the popular comedy franchise. He has starred in movies such as ‘All About the Benjamins’, ‘Janky Promoters’, and ‘Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins’, and has taken on both lead and supporting comedic roles. Epps has released stand-up specials, including ‘Under Rated & Never Faded’, and continues to tour regularly. On television, he stars in the sitcom ‘The Upshaws’, which follows a working-class family navigating everyday life.

Damon Wayans

Damon Wayans was a key member of the sketch comedy series ‘In Living Color’, where he created characters that became fan favorites. He has appeared in films such as ‘Major Payne’, ‘Mo’ Money’, and ‘The Last Boy Scout’, blending physical comedy with action elements. Wayans later created and starred in the sitcom ‘My Wife and Kids’, playing a father who uses humor to manage family challenges. He has also worked as a writer and producer, contributing to projects across television and film.

Marlon Wayans

Marlon Wayans is known for co-writing and starring in parody films such as ‘Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood’, ‘Scary Movie’, and ‘White Chicks’. He often collaborates with his brothers on these films, which spoof popular genres and cultural trends. Marlon has also appeared in movies like ‘The Ladykillers’, ‘Little Man’, and ‘A Haunted House’, as well as dramatic roles in projects such as ‘Requiem for a Dream’. On television, he led the sitcom ‘Marlon’, loosely based on his own life as a co-parent.

Shawn Wayans

Shawn Wayans worked alongside his brothers on ‘In Living Color’ and then co-created the sitcom ‘The Wayans Bros.’, in which he co-starred. He co-wrote and starred in ‘Scary Movie’, ‘Scary Movie 2’, and ‘White Chicks’, helping shape the scripts and the overall comedic approach. Shawn has also appeared in films like ‘Little Man’ and ‘Dance Flick’, often playing straight-man roles opposite more exaggerated characters. His career highlights the collaborative nature of the Wayans family in sketch, television, and film.

Tracy Morgan

Tracy Morgan first became widely known as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’, where he played recurring characters and appeared in numerous sketches. He then took on the role of Tracy Jordan in ’30 Rock’, a fictionalized version of a volatile movie star on a sketch show. Morgan has released stand-up specials and toured internationally, bringing stories from his life and career to the stage. He later starred in the series ‘The Last O.G.’, which follows a man returning to his Brooklyn neighborhood after time in prison and adjusting to a changed community.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover initially wrote for ’30 Rock’ before becoming an actor on the sitcom ‘Community’, where he played Troy Barnes. He created, wrote, and starred in the series ‘Atlanta’, which mixes surreal humor with drama, focusing on a young manager and his rapper cousin navigating the music scene. Glover is also known as the musician Childish Gambino, releasing albums and music videos that frequently incorporate visual storytelling and satire. His film roles include appearances in ‘The Martian’, ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’, and voice work as Simba in ‘The Lion King’, showing his range across genres.

Kenan Thompson

Kenan Thompson began acting in sketch comedy on the children’s series ‘All That’ and then co-starred in the sitcom ‘Kenan & Kel’. He appeared in films such as ‘Good Burger’, ‘Fat Albert’, and ‘Snakes on a Plane’, often playing earnest or confused characters in comedic situations. Thompson later joined ‘Saturday Night Live’ and became its longest-tenured cast member, known for his impressions and recurring characters. He also starred in the sitcom ‘Kenan’, which follows a widowed father balancing his family and career as a morning show host.

Anthony Anderson

Anthony Anderson has balanced comedic and dramatic roles across television and film. He starred in the sitcom ‘Black-ish’, playing advertising executive Andre Johnson and exploring themes of family, identity, and culture. Anderson has appeared in comedies like ‘Barbershop’, ‘Scary Movie 3’, and ‘Me, Myself & Irene’, along with more serious projects including crime dramas and procedurals. He has also worked as a producer and co-hosted events and game shows, expanding his presence beyond acting alone.

Sinbad

Sinbad built his reputation as a clean, storytelling stand-up comic, often drawing on family life and everyday situations. He gained television exposure through roles on ‘A Different World’ and his own series, ‘The Sinbad Show’. In film, he starred in comedies such as ‘Houseguest’, ‘First Kid’, and ‘Jingle All the Way’, frequently playing well-meaning but overextended characters. Sinbad has also performed numerous stand-up specials for cable television and continues to appear at festivals and live events.

Arsenio Hall

Arsenio Hall became a familiar face to late-night viewers as the host of ‘The Arsenio Hall Show’, which featured celebrity interviews, musical performances, and stand-up guests. Before that, he appeared in films such as ‘Coming to America’ and ‘Harlem Nights’, often playing energetic sidekick roles. Hall has done voice work for animated series including ‘The Real Ghostbusters’, and he has hosted various award shows and specials. His late-night platform was especially notable for showcasing hip-hop artists and young comedians at a time when they had fewer mainstream outlets.

John Witherspoon

John Witherspoon was a character actor whose comedic timing made him a frequent presence in film and television. He played Willie Jones in ‘Friday’, ‘Next Friday’, and ‘Friday After Next’, portraying the outspoken father of Ice Cube’s character. Witherspoon also co-starred on the sitcom ‘The Wayans Bros.’, where he played the brothers’ father, and he appeared in shows like ‘The Boondocks’ as the voice of Granddad. Over the years, he worked steadily in stand-up, talk shows, and guest spots, becoming a familiar figure across multiple generations of viewers.

Redd Foxx

Redd Foxx started with stand-up party records that circulated widely among adult audiences and helped establish his reputation. He became a television star through the sitcom ‘Sanford and Son’, where he played junkyard owner Fred Sanford. The show’s success made him one of the most recognizable comedians on television and introduced his style of insult comedy and physical reactions to a broad public. Foxx continued to perform in Las Vegas and other venues, combining stage work with television appearances.

Flip Wilson

Flip Wilson was a stand-up comedian who gained national fame through ‘The Flip Wilson Show’, a variety series built around sketches and guest performers. He created recurring characters such as Geraldine Jones, who became part of popular culture and generated widely quoted catchphrases. Wilson was the first African-American host of a successful network variety show, which opened doors for later performers in similar formats. Beyond his series, he appeared on talk shows, specials, and guest spots, maintaining a presence in television comedy for years.

JB Smoove

J.B. Smoove is known for his role as Leon Black on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’, where his improvised lines and relaxed style made the character a fan favorite. He has appeared in sitcoms like ‘The Millers’ and ‘The Last O.G.’, and he has hosted shows including ‘Four Courses with J.B. Smoove’. Smoove has performed stand-up for many years, releasing specials and touring clubs and theaters. He has also acted in films such as ‘Pootie Tang’, ‘Date Night’, and ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’, often playing eccentric or unpredictable figures.

Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele first reached a national audience as a cast member on ‘Mad TV’, where he performed sketches and character work. He later co-created and co-starred in the sketch series ‘Key & Peele’, which produced a wide range of recurring characters and cinematic-style comedy shorts. Peele moved into film with the action-comedy ‘Keanu’, in which he and Keegan-Michael Key played cousins trying to recover a stolen kitten. In addition to acting, he became a writer and director on projects such as ‘Get Out’, ‘Us’, and ‘Nope’, combining genre storytelling with social themes.

Keegan-Michael Key

Keegan-Michael Key gained prominence through his work on ‘Mad TV’, where he developed characters and impressions across multiple seasons. He co-created ‘Key & Peele’, serving as both writer and performer in sketches that often blended social commentary with physical comedy. Key has appeared in films including ‘Keanu’, ‘Pitch Perfect 2’, and ‘The Prom’, taking on both live-action and voice roles. He has also voiced characters in animated projects such as ‘Toy Story 4’, ‘The Lion King’, and ‘Wendell & Wild’, expanding his presence in family and fantasy titles.

Katt Williams

Katt Williams built his reputation in stand-up comedy, performing in clubs and releasing specials such as ‘Katt Williams: Pimp Chronicles Pt. 1’ and ‘Katt Williams: American Hustle’. He gained wider attention through his role as Money Mike in ‘Friday After Next’, which led to additional film and television appearances. Williams has acted in projects like ‘Norbit’, ‘First Sunday’, and episodes of ‘My Wife and Kids’, often playing flamboyant or fast-talking characters. He has continued to tour extensively, recording live performances for television and streaming platforms.

Lil Rel Howery

Lil Rel Howery began performing stand-up in Chicago before moving into television, where he appeared on shows like ‘Comic View’ and ‘Last Comic Standing’. He gained a larger audience as a cast member on ‘The Carmichael Show’, playing the brother of Jerrod Carmichael’s character. Howery’s role as TSA agent Rod Williams in ‘Get Out’ introduced him to international film viewers and led to parts in ‘Free Guy’, ‘Bad Trip’, and ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. He also created and starred in the sitcom ‘Rel’, drawing on elements of his life for the show’s premise.

Deon Cole

Deon Cole started out in stand-up and moved into television writing, contributing to ‘The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien’ and ‘Conan’. He appears as Charlie Telphy on ‘Black-ish’ and its spin-off ‘Grown-ish’, playing a co-worker with an unusual personal life. Cole has released stand-up specials that showcase his observational style and has recorded sets for various comedy series. In film and other TV projects, he has taken roles in titles like ‘Barbershop: The Next Cut’, ‘Angie Tribeca’, and ‘Average Joe’, balancing acting with ongoing writing work.

Jerrod Carmichael

Jerrod Carmichael emerged from the stand-up circuit to create and star in the sitcom ‘The Carmichael Show’, inspired by his family and conversations about current events. The series featured an ensemble cast and frequently focused on social and political topics set around the family home. Carmichael has taped stand-up specials such as ‘Love at the Store’, ‘8’, and ‘Rothaniel’, each directed by notable filmmakers and released on premium channels or streaming services. He has also written, directed, and acted in the film ‘On the Count of Three’, expanding his work into feature-length storytelling.

Craig Robinson

Craig Robinson began his career performing stand-up and music before moving into acting roles on television. He became widely known for playing Darryl Philbin on ‘The Office’, where his character worked in the warehouse and later moved into management. Robinson has appeared in films such as ‘Hot Tub Time Machine’, ‘Pineapple Express’, ‘This Is the End’, and ‘Sausage Party’, often blending deadpan delivery with physical presence. He has led and co-starred in series like ‘Mr. Robinson’ and ‘Killing It’, and he frequently incorporates music into his live performances and screen roles.

Faizon Love

Faizon Love is a character actor who has appeared in both film and television comedies. He played Big Worm in ‘Friday’, a role that made him recognizable to many fans of the film. Love has acted in movies such as ‘Elf’, ‘Couples Retreat’, ‘The Replacements’, and ‘Fear of a Black Hat’, often portraying bold or outspoken characters. On television, he has appeared in series like ‘The Parent ‘Hood’ and has continued to take guest roles and supporting parts across different genres.

David Alan Grier

David Alan Grier was a key performer on ‘In Living Color’, contributing to sketches and impressions throughout the show’s run. He has worked steadily in film, with roles in ‘Boomerang’, ‘Jumanji’, ‘Life’, and ‘Blankman’, balancing comedic and dramatic parts. Grier has also appeared in television series such as ‘The Carmichael Show’, ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’, and ‘The Cool Kids’. In addition to screen work, he has an extensive stage career, including Broadway productions that have earned critical recognition and award nominations.

Bill Bellamy

Bill Bellamy first came to prominence as a VJ and personality on MTV, hosting shows that highlighted music videos and interviews. He then moved into acting with roles in films like ‘How to Be a Player’, ‘Love Jones’, ‘Any Given Sunday’, and ‘The Brothers’. Bellamy has continued to perform stand-up comedy, recording specials and touring clubs and theaters. On television, he has appeared in series such as ‘Fastlane’, ‘Hot in Cleveland’, and ‘Insecure’, and he has hosted competition shows including ‘Last Comic Standing’.

Jaleel White

Jaleel White became widely known for his role as Steve Urkel on ‘Family Matters’, a character that started as a guest appearance and became central to the series. He later voiced Sonic in several animated ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ television series, introducing him to younger audiences in a different format. White has guest-starred in shows like ‘Psych’, ‘Drunk History’, and ‘Fresh Off the Boat’, taking on roles that play with or move beyond his early image. He has also worked as a writer and producer, developing projects for film and television.

Alfonso Ribeiro

Alfonso Ribeiro gained broad recognition for his role as Carlton Banks in ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, where he played opposite Will Smith. Before that, he appeared on ‘Silver Spoons’ and in a widely circulated tap dance commercial, showcasing his performance skills at a young age. Ribeiro later shifted toward hosting, leading shows such as ‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’ and the game show ‘Catch 21’. He has also directed episodes of various television series and continues to appear in reality and competition programs, including work on ‘Dancing with the Stars’.

Lamorne Morris

Lamorne Morris is best known for his role as Winston Bishop on ‘New Girl’, joining the main cast early in the show’s run. He has appeared in films such as ‘Game Night’, ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’, and ‘Yesterday’, usually playing offbeat or quick-witted characters. Morris headlined the series ‘Woke’, which combines live-action and animation to explore social issues through the eyes of a cartoonist. In addition to acting, he has done commercial work and voice roles, broadening his presence across different media formats.

Damon Wayans Jr.

Damon Wayans Jr. began with small roles in projects connected to his family before establishing himself on his own. He played Brad Williams on ‘Happy Endings’, where he was part of an ensemble cast in a fast-paced sitcom. Wayans Jr. later appeared as Coach on ‘New Girl’ and has acted in films such as ‘Let’s Be Cops’, ‘The Other Guys’, and ‘Big Hero 6’, providing both live-action and voice performances. He continues to work in television and film, developing pilots and starring in series that draw on his timing and physicality.

Terry Crews

Terry Crews transitioned from a career in professional football to acting, starting with small roles before gaining attention in ‘Friday After Next’. He played Julius on ‘Everybody Hates Chris’, portraying the frugal father of the main character, and later took on the role of Terry Jeffords in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Crews has appeared in films such as ‘White Chicks’, ‘Idiocracy’, and ‘The Expendables’ series, often combining comedic elements with action. He also hosts ‘America’s Got Talent’ and has become known for his work in advertising, advocacy, and public speaking alongside his acting career.

Share your favorite performances from these actors in the comments and let everyone know which names you would add to this list.