The Funniest Black Actors of All Time

Comedy on screen has taken so many shapes—raucous stand-up, sharp sketch work, scene-stealing sitcoms, and big-screen blockbusters—and a huge part of that story runs through Black male performers who built careers across all of those lanes. Below is a factual look at forty actors known for comedy, spotlighting the roles, specials, shows, and achievements that defined their impact. You’ll find film leads, sketch innovators, sitcom anchors, and stand-ups whose material translated directly to memorable characters and box-office draw. Each entry highlights projects, awards, and industry contributions that help explain why these names come up whenever people talk about on-screen laughs.

Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor’s film work includes headlining comedies like ‘Silver Streak’, ‘Stir Crazy’, and ‘Harlem Nights’, alongside writing contributions to ‘Blazing Saddles’. His concert films such as ‘Richard Pryor: Live in Concert’ set the template for feature-length stand-up on screen. Pryor won multiple Grammy Awards for comedy albums that fed directly into his screen persona. He also co-wrote and starred in ‘Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling’, blending dramatic elements with his comedic voice.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy broke out on ‘Saturday Night Live’ before leading films such as ’48 Hrs.’, ‘Trading Places’, and ‘Beverly Hills Cop’. He created multiple characters in ‘Coming to America’ and later won widespread acclaim for ‘Dreamgirls’. Murphy’s family comedies like ‘The Nutty Professor’ and voice work in ‘Shrek’ expanded his reach to new audiences. His stand-up films ‘Delirious’ and ‘Raw’ remain key entries in the concert-film tradition.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock’s acting stretches from ‘New Jack City’ and ‘Lethal Weapon 4’ to starring and writing ‘Top Five’. On television, he created ‘Everybody Hates Chris’, narrating and shaping the series from behind the scenes. His stand-up specials, including ‘Bring the Pain’ and ‘Bigger & Blacker’, earned Emmy and Grammy recognition. Rock has also hosted major award shows, bringing his comedic timing to live broadcast formats.

Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle co-created and starred in ‘Chappelle’s Show’, introducing recurring characters that became part of sketch-comedy canon. His film appearances include ‘The Nutty Professor’, ‘Half Baked’, and ‘A Star Is Born’. Chappelle’s later stand-up specials earned multiple Emmys and Grammys, underscoring his continued influence. He has also produced and curated live events, linking stand-up communities to documentary-style releases.

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence led the sitcom ‘Martin’ while fronting film franchises like ‘Bad Boys’ and hits such as ‘Blue Streak’ and ‘Big Momma’s House’. He hosted ‘Def Comedy Jam’, amplifying a generation of stand-ups who crossed into screen roles. Lawrence’s concert films captured his arena-level tours for home audiences. He has continued the ‘Bad Boys’ series alongside dramatic and comedic supporting work.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx starred on ‘In Living Color’ and headlined ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’, combining sketch and sitcom credentials. His film work spans ‘Ray’, ‘Collateral’, ‘Django Unchained’, and comedies like ‘Horrible Bosses’. Foxx won the Academy Award for Best Actor for ‘Ray’ and has multiple music releases that intersect with his screen career. He also lends voice performances to projects like ‘Soul’.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart parlayed stand-up tours into theatrical releases like ‘Laugh at My Pain’ and ‘Let Me Explain’. On screen, he leads comedies including ‘Ride Along’, ‘Central Intelligence’, and ensemble projects like ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’. Hart produces through Hartbeat, bringing stand-up, films, and series under one umbrella. He has also hosted major events and created interview-driven formats such as ‘Cold as Balls’.

Chris Tucker

Chris Tucker’s breakout came with ‘Friday’, followed by international success with the ‘Rush Hour’ series. He brought high-energy performances to films like ‘The Fifth Element’ and later appeared in ‘Silver Linings Playbook’. Tucker has released stand-up specials that reflect his on-screen persona. He remains closely associated with action-comedy pairings that emphasize timing and physicality.

Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac headlined ‘The Bernie Mac Show’, which earned honors for its single-camera style and direct-to-camera storytelling. His film credits include ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, ‘Bad Santa’, and ‘Mr. 3000’. Mac’s stand-up presence from ‘Def Comedy Jam’ translated into scene-stealing supporting roles. He also produced and mentored other comedians through touring ensembles.

Cedric the Entertainer

Cedric the Entertainer co-starred in ‘The Original Kings of Comedy’ and led television hits like ‘The Neighborhood’. His film roles include ‘Barbershop’ and voice work in ‘Madagascar’. Cedric has hosted award shows and specials, bridging stand-up, acting, and emceeing. He also directs and produces, expanding his contributions behind the camera.

Damon Wayans

Damon Wayans was a core player on ‘In Living Color’, contributing recurring characters and sketches. He led the sitcom ‘My Wife and Kids’ and starred in films like ‘Major Payne’ and ‘The Last Boy Scout’. Wayans returned to network television with ‘Lethal Weapon’, extending his action-comedy profile. He also writes and produces, shaping projects for both film and TV.

Marlon Wayans

Marlon Wayans co-wrote and starred in ‘Scary Movie’ and ‘Scary Movie 2’, helping launch a successful parody franchise. He led comedies like ‘White Chicks’ and ‘A Haunted House’, and appeared in dramatic fare such as ‘Requiem for a Dream’. Wayans created and starred in the sitcom ‘Marlon’. He continues to release stand-up specials and produce original films for streaming platforms.

Keenen Ivory Wayans

Keenen Ivory Wayans created ‘In Living Color’, serving as host and executive producer while appearing in sketches. He directed and co-wrote ‘I’m Gonna Git You Sucka’, a parody that influenced later genre send-ups. His film producing and writing helped launch and guide projects for family members and collaborators. Keenen also directed entries in the ‘Scary Movie’ series.

Tracy Morgan

Tracy Morgan became widely known on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and later co-starred on ’30 Rock’. His film roles include ‘The Longest Yard’, ‘Cop Out’, and voice work in ‘Rio’. Morgan headlined the series ‘The Last O.G.’, exploring reinvention alongside comedic storytelling. He has also released stand-up specials and performed national tours.

Kenan Thompson

Kenan Thompson is the longest-tenured cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’, known for recurring characters and celebrity impressions. Earlier, he starred in ‘Kenan & Kel’ and the film ‘Good Burger’. Thompson has appeared in ensemble comedies and led the sitcom ‘Kenan’. He also produces projects that develop sketch and variety formats.

Keegan-Michael Key

Keegan-Michael Key co-created and starred in ‘Key & Peele’, noted for cinematic sketches and character work. His film credits include ‘Keanu’, ‘The Prom’, and voice roles in ‘Toy Story 4’ and ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’. Key has hosted and appeared in series across streaming and broadcast platforms. He also performs in improvisational and stage contexts tied to his Second City background.

Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele co-created and starred in ‘Key & Peele’ and acted in projects such as ‘Keanu’ and ‘Wanderlust’. He later shifted heavily into directing and producing with ‘Get Out’, ‘Us’, and ‘Nope’, while still appearing on screen and in voice roles. Peele has produced scripted series and films across genres, including horror and social satire. His studio, Monkeypaw Productions, develops original features and television projects.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover wrote for ’30 Rock’, acted on ‘Community’, and created and starred in ‘Atlanta’. His film work includes ‘The Martian’, ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’, and voice acting in ‘The Lion King’. Glover has won Emmys and Grammys, reflecting a cross-disciplinary career that spans music and screen performance. He also develops and produces series through multi-year deals with major studios.

Mike Epps

Mike Epps broke out with ‘Next Friday’ and ‘Friday After Next’, continuing with films like ‘All About the Benjamins’. He has released stand-up specials that document arena tours. Epps starred in the series ‘Uncle Buck’ and portrays Richard Pryor in various projects connected to the comedian’s legacy. He also produces and headlines comedy festivals and live events.

Katt Williams

Katt Williams parlayed club performances into the concert film ‘Katt Williams: The Pimp Chronicles’ and subsequent specials. His acting includes roles in ‘Friday After Next’, ‘The Boondocks’ (voice), and ‘Atlanta’. Williams has toured extensively, releasing material that later appears in streaming specials. He has also won an Emmy for a guest performance on ‘Atlanta’.

Arsenio Hall

Arsenio Hall gained national prominence hosting ‘The Arsenio Hall Show’, which featured interviews and comedy bits that spotlighted emerging and established talent. He co-starred in ‘Coming to America’ and ‘Coming 2 America’, playing multiple characters alongside Eddie Murphy. Hall also appeared in films like ‘Harlem Nights’ and ‘Black Dynamite’. He continues to perform stand-up and make guest appearances across television.

Sinbad

Sinbad headlined stand-up specials that became cable staples and starred in family comedies like ‘Houseguest’ and ‘First Kid’. On television, he led ‘The Sinbad Show’ and appeared in ensemble series and guest roles. He toured extensively through the 1990s and 2000s, recording hour-long specials for network and premium outlets. Sinbad has also performed for USO tours and large-scale live events.

Shawn Wayans

Shawn Wayans co-wrote and co-starred in ‘Scary Movie’ and ‘Scary Movie 2’, helping launch a parody run that influenced studio comedies. He led ‘White Chicks’ with frequent collaborator Marlon Wayans. On television, Shawn was a key player on ‘In Living Color’ and later worked on ‘The Wayans Bros.’. He has continued to write and produce comedic features for film and streaming.

Damon Wayans Jr.

Damon Wayans Jr. earned recognition on ‘Happy Endings’ and ‘New Girl’, delivering quick-hit sitcom roles that became fan favorites. He co-starred in films like ‘Let’s Be Cops’ and ‘The Other Guys’. Wayans Jr. has voiced characters in animated releases, expanding into family-friendly projects. He also develops pilots and appears in ensemble comedies across networks and streaming platforms.

John Witherspoon

John Witherspoon is widely known for roles in ‘Friday’, ‘Next Friday’, and ‘Friday After Next’, where his supporting turns became signature moments. On television, he co-starred on ‘The Wayans Bros.’ and voiced characters on ‘The Boondocks’. Witherspoon’s filmography spans decades of scene-stealing comedic parts. He also toured as a stand-up, bringing his screen persona to live venues.

David Alan Grier

David Alan Grier’s sketch work on ‘In Living Color’ showcased versatile character acting and musical parodies. He appeared in films such as ‘Boomerang’ and ‘Jumanji’ while maintaining a strong stage presence. Grier has starred in sitcoms and guest roles across networks, earning acclaim for both comedic and dramatic turns. He has also won major theater awards, reflecting a multi-medium career.

Anthony Anderson

Anthony Anderson headlined ‘black-ish’, a network sitcom that ran for multiple seasons and spawned ‘grown-ish’ and ‘mixed-ish’. His film credits include ‘Barbershop’, ‘Barbershop 2: Back in Business’, and ‘Kangaroo Jack’. Anderson has hosted award shows and true-crime reality series, adding unscripted work to his résumé. He also served as an executive producer on projects tied to his television franchises.

Terry Crews

Terry Crews brought comedic timing to ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ and ensemble comedy in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. His film roles include ‘White Chicks’, ‘Idiocracy’, and entries in ‘The Expendables’ franchise that lean on action-comedy beats. Crews has hosted ‘America’s Got Talent’ and appeared in high-profile ad campaigns. He also authors books and speaks publicly, extending his profile beyond acting.

Craig Robinson

Craig Robinson co-starred on ‘The Office’ and led ‘Hot Tub Time Machine’ on the big screen. His filmography includes ‘Pineapple Express’, ‘This Is the End’, and voice work in animated features. Robinson performs music-comedy live shows that connect his keyboard performances to stand-up. He has also headlined series like ‘Ghosted’ and ‘Killing It’.

Lil Rel Howery

Lil Rel Howery broke through with ‘Get Out’ and followed with starring roles in ‘Rel’ and films like ‘Free Guy’ and ‘Vacation Friends’. He has released stand-up specials that reflect his storytelling approach. Howery frequently appears in ensemble comedies and sports-related projects. He also produces and develops material for streaming platforms.

Hannibal Buress

Hannibal Buress built a reputation through stand-up albums and specials, then moved into acting with ‘Broad City’ and films like ‘Tag’ and ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’. He has written for late-night and sketch series. Buress tours nationally and releases digital projects that experiment with format. He also appears on podcasts and panel shows, extending his comedic footprint.

Deon Cole

Deon Cole wrote for ‘Conan’ and parlayed that into on-screen bits and stand-up specials. He co-starred on ‘black-ish’ and led ‘Average Joe’. Cole’s stand-up features observational storytelling that he has captured in hour-long releases. He continues to tour and develop scripted projects.

JB Smoove

J.B. Smoove became widely recognized for ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’, bringing improvisational comedy to a long-running HBO series. He has hosted game shows and appeared in films such as ‘Top Five’ and ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’. Smoove releases stand-up specials and performs nationally. He also voices characters in animation and video games.

Bill Bellamy

Bill Bellamy came up through MTV and stand-up specials, later starring in films like ‘How to Be a Player’ and ‘The Brothers’. He has headlined and hosted comedy series across cable networks. Bellamy tours regularly, taping hours for television and streaming. He also appears in ensemble sitcoms and romantic comedies.

Faizon Love

Faizon Love is known for roles in ‘Friday’, ‘Elf’, and ‘Couples Retreat’, often delivering broad comedic beats. He has appeared in both studio and independent comedies. Love works across film and television, including guest roles in multiple sitcoms. He also performs live stand-up.

Orlando Jones

Orlando Jones first broke out on ‘MADtv’, showcasing character sketches and impressions. He moved into films like ‘Office Space’ and ‘Evolution’, balancing comedy with genre work. Jones has hosted and appeared in documentary and infotainment programming. He continues to work in television dramas and comedies, often switching between tones.

Eddie Griffin

Eddie Griffin starred in ‘Undercover Brother’ and appeared in comedies like ‘Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo’. He has released multiple stand-up specials that capture his stage performances. Griffin works in both film and television, including voice roles. He tours internationally and records long-form sets for streaming platforms.

Kel Mitchell

Kel Mitchell gained fame on ‘All That’ and ‘Kenan & Kel’, then co-led the film ‘Good Burger’. He continues to act in family and teen-oriented television projects. Mitchell performs voice work in animated series and returns to sketch formats. He also appears at fan conventions and comedy festivals.

Jay Pharoah

Jay Pharoah is known for celebrity impressions on ‘Saturday Night Live’, where he also contributed original characters. He has released stand-up specials and starred in films and streaming comedies. Pharoah tours widely, refining material that blends voices with storytelling. He also leads and guest-stars in scripted series.

Michael Che

Michael Che co-anchors ‘Weekend Update’ on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and has released stand-up specials through major platforms. He created and starred in ‘That Damn Michael Che’, a sketch-and-story hybrid series. Che has hosted stand-up showcases and performed at international festivals. He continues to write, produce, and appear across late-night and streaming formats.

Share the names you’d add to this expanded lineup—or the specific roles and projects you think best showcase each actor’s comedy—in the comments.