Stand-up comic, actor, and co-creator of Chappelle’s Show, which aired on Comedy Central from 2003 to 2006. He famously left a $50 million contract while working on the show’s third season.

Before Fame

After relocating to New York, he performed for the first time at Apollo Theater’s Amateur Night at 19 and made his film debut as “Ahchoo” in Mel Brooks’ Robin Hood: Men in Tights in 1993.

Trivia

He’s famous for his Rick James impersonation on a popular sketch from his TV show, which had a record-breaking first-season DVD set at one point.

Lifestyle

He and his wife Elaine have three kids and relocated to Ohio after his sketch show ended.

Associated With

He talked with Oprah Winfrey about his incredible career.