Here are the Funniest Black Comedian Actors

Here are the Funniest B lack Comedian Actors

*Originally published by Gloria N in October 2022 and Updated by Gloria N on January 2024

The world is filled with Black funny artists it is impossible not to laugh back at them. As society became more politically and culturally evolved, there came more and more Black comedians in recent decades worldwide.

Some of these black comedians are topping as the best comedian worldwide. Some of these Black comedians include Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Steve Harvey, David Mann, Martin Lawrence and Chris Tacker among others.

1. Chris Rock

Chris Rock at the 2012 premiere of What to Expect When You’re Expecting in New York photo By David Shankbone Wikimedia

Chris Rock’s full name is Christopher Julius Rock. He is an American comedian, actor and Director born on February 7, 1965, in Andrews, South Carolina, U.S.

Rock was ranked number 5 on Comedy Central’s list of the 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time. On Rolling Stone’s list, Chris was number 5 among the 50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time.

He became famous and widely known when made a provocative remark on the difference between black people and white people’s hatred towards them.

2. Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle Photo By John Bauld from Toronto, Canada Wikimedia

Acting desires of Dave started back in high school. He started his stand-up comedy career at a young age when he was only 14 years old and performed in nightclubs.

He appeared in several films and television shows such as Spiral (2021), Madagascar (2005), Grown Ups (2010), The Longest Yard (2005), and Grown Ups 2 (2013) among others before starting his great show, The Chappelle Show, which airs on Comedy Central.

Chappelle has received multiple honours such as two Emmy Awards, a Mark Twain Award, and three Grammy Awards.

3. Steve Harvey

Steve Harvey photo By Dideo from Dirty Jerzee, USA Wikimedia

His full name is Broderick Stephen Harvey born on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia, U.S. He has been an active comedian from 1985 to date. Harvey is in different entertainment fields such as a comedian, a TV presenter, a producer, and a radio personality.

He started with stand-up comedy and later joined the acting field which made him popular. Steve also hosted his show known as The Steve Harvey Show which was active from 1996 to 2002.

4. David Mann

He has been working in acting, stand-up comedy and production industries. He has been an active comedian from 1992 to date. David’s full name is David Anthony Mann Sr.

David is well known due to his brilliant comedic abilities and the job and great job he has done in many films. He is one of the most successful comedians due to his remarkable work, remembered even by his fans.

5. Richard Pryor

Marianna Diamos, Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Richard Pryor was born in Peoria, Illinois, US, on December 1, 1940, and died on December 10, 2005. He has been in a comedian career from 1963 till the time he died.

He is an African-American comedian, actor, social critic and television writer. He was known for his hilarious improvisations on live comedy shows for his dashing lifestyle, multiple problems and a lifelong battle with drug addiction.

6. Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence is an American comedian and actor. How he became a comedian is by good luck. When Martin was eight years old his father left the family to pursue a career in the military and his mother raised him.

He was not even interested in comedy but all he wanted and was interested in was boxing when he was still a teenager. However, his teacher encouraged him to join an open mic night at a nearby comedy club and that night created a way for this successful black comedian.

He has appeared in several roles in successful comedies such as Momma’s House and Bad Boys and has performed in standing-up comedy and hosted Def Comedy Jam on HBO.

7. Chris Tucker

Chris Tucker Photo By Gage Skidmore Wikimedia

When Chris Tucker completed his high school studies, he relocated to Hollywood to pursue a career as a comedian. Before joining comedian school, he had appeared on Def Comedy Jam severally.

He has starred in different films such as Friday (1995), and Rush Hour 1,2,3 together with famous action star Jackie Chan. He has been an active comedian from 1992 to date and he loves what he does.

8. Katt Williams

His official name is Micah Katt Williams born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, US. He is a famous American Actor and Comedian and he is still active to date.  

At the age of 13, Katt Williams started his career in stand-up comedy and by the year 1990, he had already developed into a distinct and engaging comic in his own right. He has been a successful solo stand-up comic in several venues.

9. Tracy Morgan

Tracy Morgan at New York City’s Union Square Barnes & Noble to discuss his 2009 book I Am the New Black photo by David Shankbone Wikimedia

In 1996 Tracy Morgan was invited to join the cast of Saturday Night Live which turned out to be his big breakthrough in his comedy journey. He remained a regular cast member on the Saturday Night Live show till 2003.

He helped other comedians who had lost track of comedy to come back to life on the famed live comedy show such as Brian Fellow Conducting a Safari Planet Show. He has been an active comedian from 1988 to the present and has done a wonderful job.

10. Bernard Jeffrey McCullough

Bernard Jeffrey McCullough photo By Jeremiah Christopher Wikimedia

Bernard Jeffrey was a funny black comedian actor and he is still remembered for the good work he did even after his demise. He joined the comedy field back in 1977 till 2008 when he died. He became well known for his eccentric outfits when he was on Def Comedy Jam.

He was accepted and received well by the audience due to his forceful comedy and impromptu dances which captured the attention of audiences.

He was one of the comedians in the cast of Kings of Comedy together with Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D.L. Hughley among others in the year 2000.

He appeared in several films and he was an outstanding performer in every aspect of his life. Some of the films He appeared in include Titanic 1997, The Lord of the Rings(2002), The Bounty (1984), and Drowning by Number (1988).

11. Kenan Thompson

Peabody Awards, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kenan Thompson is considered one of the funniest African American comedians today. He first broke out in the 1990s on Nickelodeon’s sketch comedy shows All That and Kenan and Kel. His hilarious characters and impressions made him popular with kids and families.

Today, Thompson is best known as the longest-running cast member on Saturday Night Live. He has portrayed hundreds of eccentric, silly characters on the show over 18 seasons and counting. Though respected for his comedic talents, he also pursued more dramatic acting. But it is his trademark humour that cements Kenan Thompson as a legendary black comedian.

12. Hannibal Buress

Hannibal Buress is considered one of the funniest stand-up comedians today with his deadpan humour and observational comedy about everyday life. He got wider notice from hosting festivals, appearing on comedy TV shows, and writing for sitcoms. 

Buress has since starred on Broad City and The Eric Andre Show, displaying absurd improv comedy skills. Though viewed as an alternative comic, he continues to tour stand-up and lands more acting roles. Hannibal Buress has used honest, biting comedy to cement his place as an influential African American comedian.

13. Karlous Miller

KarlousMiller, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Karlous Miller is a super funny black comedian and actor. He is good at making people laugh with his clever jokes and funny stories. You might have seen him on the comedy improv show “Wild ‘N Out,” where he became famous. Karlous is not just a stand-up comedian; he’s also acted in different roles, showing that he’s not just funny on stage but in acting too.

People love him for his energetic and quick sense of humour. He’s become one of the most hilarious black comedians in the entertainment world, making lots of fans everywhere with his charm and funny skills.

14. Tony Baker

Tony Baker is a very funny black stand-up comedian. His comedy style involves doing hilarious voiceovers of animals and people in viral videos. He voices the animals and people in a way that makes whatever they are doing seem even funnier. His voice acting is silly and energetic. 

Lots of people think his animal voiceovers are the best. Tony Baker can take any video clip and make it into something extremely funny with his creative comedic voice talents. Many believe Tony Baker is one of the funniest black comedians because of his unique and humorous voiceover skills.

15. Roy Wood Jr.

Lisa Gansky from New York, NY, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Roy Wood Jr. is considered one of the funniest stand-up comedians and actors among black comedians today. He is known for his hilarious and biting social commentary delivered through a laidback comedic style. As a regular on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Roy demonstrates excellent improv skills and brings plenty of laughs as he offers his take on current events.

In addition to stand-up comedy and The Daily Show, Roy has appeared in movies, and TV shows, and hosted comedy specials. His relaxed demeanour combined with really sharp, incisive humour about politics, race, and society makes his comedy insightful as well as funny. Both as a stand-up comedian and comedic actor, Roy Wood Jr. delivers some of the sharpest, funniest comedy from today’s top black comedians.

16. Ron Funches

Ron Funches, a standout in the comedy world, is celebrated for his unique brand of humour that effortlessly blends wit, charm, and relatability. As one of the funniest black comedians, his infectious laughter and positive energy infuse every performance. Funches’ comedic brilliance shines in his ability to tackle a wide range of topics, from everyday life to personal experiences, with an endearing and inclusive approach.

His distinctive style and delivery have earned him widespread acclaim, making him a beloved figure in the comedy circuit. Ron Funches continues to captivate audiences with his hilarious insights, proving that laughter knows no bounds.

17. Donald Glover

Bill Ingalls, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Donald Glover, a multitalented artist, shines as a comedian, actor, writer, and musician. Renowned for his wit and humour, Glover’s stand-up specials, like “Weirdo,” showcase his unique comedic perspective. As a creator and star of the TV series “Atlanta,” he brilliantly intertwines humour and social commentary, earning critical acclaim.

 Glover’s comedic brilliance stems from his ability to navigate complex subjects with sharp humour, making audiences laugh while provoking thought. With an infectious energy and versatile talent, Glover continues to redefine the boundaries of comedy and entertainment.

18. Jerrod Carmichael

Jerrod Carmichael, a talented black comedian, is celebrated for his insightful and relatable humour. Born in 1987, he gained prominence with his stand-up specials, Love at the Store (2014), 8 (2017), and Rothaniel (2022), addressing societal issues with a fresh and candid perspective. 

He’s also known for creating and starring in the semi-autobiographical TV series “The Carmichael Show,” which tackled various topics, including race, relationships, and family dynamics. With his engaging style and authenticity, Jerrod Carmichael continues to leave a lasting impact on the comedy scene.

19. Bill Bellamy

LOL Comedy from Hollywood, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bill Bellamy is one of the black comedians, who emerged in the ’90s as a prominent figure in stand-up comedy. Born in 1965, he brought infectious energy and humour to his performances. Bellamy rose to fame as an MTV VJ, but it was his sharp wit and engaging stage presence that made him a comedy sensation.

Known for coining the term “booty call,” he skillfully blends observational comedy with playful anecdotes. Beyond stand-up, Bellamy has appeared in movies and TV shows, showcasing his versatility. With a career spanning decades, Bill Bellamy remains a beloved entertainer, leaving a lasting imprint on the world of comedy.

20. Nephew Tommy

Nephew Tommy is a comedian and actor known for his work on The Steve Harvey Morning Show radio program. With his deep southern drawl and knack for funny “prank phone calls,” Tommy has brought laughter into the lives of many listeners across the country. Though he plays a character of sorts on the radio, Tommy’s comedic talents shine through.

His ability to improvise absurdist scenarios makes his phone call skits endlessly entertaining. Beyond radio, Tommy has appeared in films like Baggage Claim and has toured as a stand-up comedian. His good-natured humor continues to resonate with a wide fanbase.

21. Arsenio Hall

Greg Hernandez, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Arsenio Hall is a pioneering black comedian known for being the first African American late-night talk show host. His charisma and popularity led to the iconic show, The Arsenio Hall Show, which originally aired from 1989 to 1994. 

Hall provided a platform for many Black artists and displayed Black culture proudly. He was also known for his sense of humour and the way he incorporated music and audience participation. With his groundbreaking talk show, Hall not only entertained but helped open doors for other Black comedians. Nearly 30 years later, his influence still resonates today.

22. Byron Bowers

Byron Bowers is a stand-up comedian who brings a fresh, subversive voice to the comedy scene. Bowers pokes fun at racism and skewers stereotypes with his provocative, high-energy sets. As an African American comic, he offers unique takes on social commentary and current events.

Bowers has performed on The Eric Andre Show, and Adam DeVine’s House Party, among others. He continues to tour the country doing stand-up routines that weave together humor and social criticism. 

23. Sam Richardson

Greg2600, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sam Richardson is a very funny black actor and comedian. He is known for playing happy and positive characters who make people laugh. He was great in shows like Veep, The Detroiters, and Ted Lasso. Even when his characters are silly or dumb, his charm shines through. Sam often plays roles in political comedies or mockumentaries.

Originally from Detroit, Sam found his comedic calling after college. He studied improv comedy which led to success on television. With his goofy sweetness and likeable stage presence, Sam Richardson continues to showcase his talents as one of the funniest young black comedians today.

24. Tony Rock

Tony Rock also known as Anthony Rock is a dynamic black comedian and actor, born in 1974. The comedian has made a mark with his vibrant humour and versatile performances. Following in his brother Chris Rock’s footsteps, Tony brings his flair to stand-up comedy, exploring topics from relationships to societal issues.

His infectious energy and sharp wit shine in various comedy specials. Beyond stand-up, Tony has showcased his acting skills in TV shows like “Everybody Hates Chris” and movies, displaying his versatility. With a charismatic stage presence and a knack for storytelling, Tony Rock continues to entertain audiences, solidifying his presence in the world of comedy and entertainment.

25. Brian Simpson

Brian Simpson is a rising stand-up comedian who got his start in the comedy clubs of New York City. His laidback style and funny stories about his life growing up in the Bronx make people laugh. He pokes fun at tough subjects like race but keeps his jokes friendly. Brian’s comedy mixes street smarts with silliness.

He has appeared on MTV and Comedy Central. With his big smiles and contagious chuckle, Brian Simpson shares hilarious tales about family, food, sports, and more. His down-to-earth humour connects with audiences everywhere. Brian makes comedy look easy and fun!

26. Josh Johnson

Josh Johnson, a talented funny black comedian and actor, is known for his engaging and relatable comedic style. Born in 1990, he has gained recognition for his sharp observations and clever storytelling. Johnson’s stand-up comedy often delves into personal experiences and societal nuances, connecting with audiences through humour and authenticity.

He has appeared on various comedy platforms, showcasing his wit and charm. As an actor, he has contributed to the entertainment landscape, bringing his unique perspective to the forefront. With a rising presence in the comedy scene, Josh Johnson continues to captivate audiences with his insightful and humorous take on life.

27. King Bach

King Bach is an Internet comedian who is very popular online. He got famous for making funny 6-second videos on Vine. King Bach has over 16 million followers! His real name is Andrew Bachelor. He is known for being goofy and making prank videos. King Bach combines silly jokes with skilled timing. His facial expressions are very humorous too.

He often acts awkward or ridiculous for laughs. King Bach continues making people laugh on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. His crazy comedy skits bring joy to millions of viewers. 

28. Reggie Watts

Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Reggie Watts is a cool black comedian and musician born in 1972. He uniquely does comedy by mixing stand-up with music and being a bit surreal. You might have seen him as the band leader on “The Late Late Show with James Corden.” Reggie is known for being different and experimental in his comedy, using beatboxing and looping.

People love him for his unpredictability and creativity. With his fun performances that break the usual comedy rules, Reggie Watts is a standout entertainer, making people laugh and enjoy a fresh take on comedy and music

29. Clayton English

Clayton English, a talented black comedian, has made a mark with his distinctive comedic style and engaging performances. Best known for winning NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” in 2015. His stand-up showcases a keen observational eye, tackling diverse topics with relatable humour.

Beyond stand-up, English has appeared in various TV shows, including a recurring role on “Insecure.” Clayton English continues to entertain audiences, establishing himself as a notable presence in the world of comedy and entertainment.

30. Chris Redd

Chris Redd is a funny black comedian and actor born in 1985. He’s super popular for making people laugh on “Saturday Night Live” since 2017, where he acts in different roles and makes hilarious impressions. Chris is known for his clever jokes and relatable humour, not just on TV but also in his stand-up comedy.

He’s been in cool movies like “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” and TV shows like “Disjointed.”  Chris Redd is a big name in both comedy and acting, bringing joy to audiences with his funny performances.