Dave Chappelle

Photo of Dave Chappelle

Biography

Without a doubt one of the most gifted comics of his generation, Dave Chappelle emerged from the stand-up comedy circuit to become a noted performer on several HBO specials and as a guest star on sitcoms like "Home Improvement" (ABC, 1991-99). Following small but memorable roles in movies like "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" (1993), "The Nutty Professor" (1996) and "Con Air" (1997), Chappelle earned both acclaim and a huge following from his …
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Job Title

Actor, Producer, Writer, Music

Born

August 24, 1973

Career Milestones

2006

Produced a mix of his sketch comedy and musical interludes for the documentary/musical "Dave Chappelle's Block Party," which was inspired by the 1973 documentary Wattstax

2004

Signed a new deal to continue his show on Comedy Central, reportedly worth 50 million dollars to continue hosting for two more seasons; deal fell through when Chapplle left production in the third season with no plans to return

2003

Host and writer of the sketch-comedy show "Chappelle's Show" aired on comedy central; left during production of the third season

2002

Co-starred with Eddie Griffin and Chris Kattan in the comedy "Undercover Brother"

2000

Co-executive produced, co-wrote and starred in the HBO special "Dave Chappelle: Killin' Them Softly"

1999

Cast as Martin Lawrence's homeboy buddy in "Blue Streak"

1999

Played the seemingly only cab driver in NYC in "200 Cigarettes"

1998

Co-starred in "You've Got Mail"

1998

Acted in and co-wrote the film comedy "Half-Baked", about a group of stoners

1997

Signed production deal with Fox for sitcom

1997

Co-starred in "Con Air"

1996

Had breakthrough film role in "The Nutty Professor"

1996

Signed $1 million deal with Disney to develop projects through his Pilot Boy Productions

1996

Co-starred in the short-lived ABC sitcom "Buddies"

1994

Was reported the youngest comic to appear on an HBO "Comic Relief" special

1993

Film debut in "Robin Hood: Men in Tights"

1992

Appeared on "Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam" (HBO)

1989

Booed at his debut at the famed Apollo Theatre in Harlem

1988

At age 14, began working as a stand-up comic in clubs in Washington, DC (date approximate)

Awards

2005

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special in Dave Chappelle: For What It's Worth

2004

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series in Chappelle's Show

2004

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing For a Variety, Music or Comedy Program in Chappelle's Show