Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

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Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

2009

1h 35m

8.0(6 votes)

Comedy

Documentary

Overview

Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of African American comedy in America, from the earliest minstrel shows to the latest HBO special. Featuring interviews with cultural critics and loads of comedic clips, this program features appearances by a who's-who of black comedians including Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg and many more.

Links & Resources

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Social & External

IMDb

Production Companies

Cast & Crew

45 members

Acting

Franklyn Ajaye

Self

Acting

Angela Bassett

Narrator (voice)

Acting

Bill Bellamy

Self

Acting

Todd Boyd

Self

No Image

Production

Jeff Clanagan

Self

Acting

Bill Cosby

Self

Acting

Stanley Crouch

Self

Acting

Elijah Cummings

Self

Acting

Tommy Davidson

Self

Acting

Michael Eric Dyson

Self

Acting

Walter Fauntroy

Self

No Image

Acting

Shang Forbes

Self

No Image

Acting

Marla Gibbs

Self

Acting

Louis Gossett Jr.

Self

Acting

Dick Gregory

Self

Acting

Eddie Griffin

Self

Acting

Steve Harvey

Self

Acting

D.L. Hughley

Self

Acting

Sheila Jackson Lee

Self

No Image

Acting

Eddie Levert

Himself

No Image

Acting

Faizon Love

Self

Acting

Kweisi Mfume

Self

No Image

Acting

Kel Mitchell

Self

Acting

Mo'Nique

Self

Acting

Paul Mooney

Self

Acting

Garrett Morris

Self

Acting

Charlie Murphy

Self

Acting

Niecy Nash-Betts

Self

Acting

Reynaldo Rey

Self

Acting

Chris Rock

Self

Acting

Sherri Shepherd

Self

Acting

Sommore

Self

Acting

Robert Townsend

Self

Acting

Thea Vidale

Self

No Image

Acting

George Wallace

Self

Acting

Maxine Waters

Self

Acting

Damon Wayans

Self

Acting

Keenen Ivory Wayans

Self

Acting

Marlon Wayans

Self

Acting

Shawn Wayans

Self

Acting

Cornel West

Self

Acting

Katt Williams

Self

Acting

Andrew Young

Self

Directing

Topper Carew

Self

No Image

Acting

Julian Bond

Self

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