CHRIS ROCK
The Renaissance of the Comedy Genius
From stand-up to films to TV and back, Chris Rock has done it all. His recent role on FX’s new hit show proves Rock will do it all over again.
Chris Rock has been in the public eye for more than 30 years. In that time, the Brooklyn native has appeared on a wide range of television shows and films.
He’s headlined, hosted, and been a part of many comedy specials, including 1999’s Bigger & Blacker and 2008’s Kill the Messenger among the more notable appearances.
On television, he appeared on shows such as Saturday Night Live and In Living Color.
In movies, he’s been both a lead and supporting character. His early roles in Beverly Hills Cop & New Jack City showed an endearing actor on the rise who could add fun to serious films.
His iconic roles throughout the late-90s and early-00s graduated from cult-classic phenomenon to big-time mainstay. Going from CB4 to Head of State to The Longest Yard and the Madagascar series, each film expanded Rock’s resume.
He even branched off with an HBO talk show and then produced a sitcom about his childhood in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn.
Throughout it all, Rock leaned on his comedic chops for most of his roles.
However, his role in Homicide: Life on the Street showed what else he could be if he stepped beyond his realm.
It wasn’t until recently that Rock’s work became more than just comedy. With FX’s release of the much anticipated Fargo, there’s a twist in Rock’s acting chops that has brought some intrigue to the show.
Fans are awe-struck by the serious roles Rock is taking on, especially given the recent horror film trailer, Spiral, he stars in with Samuel L. Jackson.
The comedic avenue put Rock’s foot in the door. Yet to branch beyond it, disable any notions of typecasting, and bring intrigue to it, is a renaissance of a career that keeps giving to his fans.
