Chris Rock has been a fixture of American op culture ever since his debut in the early 90’s as a cast member of Saturday Night Live. Rock, a television producer, director, screenwriter, film producer, and actor, is best known for his work as a stand-up comedian. He was listed by Comedy Central as the “fifth greatest stand-up comedian of all time”. Rock’s second stand-up special, 1996’s Bring the Pain, reinvented Rock as one of the most acclaimed comedians in the industry. Rock won two Emmy Awards and gained large critical acclaim. The segment on race in America, in which Rock used the “N-word” extensively, was most talked about. Adding to his popularity was his much-publicized role as a commentator for Comedy Central’s Politically Incorrect during the 1996 Presidential elections which earned him another Emmy nomination. Comedy Central voted him as the 5th greatest stand-up act of all time, and the 9th greatest stand-up comedian of all time by BBC’s Channel 4’s 100 Greatest Stand Ups in 2007. When the list was updated in 2010, Rock was moved up to number 8.
He went on to more prominent film appearances, with roles in Down to Earth (2001), Head of State (2003), the Madagascar film series (2005–2012), Grown Ups (2010), its sequel Grown Ups 2 (2013), and Top Five (2014), and a series of acclaimed comedy specials for HBO. He also developed, wrote, narrated, and executive produced the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris (2005–2009).
Chris Rock Net Worth as of 2019: $75 Million
But how did a comedian from Brooklyn rack up such a high net worth? We take a look back at Rock’s career.
1987-1989
Chris Rock made his feature film debut in Beverly Hills Cop II.
1990
Rock became a cast member of the popular sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live in 1990. He and other new cast members Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider and David Spade became known as the “Bad Boys of SNL”.
1991-1993
In 1991, Rock released his first comedy album, Born Suspect and won acclaim for his role as a crack addict in the film New Jack City.
In 1993, Rock left Saturday Night Live in 1993, appearing instead as a special guest star on the predominantly African-American sketch show In Living Color.
He wrote and starred in the mockumentary CB4.
1994-1995
Rock starred in his first HBO comedy special in 1994 titled Big Ass Jokes.
1996
Rock’s second stand-up special, 1996’s Bring the Pain, reinvented Rock as one of the most acclaimed comedians in the industry. For it, Rock won two Emmy Awards and gained large critical acclaim.
Rock married Malaak Compton-Rock on November 23, 1996.
1997-2001
From 1997-2000, Rock host3e the HBO show The Chris Rock Show. Comedian Louis C.K. was the show’s head writer.
In 1999, Chris Rock starred in another HBO comedy special, Bigger & Blacker.
2002-2004
In 2002, Rock and his wife gave birth to their first child, daughter Lola Simone.
In 2003, Rock made his directorial debut with Head of State, which he also wrote and starred in.
In 2004, Rock starred in the HBO comedy special Never Scared.
Also in 2004, Rock and his wife gave birth to their second child, Zahra Savannah.
2005-2006
In early 2005, Rock hosted the 77th Academy Awards ceremony. The decision to have Rock host the awards was seen by some as a chance to bring an “edge” to the ceremony, and to make it more relevant or appealing to younger audiences. Jokingly
In the fall of 2005, the UPN television network premiered Rock’s comedy series called Everybody Hates Chris, based on Rock’s school days, of which he is the executive producer and narrator. The show has garnered both critical and ratings success. The series was nominated for a 2006 Golden Globe for Best TV Series (Musical or Comedy), a 2006 People’s Choice Award for Favorite New Television Comedy, and two 2006 Emmy Awards for costuming and cinematography.
2007-2008
Rock directed and starred in I Think I Love My Wife, the second film directed by Rock. He co-wrote it with comedian Loius C.K.
In 2008, Rock’s fifth HBO special, Kill the Messenger, premiered on September 27, 2008, and won him another Emmy for outstanding writing for a variety or music program.
Also in 2008, Rock’s family history was profiled on the PBS series African American Lives 2.
2009
The Chris Rock produced documentary Good Hair premiered on HBO. Rock is working on a documentary about debt called Credit Is the Devil.
2010-2012
In 2010, Rock starred in Grown Ups and Death At A Funeral.
In 2011, Rock appeared on Broadway in Stephen Adly Guirgis’ play The Motherfucker with the Hat with Bobby Cannavale and Annabella Sciorra. Rock was nominated for a Drama League Award.
In 2012, Rock starred in What To Expect When You’re Expecting and Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted.
2013-2014
In 2013, Rock starred in Grown Ups 2, which is considered to be one of the worst movies of his career.
In December 2014, Rock announced that he had filed for divorce from Compton-Rock.
Also in 2014, Rock directed his third film, Top Five.
2015-2017
On October 21, 2015, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Rock would host the 88th Academy Awards.
On February 28, 2016, Rock hosted the 88th Academy Awards (aka Oscars). It was his second time hosting the awards show.
While Rock’s star has faded a little bit since the peak of his career in the early 2000’s, he is still one of the most respected voices in comedy.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6htP01ctRA”]
2018
Stand-up comic Chris Rock is all set to wow the masses as he embarks upon his first tour in the United Kingdom in 10 years.
2019
Chris Rock is again behind the camera and directing comedy movie ‘Coparenting’ starring Kevin Hart as the star.
