American comedian and actor Chris Rock is best known for his hilarious stand-up shows and comedy movies. Since he first rose to fame as part of Saturday Night Live during the 80s and 90s, Rock has emerged as one of the leading African-American comedians of his generation. He is witty, funny and doesn’t shy away from approaching controversial subjects – a feat that has attracted him much controversy.
His comic routines do not comprise sweeping statements; they are strong assertions explained with utmost clarity and validation. So, when a fan heads down to a show of Chris Rock, he knows he is in for a great time and will come out a little wiser about some very significant issues.
The comedian is currently on the road with his Total Blackout Tour. It is his first world tour in nine years and hence the demand for Chris Rock tickets is soaring by the day.
Early Years
Chris Rock was born in February, 1965, in Andrews, South Carolina and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He has admitted to being bullied as a child by white students. In fact, his parents had to pull him out of one of the schools in New York because the bullying had become unbearable. He also dropped out of high school but later earned GED following which he worked at various fast-food restaurants.
Rock cites his paternal grandfather and priest Allen Rock as his inspiration in comedy.
The Beginning
Chris Rock started doing stand-up comedy in 1984. His performances in New York City’s Catch a Rising Star (a chain of comedy clubs) gradually garnered popularity, earning Rock offers for small appearances in the movie I’m Gonna Git You Sucka and the television crime drama series, Miami Vice.
One of Rock’s performances at a nightclub caught the attention of Eddie Murphy. Gauging his potential, Murphy decided to become aspiring comedian’s mentor. He also gave Rock his first major film role in Beverly Hills Cop II.
Breakthrough
Having gained recognition as a stand-up comedian, Chris Rock joined the cast of NBC’s Saturday Night Live in 1989. This was arguably the breakthrough point of his career. Rock among other new cast members of the sketch comedy series including Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, David Spade and Rob Schneider became known as the Bad Boys of SNL. The show brought him much exposure, making him a nationally recognized figure.
In 1991, Chris Rock released his first comedy album titled Born Suspect to huge acclaim. Besides he was highly praised for his performance as a crack addict in the movie New Jack City.
Highlights
Chris Rock recorded his first HBO special titled Chris Rock: Big Ass Jokes in 1993. Three years later, he served as the only 1996 presidential campaign correspondent for Comedy Central’s show, Politically Incorrect. His next HBO special Bring The Pain was a bigger success than the first one and won the comedian two Emmy Awards; one in the category of Outstanding Special and the other for Best Writing. In 1997, Rock became the host of the Chris Rock Show on HBO. This hit talk show garnered several honors including an Emmy Award for Best Writing.
In 2003, Rock embarked on his stand-up tour No Apologies. He kicked off the trek in New York and then went to the UK. This was the first time he was performing live for overseas audience. The tour was such a massive success in England that Rock added another week to his overseas leg. On May 23, 2008, Rock performed to a huge crowd at London’s O2 Arena and broke the Guinness World Record for the highest number of attendees at a comic show in the UK.
Coinciding with the No Apologies Tour was his album Cheese and Crackers: The Greatest Bits. It features a total of nineteen tracks that depict the comedian’s insights and perspectives on various issues including politics, race and sex.
Another one of the multi-talented comic’s contributions to the showbiz industry is the TV series, Everybody Hates Chris. Rock served as both the narrator and co-creator of this program. Inspired from his own life, it has a special place in his heart. The series debuted on UPN in 2005 and was named one of the “top new series’ by Entertainment Weekly. The show earned nominations for a Writers Guild Award as well as a Golden Globe.
Chris Rock hosted the MTV Video Awards in 1999 and 2003 and the 77th Annual Academy Awards in 2005. His book Rock This is a Wall Street Journal and New York Times bestseller.
Comic Style
Most of Chris Rock’s comic style and views are influenced by his own experiences during childhood and teenage years. He has been a victim of racial discrimination and bullying at school and addresses such grave and controversial matters with a profound sense of empathy. Besides, his comic routines revolve around topics ranging from politics to romance and from family to music.
Awards & Achievements
Chris Rock is the proud winner of three Grammys and four Emmy Awards. In a poll conducted by Comedy Central he was voted the fifth greatest stand-up comedian. Besides, in 2007 Rock ranked ninth on the 100 Greatest Stand-Ups in the UK list by Channel 4. He appeared on the list again in 2010, this time ranking eighth among the greatest stand-up comics.
Chris Rock Tour Tickets
Chris Rock has entertained his fans as an actor, stand-up comic, director, host and writer. His Total Blackout Tour is earning rave reviews from fans and critics alike.
The comedian went through a rough patch with his divorce and through his shows he shares the various circumstances, mistakes and lessons learnt from the experience.
Chris Rock tour tickets are available and in high demand. Purchase yours now to catch him live.
