Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

95 mins | Comedy, Documentary | Jan. 1, 2009

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.

Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

95 mins | Comedy, Documentary | Jan. 1, 2009

Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
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.
IMDb rating 7.2
Producers Codeblack Entertainment
Original title Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
Directors Robert Townsend
Writers Quincy Newell, John Long

Cast

Franklyn Ajaye

as Self

Angela Bassett

as Narrator (voice)

Bill Bellamy

as Self

Julian Bond

as Self

Todd Boyd

as Self

Jeff Clanagan

as Self

Bill Cosby

as Self

Stanley Crouch

as Self

Elijah Cummings

as Self

Tommy Davidson

as Self

Walter Fauntroy

as Self

Shang Forbes

as Self

Marla Gibbs

as Self

Dick Gregory

as Self

Eddie Griffin

as Self

Steve Harvey

as Self

D.L. Hughley

as Self

Eddie Levert

as Himself

Faizon Love

as Self

Kweisi Mfume

as Self

Kel Mitchell

as Self

Mo'Nique

as Self

Paul Mooney

as Self

Garrett Morris

as Self

Charlie Murphy

as Self

Niecy Nash

as Self

Reynaldo Rey

as Self

Chris Rock

as Self

Sherri Shepherd

as Self

Sommore

as Self

Robert Townsend

as Self

Thea Vidale

as Self

George Wallace

as Self

Maxine Waters

as Self

Damon Wayans

as Self

Marlon Wayans

as Self

Shawn Wayans

as Self

Cornel West

as Self

Katt Williams

as Self

Andrew Young

as Self

Topper Carew

as Self