“When I started out in comedy, it was common knowledge that it took about 10 years to get good. And that was okay because it took you about 9 years to get on television.”

American comedian, actor and filmmaker

Chris Rock is an American comedian, actor, and filmmaker. He first rose to prominence in the 1980s through stand-up comedy, and was born in 1965. He became known for routines that addressed race relations, human sexuality, and everyday observation with sharp timing. His career later expanded into film, television, and stage work. He has received three Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album, four Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Golden Globe Award nomination. He was also ranked No. 5 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time and No. 5 on Rolling Stone's list of the 50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time.