Movie
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
Released: January 1, 2009 (2009)
Runtime: 95 minutes
Genres: Comedy, Documentary
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.
Main Cast (Top 10 billed, oldest first)
- Bill Cosby as Self
Age at release: 71
- Franklyn Ajaye as Self
Age at release: 59
- Elijah Cummings as Self
Age at release: 57
- Angela Bassett as Narrator (voice)
Age at release: 50
- Michael Eric Dyson as Self
Age at release: 50
- Tommy Davidson as Self
Age at release: 45
- Bill Bellamy as Self
Age at release: 43
- Todd Boyd as Self
Age at release: Unknown
- Stanley Crouch as Self
Age at release: Unknown
- Walter Fauntroy as Self
Age at release: Unknown
Show more cast
- Marla Gibbs as Self
Age at release: 77
- Dick Gregory as Self
Age at release: 76
- Louis Gossett Jr. as Self
Age at release: 72
- Garrett Morris as Self
Age at release: 71
- Paul Mooney as Self
Age at release: 67
- Kweisi Mfume as Self
Age at release: 60
- Steve Harvey as Self
Age at release: 51
- Charlie Murphy as Self
Age at release: 49
- D.L. Hughley as Self
Age at release: 45
- Chris Rock as Self
Age at release: 43
- Mo'Nique as Self
Age at release: 41
- Sherri Shepherd as Self
Age at release: 41
- Eddie Griffin as Self
Age at release: 40
- Faizon Love as Self
Age at release: 40
- Niecy Nash-Betts as Self
Age at release: 38
- Kel Mitchell as Self
Age at release: 30
- Shang Forbes as Self
Age at release: Unknown
- Sheila Jackson Lee as Self
Age at release: Unknown
- Eddie Levert as Himself
Age at release: Unknown
- Reynaldo Rey as Self
Age at release: Unknown