Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy 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.

On location

The cast

Franklyn Ajaye Self

Angela Bassett Narrator (voice)

Bill Bellamy Self

Todd Boyd Self

Jeff Clanagan Self

Bill Cosby Self

Stanley Crouch Self

Elijah Cummings Self

Tommy Davidson Self

Michael Eric Dyson Self

W

Walter Fauntroy Self

S

Shang Forbes Self

Marla Gibbs Self

Louis Gossett Jr. Self

Top billing shown. Full cast and crew on IMDB ↗

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