Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy (2009)
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.
Director: Robert Townsend
Writers: Quincy Newell, John Long
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
Walter Fauntroy
Self
Shang Forbes
Self
Marla Gibbs
Self
Louis Gossett Jr.
Self
Dick Gregory
Self
Eddie Griffin
Self
Steve Harvey
Self
D.L. Hughley
Self
Sheila Jackson Lee
Self
Eddie Levert
Himself
Faizon Love
Self
Kweisi Mfume
Self
Kel Mitchell
Self
Mo'Nique
Self
Paul Mooney
Self
Garrett Morris
Self
Charlie Murphy
Self
Niecy Nash-Betts
Self
Reynaldo Rey
Self
Chris Rock
Self
Sherri Shepherd
Self
Sommore
Self
Robert Townsend
Self
Thea Vidale
Self
George Wallace
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Maxine Waters
Self
Damon Wayans
Self
Keenen Ivory Wayans
Self
Marlon Wayans
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Shawn Wayans
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Cornel West
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Katt Williams
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Andrew Young
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Topper Carew
Self
Julian Bond
Self
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