Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
Release Date: 2009-01-01
Runtime: 95 min
Genre(s): Comedy, documentary
Director: Robert Townsend
Producer(s): Angela Northington, Darryl 'D'Militant' Littleton, Quincy Newell
Production Country: United States of America
Original Language: English
Overview:
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.
Cast:
Andrew Young, Angela Bassett, Bill Bellamy, Bill Cosby, Charlie Murphy, Chris Rock, Cornel West, D.L. Hughley, Damon Wayans, Dick Gregory, Eddie Griffin, Eddie Levert, Elijah Cummings, Faizon Love, Franklyn Ajaye, Garrett Morris, George Wallace, Jeff Clanagan, Julian Bond, Katt Williams, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Kel Mitchell, Kweisi Mfume, Louis Gossett Jr., Marla Gibbs, Marlon Wayans, Maxine Waters, Michael Eric Dyson, Mo’Nique, Niecy Nash-Betts, Paul Mooney, Reynaldo Rey, Robert Townsend, Shang Forbes, Shawn Wayans, Sheila Jackson Lee, Sherri Shepherd, Sommore, Stanley Crouch, Steve Harvey, Thea Vidale, Todd Boyd, Tommy Davidson, Topper Carew, Walter Fauntroy
Crew:
Robert Townsend (Director), John Long (Writer), Quincy Newell (Writer), Agústa Einarsdóttir (Editor), Skip Robinson (Editor), Jeff Clanagan (Executive Producer), Richard Foos (Executive Producer), Darryl ‘D’Militant’ Littleton (Producer), Quincy Newell (Producer), Angela Northington (Producer), Dana Riddick (Associate Producer)