Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
Synopsis
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.
Top Cast
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Franklyn Ajaye
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Angela Bassett
Narrator (voice)
Bill Bellamy
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Todd Boyd
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Jeff Clanagan
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Bill Cosby
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Stanley Crouch
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Elijah Cummings
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Tommy Davidson
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Michael Eric Dyson
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Walter Fauntroy
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Shang Forbes
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Marla Gibbs
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Louis Gossett Jr.
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Dick Gregory
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Eddie Griffin
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Steve Harvey
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D.L. Hughley
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Release History & Theatrical Window
January 1, 2009
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Robert Townsend
- Screenplay & Story
- Quincy Newell
- Original Title
- Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 35m
- Production Studios
- Codeblack Entertainment
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Robert Townsend
Quincy Newell
Skip Robinson, Agústa Einarsdóttir
Angela Northington, Jeff Clanagan, Darryl 'D'Militant' Littleton, Richard Foos, Quincy Newell
Department Leadership Roster
Quincy Newell
Writer
Robert Townsend
Director
Skip Robinson
Editor
Angela Northington
Producer
Agústa Einarsdóttir
Editor
Darryl 'D'Militant' Littleton
Producer
Quincy Newell
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy about?
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.
Who directed Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy?
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy was directed by Robert Townsend.
Who stars in Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy?
The principal cast of Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy includes Franklyn Ajaye, Angela Bassett, Bill Bellamy, Todd Boyd, Jeff Clanagan.
When was Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy released and how long is it?
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy was released in 2009 with a total runtime of 1h 35m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy?
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).