Film·2009·NR·1h 35m

Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

ComedyDocumentary

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.

Directed by Robert Townsend

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Featuring

Cast

12 credited

Franklyn Ajaye
Franklyn AjayeSelf
Angela Bassett
Angela BassettNarrator (voice)
Bill Bellamy
Bill BellamySelf
Todd Boyd
Todd BoydSelf
Jeff Clanagan
Jeff ClanaganSelf
Bill Cosby
Bill CosbySelf
Stanley Crouch
Stanley CrouchSelf
Elijah Cummings
Elijah CummingsSelf
Tommy Davidson
Tommy DavidsonSelf
Michael Eric Dyson
Michael Eric DysonSelf
Walter Fauntroy
Walter FauntroySelf
Shang Forbes
Shang ForbesSelf

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