Chris Rock is an American comedian, actor and filmmaker known for his stand-up comedy, film roles and television productions.
He gained fame in the 1980s for his stand-up routines that covered topics like race relations and human sexuality.
Rock has received numerous awards, including Grammy Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards.
He starred on Saturday Night Live, appeared in various films like Lethal Weapon 4 and Madagascar and created the sitcom, Everybody Hates Chris.
Additionally, Rock has been involved in advocacy against racial profiling and has openly discussed personal challenges like a pornography addiction and a neurological disorder.
Net worth | $60 million |
Profession | Comedian, actor, filmmaker |
Date of birth | February 7, 1965 |
Nationality | American |
Background and early life
Rock, born Christopher Julius Rock III on February 7, 1965, in Andrews, South Carolina, was raised in Brooklyn, New York.
His mother, Rosalie, worked as a teacher and social worker, while his father, Julius, was a truck driver and newspaper deliveryman.
Rock is the oldest of seven siblings and had an older paternal half-brother.
His family history includes Cameroonian descent, with his great-great-grandfather being enslaved before serving in the American Civil War.
Rock faced bullying and racism in predominantly white schools in Brooklyn, leading to his parents pulling him out of high school.
Despite dropping out, he later obtained a General Educational Development (GED) and worked various jobs before pursuing a career in stand-up comedy in the 1980s.
Rock’s early comedic success led to roles on Saturday Night Live and in films like Beverly Hills Cop II, marking the beginning of his prominent career in comedy and entertainment.
Net worth
Rock has an estimated net worth of $60 million.
He has earned significant amounts from stand-up comedy, acting in films like the Madagascar series and Grown Ups and lucrative deals with platforms like Netflix for comedy specials.
Additionally, Rock’s divorce settlement in 2016 with his ex-wife, Malaak Compton-Rock, reportedly impacted his net worth, with rumors suggesting she sought a substantial settlement that affected his assets.
Investing in Lowell Herb Co
Rock is an investor in Lowell Herb Co, a California-based cannabis brand owned by Lowell Farms.
The company is known for selling packs of pre-rolled joints in various blends, including seasonal crops.
Lowell Herb Co has expanded its product line to include brands like Cypress Cannabis, MOON and Kaizen Medicinals, catering to licensed retailers across California.
Notably, Lowell Herb Co has made efforts to hire non-violent cannabis offenders and has ventured into partnerships with notable figures like Miley Cyrus, Mark Ronson and Sarah Silverman.
Additionally, the company has collaborated with CJ Wallace to release The Frank White Creative Blend, inspired by the rapper The Notorious B.I.G.
Lowell Herb Co’s commitment to quality and innovation in the cannabis industry has positioned it as a prominent player in the market, with a focus on organic cultivation and unique product offerings.
Mojo’s investment
Rock has invested in Mojo, a platform that combines sports betting, fantasy competition and stock market mechanics.
Launched in New Jersey with $100 million in funding, Mojo aims to transform fantasy sports by enabling fans to invest in athletes.
Rock’s investment, alongside other prominent names, propels Mojo’s growth and potential expansion into more states.
Mojo’s innovative approach to blending sports, fantasy, and stock market elements sets it apart in the industry, offering fans a unique and engaging way to interact with sports and athletes.
Car collection
Rock’s car collection includes a mix of luxurious and high-performance vehicles that reflect his unique style and taste.
Notable cars in his collection include the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, known for its exceptional performance with a V12 engine producing over 750 horsepower.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom adds elegance and luxury, boasting a 6.75-liter V12 engine and opulent interior features.
Additionally, Rock owns a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, a high-performance sports car loved for its exceptional handling and thrilling driving experience.
These vehicles showcase Rock’s appreciation for both luxury and performance in his car collection.
Real estate properties
Rock owns multiple luxurious properties, showcasing his taste for opulence and comfort.
In New Jersey, he resides in an Alpine mansion, the most expensive neighborhood in the state, valued between $4.25 to $5.6 million.
This sprawling estate, built in 1999 on approximately 2 acres, features a large swimming pool, a lounge area and a gated community for privacy and security.
Additionally, Rock owns a Brooklyn home, a stunning 20th-century architectural gem, which he rented out for $8,000 to $15,000 per month before listing it for sale at $3.9 million.
This three-story house boasts original details like wood beams and exposed brick, offering ample space with a kitchen, roof terrace, patio and a two-car garage.
In total, his properties reflect his success and provide him with retreats that combine luxury, privacy and scenic views, showcasing his penchant for elegant living spaces.
Comedy career
Rock’s comedy career has been marked by significant achievements and contributions to the entertainment industry.
He began performing stand-up comedy in New York in 1984, catching the attention of comedian-actor Eddie Murphy, who helped him secure roles in films like Beverly Hills Cop II and I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.
Rock’s breakthrough came when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1990, followed by his own late-night television series, The Chris Rock Show, which earned critical acclaim and awards.
His stand-up comedy specials, such as Bring the Pain and Bigger & Blacker, garnered widespread fame and accolades, including Emmy Awards.
Rock’s comedy style often delves into taboo subjects like race relations, drug addiction and Black poverty, using humor to shed light on serious societal issues.
His success extended to creating the sitcom, Everybody Hates Chris, and hosting the Academy Awards.
Throughout his career, Rock has released comedy albums, starred in numerous films, and continued to perform stand-up, solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential and respected comedians in the industry.
Film career
Rock’s film career is extensive and diverse, showcasing his talents as both an actor and filmmaker.
He gained recognition for his work on Saturday Night Live in the early 1990s before transitioning to stand-up comedy, where he ranked as one of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time by Comedy Central.
Rock’s filmography includes a wide range of projects, from comedies to dramas and animated films.
He starred in movies like Lethal Weapon 4, Down to Earth and Bad Company, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Additionally, Rock ventured into directing with the political comedy Head of State in 2003.
His involvement in the Madagascar animated series, where he voiced a zebra, and his creation of the sitcom, Everybody Hates Chris, further solidified his impact in the entertainment industry.
Rock’s career continued to flourish with roles in films like Top Five, The Week Of and Spiral, demonstrating his ability to navigate between comedy and more serious roles.
His work as a writer, producer, and actor has earned him critical acclaim and a strong presence in Hollywood.
Netflix specials
Rock has been involved in several Netflix specials that have significantly impacted his career and earnings.
In 2016, Netflix announced a deal with Rock for two stand-up specials, each valued at $20 million, totaling $40 million.
The first special, Chris Rock: Tamborine, was released on February 14, 2018, marking his return to stand-up comedy after a decade.
Following this success, Rock released another Netflix special titled, Chris Rock: Selective Outrage, on March 4, 2023.
This special was performed live from Baltimore and streamed globally, featuring Rock addressing various topics, including woke culture, his personal life and notably, the incident involving Will Smith slapping him.
The Netflix specials have not only showcased Rock’s comedic talent but have also been instrumental in solidifying his position as one of the highest-paid comedians in the industry, with significant earnings from these exclusive deals.
Awards and accolades
Rock has amassed a remarkable collection of awards and accolades throughout his career in comedy, acting, writing and producing.
Some of his notable awards include Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album for Chris Rock: Roll with the New, Chris Rock: Bigger & Blacker and Chris Rock: Never Scared.
He has also received Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Special for Chris Rock: Kill The Messenger and Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special for Chris Rock: Bring The Pain.
Additionally, Rock has won American Comedy Awards for Funniest Male Performer in a TV Special for Chris Rock: Bigger & Blacker, BET Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Theatrical Film for The Longest Yard and NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series for Everybody Hates Chris and Outstanding Documentary for Good Hair.
These awards reflect Rock’s versatility and talent across various entertainment platforms, solidifying his status as a highly acclaimed and influential figure in the industry.
Philanthropic efforts
Rock is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting various causes and charities.
He has contributed to organizations like UNICEF, the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, (RED), Angel Rock Project and Artists for a New South Africa.
Rock’s philanthropic efforts extend to causes such as abuse prevention, adoption, AIDS & HIV awareness, supporting at-risk/disadvantaged youths, cancer research and more.
Through his involvement in charity work, he demonstrates a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the entertainment realm, addressing a wide range of social issues and supporting various communities in need.
Controversies
Rock has faced several controversies throughout his career due to his edgy humor and provocative statements.
One notable controversy occurred during the Oscars in 2016 when he made a racially insensitive joke about East Asians, leading to accusations of racial stereotyping.
Another incident involved a resurfaced video showing Rock and Louis C.K. using the N-word multiple times during an HBO special in 2011, sparking criticism and discomfort from some comedians.
In 2019, he shared a meme on Instagram featuring Whitney Houston with a caption referencing drug use, drawing backlash from Bobby Brown for what he perceived as disrespectful humor towards Houston’s struggles with substance abuse.
These controversies underscore the challenges comedians face in balancing humor with societal norms and sensitivities.
Will Smith slap
The Will Smith slap incident involving Rock occurred during the 94th Academy Awards on March 27, 2022.
Will walked onstage and physically assaulted comedian Rock by slapping him across the face in response to a joke Rock made about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith and her shaved head.
The incident, known as The Slap Heard Around the World, overshadowed the award ceremony and received widespread attention globally.
Following the altercation, Smith returned to his seat and shouted profanity at Rock.
Despite the incident, Smith went on to win the Best Actor award that night for Will’s role in King Richard.
The fallout from the incident led to Will resigning from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) and receiving a 10-year ban from attending AMPAS-related events.
The incident sparked discussions about violence, respect and appropriate behavior in public settings, leaving a lasting impact on both Smith’s and Rock’s public images.
Chris Rock family
Rock comes from a large and diverse family background.
He is the eldest of seven siblings, with six brothers and one sister.
Rock’s parents, Rosalie and Julius Rock, raised their family in Brooklyn, New York. Chris had an older paternal half-brother, Charles Ledell Rock, who passed away in 2006.
His younger brothers, Tony, Kenny and Jordan, are also involved in the entertainment industry.
The Rock family’s history was featured on the PBS series African American Lives 2, revealing their Cameroonian descent and the legacy of their ancestors, including Julius Caesar Tingman, who served in the American Civil War.
Despite facing challenges like bullying in predominantly white schools, Rock’s family has been a source of inspiration and support throughout his life, with each sibling carving their own path in various fields, from comedy to business and therapy.
Divorce settlement
Rock’s divorce settlement with his ex-wife, Malaak Compton-Rock, was a significant and complex process.
The divorce, finalized in 2016 after 20 years of marriage, reportedly involved substantial financial negotiations.
Compton-Rock argued for a large portion of Rock’s $70 million net worth at the time, seeking a payout that reflected the marital standard of living.
While exact figures were not disclosed, it is known that the divorce settlement was substantial, with Compton-Rock asserting her entitlement to a commensurate share of the marital assets.
The settlement also included discussions around child custody, with both parties agreeing to a 50-50 custody split of their two children.
Despite the financial complexities and challenges of the divorce, the settlement ultimately concluded with the former couple finalizing their separation and moving forward with their lives separately.