About
Dave Chappelle is a highly regarded American stand-up comedian, actor, and former sketch comedian. He gained prominence with his half-hour TV special in 1998 and his hour-long special in 2000. Chappelle is most known for co-creating and starring in the iconic sketch comedy series 'Chappelle's Show' on Comedy Central. He is considered one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time, known for his insightful and often controversial humor.
Career Timeline
First TV special
His half-hour TV special earns him initial recognition.
'Chappelle's Show' takes off
'Chappelle's Show' becomes a cultural phenomenon on Comedy Central.
Walks away from show
Chappelle famously leaves 'Chappelle's Show', forfeiting a lucrative contract.
Netflix stand-up specials
Chappelle returns to stand-up with highly successful Netflix specials.
Critical acclaim continues
His stand-up specials continue to garner critical acclaim and generate controversy.
Comedy icon and influencer
Dave Chappelle remains a highly influential and respected voice in comedy. He is one of the most recognizable people in entertainment.
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Last updated: February 23, 2026