Early Life and Education of Dave Chappelle: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Dave Chappelle, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Dave Chappelle is a highly acclaimed American stand-up comedian and actor. He gained significant recognition as the star and co-creator of 'Chappelle's Show,' a satirical sketch comedy series that ran from 2003 to 2006. Despite the show's success, Chappelle famously left during the third season. After a break, he returned to stand-up comedy, earning widespread praise and being lauded as a comedic genius. He is regarded as one of the greatest stand-up comics of all time.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1915: Grand-uncle W. D. Chappelle Jr. Opened People's Infirmary

Around 1915, Dave Chappelle's grand-uncle W. D. Chappelle Jr., a physician and surgeon, opened the People's Infirmary in Columbia, South Carolina.

2001: Marriage to Elaine Mendoza Erfe

In 2001, Dave Chappelle married Elaine Mendoza Erfe. They have two sons and one daughter.

2004: Donation to Seeds of Peace International Camp

In 2004, Dave Chappelle donated his time to Seeds of Peace International Camp, located in Otisfield, Maine, which brings together young leaders from communities in conflict.

May 2005: Dave Chappelle converted to Islam

In May 2005, Dave Chappelle told Time magazine that he converted to Islam when he was 17.

September 2006: Statement to Yellow Springs Residents

In September 2006, Dave Chappelle addressed residents of Yellow Springs, Ohio, regarding his property.

June 6, 2020: Private event in Yellow Springs, Ohio

On June 6, 2020, Dave Chappelle held a private, socially distanced stand-up event in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where audience members observed social distancing rules and wore masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This performance would be released on June 12, 2020 as 8:46.

June 2020: Beginning of Chappelle Summer Camp

In late June 2020, Dave Chappelle initiated "Chappelle Summer Camp", a series of live performances with masked, socially distanced audiences at Wirrig Pavilion in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The shows featured comedians and musical guests.

September 25, 2020: Cancellation of Chappelle Summer Camp due to possible COVID-19 exposure

On September 25, 2020, Elaine Chappelle announced the cancellation of the Chappelle Summer Camp series of shows due to a possible COVID-19 exposure in their inner circle.

October 4, 2020: Variance granted for Chappelle Summer Camp to continue until October 4

After issues with neighbors' complaints, local zoning officials granted a special variance allowing the Chappelle Summer Camp performances to continue through October 4, 2020.

December 2020: Purchase of Fire Station for Comedy Club

In December 2020, Dave Chappelle's company, Iron Table Holdings, purchased a fire station near his home in Yellow Springs, Ohio, with plans to convert it into a comedy club. He also retrofitted a mechanic's garage into a clubhouse named "The Shack" for podcasting.

2020: Endorsed Andrew Yang in the 2020 United States presidential election

In 2020, Dave Chappelle endorsed Andrew Yang in the United States presidential election.

November 2021: Auditorium Renaming Controversy at Duke Ellington School of the Arts

In November 2021, Dave Chappelle's high school, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, was set to rename their auditorium in his honor. However, after controversy arose in response to jokes made in "The Closer", the ceremony was delayed.

December 2021: Threatened to Cancel Business Investments Over Zoning Change

In December 2021, Dave Chappelle told the Yellow Springs, Ohio, village council that he would cancel his planned business investments if it approved a zoning change to allow a multifamily affordable housing project.

February 7, 2022: Spoke against zoning change at council meeting

On February 7, 2022, Dave Chappelle spoke against the zoning change at the council meeting, calling the council "clowns" and reminding them that his business was worth $65 million a year. The council failed to approve the change, deadlocking at 2–2, with one recusal.

April 2022: Duke Ellington School Renaming Ceremony

In April 2022, after controversy and an unannounced visit to the school, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts went forward with renaming their auditorium in Dave Chappelle's honor.

2022: Refusal to name Duke Ellington School theater after himself

In the summer of 2022, Dave Chappelle announced that he would not give his name to the Duke Ellington School theater, instead, he insisted it should be named the Theater for Artistic Freedom and Expression.

2024: Campaign event for Hill Harper

In 2024, Dave Chappelle headlined a campaign event for actor Hill Harper, who was running against Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin in the Democratic primary ahead of the Michigan's U.S. Senate election, at Saint Andrews Hall in Detroit.