Dave Chappelle is a highly acclaimed American stand-up comedian and actor, best known for his groundbreaking sketch comedy series "Chappelle's Show." Praised for his satirical wit and social commentary, he abruptly left the show at its peak popularity but later returned to stand-up. Chappelle is widely considered one of the greatest comedians of all time, earning accolades and recognition throughout his career.
1915: W.D. Chappelle Jr. Opens People's Infirmary
In 1915, Dave Chappelle's great-uncle, W.D. Chappelle Jr., a physician and surgeon, established the People's Infirmary in Columbia, South Carolina. This small hospital and practice provided crucial healthcare access to African Americans during a period of segregation.
August 24, 1973: Dave Chappelle is Born
On August 24, 1973, Dave Chappelle was born.
September 13, 1990: Appearance on "America's Funniest People"
On September 13, 1990, Dave Chappelle appeared in a montage of jokes on the first episode of "America's Funniest People".
1991: Graduates from Duke Ellington School of the Arts
Dave Chappelle graduated from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in 1991.
1992: Breakthrough on "Def Comedy Jam"
In 1992, Dave Chappelle's appearance on HBO's "Def Comedy Jam" helped launch his popularity, leading to appearances on late-night talk shows.
1993: Film Debut in "Robin Hood: Men in Tights"
Dave Chappelle appeared in his first film, "Robin Hood: Men in Tights", in 1993.
1994: Performs at Boston Comedy Club
By the summer of 1994, Dave Chappelle was a regular at the Boston Comedy Club, performing at their Monday night "open mic" events.
1995: Guest Appearance on "Home Improvement"
Dave Chappelle and Jim Breuer made a guest appearance on the sitcom "Home Improvement" in 1995.
March 1996: "Buddies" Premieres to Disappointing Ratings
The sitcom "Buddies", starring Dave Chappelle, premiered in March 1996, but was cancelled after five episodes.
1996: "The Nutty Professor" and "Buddies"
Chappelle had a role in the Eddie Murphy comedy "The Nutty Professor" and starred in the short-lived ABC sitcom "Buddies" in 1996.
1996: Appears in "The Nutty Professor"
Dave Chappelle played a stand-up comic in the 1996 comedy "The Nutty Professor".
1997: Releases Short Film "Bowl of Pork"
Dave Chappelle released the short film "Bowl of Pork" in 1997.
1997: Minor Role in "Con Air"
Dave Chappelle had a small role in the 1997 action film "Con Air".
1997: Appearance in "Con Air"
Dave Chappelle had a role in the action film "Con Air" in 1997.
December 1998: Appears in "You've Got Mail"
Dave Chappelle appeared in the film "You've Got Mail", starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, in December 1998.
1998: "Half Baked" and "You've Got Mail"
In 1998, Dave Chappelle co-wrote and starred in the comedy film "Half Baked" and appeared in the romantic comedy "You've Got Mail" alongside Tom Hanks.
1998: HBO Comedy Half-Hour and "The Larry Sanders Show"
In 1998, Dave Chappelle performed stand-up on HBO Comedy Half-Hour and appeared in an episode of "The Larry Sanders Show".
1999: Appears in "Blue Streak"
Dave Chappelle acted in the film "Blue Streak" in 1999.
1999: Role in "Blue Streak"
Dave Chappelle appeared in the Martin Lawrence action-comedy "Blue Streak" in 1999.
2000: Releases "Dave Chappelle: Killin' Them Softly" and Stars in "Screwed"
Dave Chappelle's first hour-long HBO special, "Dave Chappelle: Killin' Them Softly", was released in 2000, the same year he co-starred with Norm Macdonald in the comedy "Screwed".
2001: Marriage to Elaine Mendoza Erfe
Dave Chappelle married Elaine Mendoza Erfe in 2001.
2002: Appearance in "Undercover Brother"
Chappelle appeared in the comedy film "Undercover Brother" in 2002.
2002: Plays "Conspiracy Brother" in "Undercover Brother"
In 2002, Dave Chappelle played the role of "Conspiracy Brother" in the film "Undercover Brother".
2003: "Chappelle's Show" Premieres
"Chappelle's Show", a sketch comedy show starring Dave Chappelle, debuted on Comedy Central in 2003.
2003: Chappelle's Show Premieres
In 2003, Chappelle's Show, a satirical comedy sketch series co-created by and starring Dave Chappelle, premiered.
June 2004: Talks to Play Rick James in Biopic
It was announced in June 2004 that Dave Chappelle was in talks to play Rick James in a Paramount Pictures biopic, but the project was scrapped.
June 2004: Chappelle Walks Off Stage
In a stand-up performance in Sacramento, California in June 2004, Dave Chappelle walked off the stage after expressing frustration with the audience's constant repetition of a catchphrase from his show. He cited the show's demanding schedule and its impact on his stand-up career as reasons for his unhappiness.
September 18, 2004: Dave Chappelle's Block Party
On September 18, 2004, Dave Chappelle hosted a free concert in Brooklyn, featuring artists like Kanye West, The Roots, Erykah Badu, and a reunion of The Fugees. This event was documented in the film "Dave Chappelle's Block Party," showcasing Chappelle's generosity and love for his hometown by bringing Yellow Springs residents to Brooklyn.
2004: Volunteered at Seeds of Peace International Camp
Dave Chappelle volunteered his time to the Seeds of Peace International Camp in Otisfield, Maine, in 2004, contributing to the camp's mission of fostering understanding and leadership among youth from conflict zones.
May 2005: Publicly Discusses Conversion to Islam
In a May 2005 interview with "Time" magazine, Dave Chappelle discussed his conversion to Islam, which took place when he was 17 years old.
May 31, 2005: Chappelle Leaves Chappelle's Show
Scheduled to air on May 31, 2005, Season 3 of Chappelle's Show was disrupted when Dave Chappelle abruptly left production and traveled to South Africa. Citing dissatisfaction with the show's direction and overwhelming stress, Chappelle's departure sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.
June 2005: Impromptu Stand-Up Shows and Tour
In June 2005, after his departure from "Chappelle's Show," Chappelle returned to his roots with impromptu stand-up shows in Los Angeles. This was followed by a tour starting in Newport, Kentucky, marking a return to his passion for stand-up comedy.
December 18, 2005: Inside the Actors Studio Interview
On December 18, 2005, Chappelle was interviewed for "Inside the Actors Studio" at Pace University. He shared how his father's death seven years prior had influenced his decision to step away from the spotlight and seek solace in South Africa, revealing a deeply personal side to his career choices.
2005: Release of "Dave Chappelle's Block Party"
The documentary film "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" was released in 2005.
February 3, 2006: Interview with Oprah Winfrey
In a revealing interview with Oprah Winfrey that aired on February 3, 2006, Chappelle candidly discussed his reasons for leaving "Chappelle's Show," shedding light on the pressures he faced and his disillusionment with the entertainment industry's treatment of black entertainers.
February 12, 2006: Inside the Actors Studio Premiere
The "Inside the Actors Studio" interview with Dave Chappelle premiered on February 12, 2006, offering insights into his decision to leave his show and the challenges he faced.
March 3, 2006: Block Party Film Release
On March 3, 2006, "Dave Chappelle's Block Party," directed by Michel Gondry, was released in the U.S. The film, a commercial success, grossed over $11 million, highlighting Chappelle's influence beyond stand-up comedy.
March 2006: Block Party All-Stars Tour
Dave Chappelle embarked on a tour in February and March 2006, promoting the "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" film under the name "Block Party All-Stars Featuring Dave Chappelle." This tour further demonstrated Chappelle's commitment to connecting with audiences through various mediums.
May 11, 2006: Surprise Appearance at Towson University
On May 11, 2006, Chappelle made a surprise appearance at Towson University's Tigerfest celebration. This low-key return to the stage demonstrated his willingness to engage with audiences in unexpected ways.
July 9, 2006: Chappelle's Show: The Lost Episodes Premiere
Despite Chappelle's departure and refusal to return to the show, Comedy Central aired the first episode of "Chappelle's Show: The Lost Episodes" on July 9, 2006. This decision highlighted the complexities and tensions between artistic control and network decisions in the entertainment industry.
September 2006: Chappelle Addresses Yellow Springs Residents
In September 2006, Dave Chappelle spoke to residents of Yellow Springs, Ohio, expressing his connection to the community.
2006: Chappelle's Show Ends, "Comic Genius of America"
In 2006, Chappelle abruptly left his show, Chappelle's Show, during its third season. Despite this, Esquire magazine dubbed him the "comic genius of America" this same year.
April 2007: Laugh Factory Stand-Up Endurance Record
In April 2007, Dave Chappelle set a stand-up endurance record at the Laugh Factory Sunset Strip, surpassing comedian Dane Cook's time. This achievement highlighted Chappelle's comedic stamina and dedication to his craft.
January 2008: Dane Cook Reclaims Stand-Up Record
Dane Cook reclaimed the stand-up endurance record in January 2008, surpassing Dave Chappelle's previous record. This back-and-forth competition between comedians underscored the competitive spirit within the stand-up community.
November 11, 2008: Inside the Actors Studio Appearance
On November 11, 2008, Dave Chappelle returned to "Inside the Actors Studio" for its 200th episode, this time interviewing the show's usual host, James Lipton. This unique role reversal provided an intriguing perspective on both Chappelle and the show's format.
February 2009: Comic Strip Live Performance
Dave Chappelle performed a four-hour set at Comic Strip Live in New York in February 2009, showcasing his continued commitment to stand-up comedy and his ability to captivate audiences for extended periods.
November 19, 2009: Laugh Factory Performance
Chappelle's performance at the Laugh Factory on November 19, 2009, was marked by speculation that he would attempt to reclaim his stand-up endurance record. However, he left the stage after five hours, disqualifying him from breaking the record, according to the club owner.
2010: Subject of "American Stand-Up and Sketch Comedy"
In 2010, a book titled "American Stand-Up and Sketch Comedy" by Canadian dramaturg Elizabeth Ludwig was published, examining the work of Dave Chappelle and Margaret Cho.
August 2011: Comedy Jam Appearance
Chappelle's appearance at Comedy Jam in San Francisco in August 2011 further solidified his presence in the stand-up comedy scene after his hiatus from television.
August 2013: Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival Tour
In August 2013, Chappelle returned to full-time stand-up touring as a headliner for the Oddball Comedy & Curiosity festival. However, a show in Hartford was marred by hecklers, prompting Chappelle to walk off stage and later express his frustration with the audience's behavior.
2013: Inside the Actors Studio 250th Episode Appearance
In 2013, Dave Chappelle made his third appearance on "Inside the Actors Studio" for its 250th episode. This recurring presence on the show demonstrated Chappelle's impact on the entertainment industry and his willingness to engage in in-depth discussions about his craft.
2013: Billboard Names Chappelle "The Best"
In 2013, a writer for Billboard magazine called Dave Chappelle "the best" comedian.
June 2014: Radio City Music Hall Performances
In June 2014, Chappelle made a triumphant return to the New York City stage with a 10-night run at Radio City Music Hall. This marked his first major appearance in the city in 11 years, signifying a significant moment in his career resurgence.
August 2014: Return to Hartford's Oddball Festival
In a display of resilience and forgiveness, Chappelle returned to the Oddball Festival in Hartford in August 2014, a year after the heckling incident. He received standing ovations, demonstrating the power of reconciliation and the importance of moving forward from adversity.
2015: Appearance in "Chi-Raq"
Chappelle had a role in Spike Lee's film "Chi-Raq" in 2015.
2015: Appearance in Chi-Raq
In 2015, Chappelle appeared in Spike Lee's film "Chi-Raq," marking his return to acting after a 13-year hiatus. This role showcased Chappelle's versatility and willingness to explore different creative avenues.
March 2016: Filming of "The Age of Spin"
Dave Chappelle filmed his stand-up special "The Age of Spin" in March 2016 at the Hollywood Palladium.
November 12, 2016: Saturday Night Live Hosting Debut
On November 12, 2016, Dave Chappelle made his hosting debut on Saturday Night Live, just after Donald Trump won the presidential election. His performance, which included commentary on Trump and the election, received widespread acclaim.
November 21, 2016: Netflix Announces Three Stand-Up Specials
On November 21, 2016, Netflix announced a deal with Dave Chappelle to release three new stand-up comedy specials in 2017.
2016: Wins First Primetime Emmy for Hosting "SNL"
Dave Chappelle won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for hosting Saturday Night Live in 2016.
2016: Netflix Deal
In 2016, Dave Chappelle signed a deal with Netflix to produce comedy specials.
September 2017: Filming of "Equanimity"
In September 2017, Dave Chappelle filmed his stand-up special "Equanimity" at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C.
November 20, 2017: Filming of "The Bird Revelation"
On November 20, 2017, Dave Chappelle filmed his stand-up special "The Bird Revelation" at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles.
December 22, 2017: Netflix Announces "The Bird Revelation" Release
On December 22, 2017, Netflix announced the release of Dave Chappelle's fourth stand-up special, "The Bird Revelation," expanding on their previous deal.
2017: Collaboration with Jon Stewart and Aziz Ansari
In 2017, Dave Chappelle collaborated with Jon Stewart on a comedy tour and with Aziz Ansari for three stand-up shows in Austin, Texas.
2017: Rolling Stone Ranks Chappelle Among the Best Stand-Up Comics
Rolling Stone magazine included Dave Chappelle in their "50 Best Stand Up Comics of All Time" list in 2017, ranking him at number 9.
2017: Dave Chappelle Day in Columbia, South Carolina
In 2017, the mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, proclaimed February 3 as "Dave Chappelle Day." This coincided with Chappelle speaking at the Chappelle Auditorium at Allen University, a building named after his great-grandfather.
2017: Chappelle Acknowledges D.C. Public Schools at Emmy Awards
During his acceptance speech at the 2017 Emmy Awards, Chappelle gave recognition to D.C. Public Schools, highlighting his support for public education.
September 2018: Emmy Award for "Equanimity"
In September 2018, Dave Chappelle's special "Equanimity" received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded).
October 2018: Appearance in "A Star Is Born"
Dave Chappelle appeared as "Noodles" in the remake of "A Star Is Born" in October 2018.
2018: Appearance in "A Star is Born"
Chappelle appeared in the musical drama "A Star is Born" in 2018.
2018: Wins Grammy for "The Age of Spin"
Dave Chappelle won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for "The Age of Spin" in 2018.
February 2019: Grammy Award for "Equanimity and Bird Revelation"
In February 2019, Dave Chappelle won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for his specials "Equanimity" and "Bird Revelation."
August 26, 2019: Release of "Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones"
On August 26, 2019, Dave Chappelle's fifth Netflix special, "Sticks & Stones," was released, sparking controversy for its jokes about sensitive topics.
October 27, 2019: Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
Dave Chappelle received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center on October 27, 2019.
2019: Receives the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
Dave Chappelle was honored with the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in 2019. The ceremony featured tributes from fellow comedians and actors, and was later broadcast as a television special on Netflix.
2019: Receives the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
In 2019, Dave Chappelle was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
January 7, 2020: Mark Twain Prize Ceremony Broadcast
The ceremony for Dave Chappelle receiving the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor was broadcast on PBS on January 7, 2020.
June 6, 2020: Filming of "8:46"
Dave Chappelle filmed the stand-up performance "8:46" on June 6, 2020, in Yellow Springs, Ohio, observing social distancing rules due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 12, 2020: Release of "8:46" on YouTube
On June 12, 2020, Netflix released "8:46," a recording of Dave Chappelle's stand-up performance addressing George Floyd's murder and related events, on YouTube.
June 2020: Start of "Chappelle Summer Camp"
In late June 2020, Dave Chappelle began hosting "Chappelle Summer Camp," a series of socially distanced comedy shows featuring various comedians and musical guests.
September 25, 2020: Cancellation of "Chappelle Summer Camp"
"Chappelle Summer Camp" ended abruptly on September 25, 2020, due to a potential COVID-19 exposure within the team.
October 4, 2020: End of "Chappelle Summer Camp"
Dave Chappelle's "Chappelle Summer Camp," a series of socially distanced comedy shows in Yellow Springs, Ohio, was allowed to continue through October 4, 2020, after addressing zoning issues.
December 2020: Purchase of Fire Station and "The Shack"
In December 2020, Dave Chappelle purchased a fire station to convert into a comedy club and a mechanic's garage, dubbed "The Shack," for podcasting in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
2020: Second Saturday Night Live Hosting Appearance
Dave Chappelle returned to host Saturday Night Live for a second time in 2020, delivering a monologue that addressed the 2020 presidential election and its aftermath.
2020: Endorsement of Andrew Yang for President
In 2020, Dave Chappelle publicly endorsed Andrew Yang for the United States presidential election.
2020: Wins Second Primetime Emmy for Hosting "SNL"
Dave Chappelle won his second Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, once again for hosting Saturday Night Live.
June 2021: Dave Chappelle: Live in Real Life Premiere
In June 2021, "Dave Chappelle: Live in Real Life," a documentary chronicling Chappelle's concert series in Yellow Springs, Ohio, during the COVID-19 pandemic, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
October 5, 2021: The Closer Release and Controversy
On October 5, 2021, Dave Chappelle released his sixth Netflix special, "The Closer," which sparked controversy for its jokes about the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals. While some perceived the jokes as transphobic, Chappelle defended his material, citing his opposition to anti-transgender legislation and his friendship with a transgender comedian.
November 2021: Duke Ellington School Auditorium Renaming Controversy Begins
In November 2021, Duke Ellington School of the Arts planned to rename their auditorium after Chappelle. However, following the backlash to "The Closer," the ceremony was delayed.
November 2021: Netflix Walkout and SNL Satire
In November 2021, Netflix employees staged a walkout in protest of "The Closer," demanding its removal from the platform. The controversy also became a subject of satire on "Saturday Night Live," highlighting the debate surrounding Chappelle and the special.
November 19, 2021: Dave Chappelle: Live in Real Life Release
On November 19, 2021, "Dave Chappelle: Live in Real Life," a documentary about Chappelle's concerts in Yellow Springs, Ohio, during the COVID-19 pandemic, was released in theaters after premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival.
December 2021: Threatens to Withdraw Investments in Yellow Springs
In December 2021, Dave Chappelle threatened to withdraw his planned business investments in Yellow Springs, Ohio if the village council approved a zoning change that would allow for an affordable housing project.
2021: Wins Grammy for "The Closer"
Dave Chappelle's special "The Closer" earned him the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 2021.
February 7, 2022: Opposition to Zoning Change in Yellow Springs
On February 7, 2022, Chappelle attended a Yellow Springs village council meeting and voiced his opposition to a proposed zoning change for an affordable housing project. The council ultimately voted against the change.
April 2022: Chappelle Hosts Assembly at Duke Ellington School
In April 2022, Chappelle held an assembly and Q&A session at Duke Ellington School, addressing the controversy surrounding "The Closer." The school ultimately decided to proceed with renaming the auditorium in his honor.
May 4, 2022: On-Stage Attack at Hollywood Bowl
On May 4, 2022, during a performance at the Hollywood Bowl, Chappelle was tackled on stage by an audience member. The attacker was found to be carrying a replica handgun containing a knife blade.
November 12, 2022: Third Time Hosting Saturday Night Live
On November 12, 2022, Chappelle hosted "Saturday Night Live" for the third time.
2022: Wins Grammy for "What's In A Name?"
Dave Chappelle's special "What's In A Name?" earned him the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 2022.
2022: Duke Ellington School Theater Renaming
In 2022, Dave Chappelle was involved in a controversy surrounding the renaming of a theater at his alma mater, Duke Ellington School of the Arts. He ultimately declined the honor, and the theater was renamed the Theater for Artistic Freedom and Expression.
February 5, 2023: Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album
On February 5, 2023, Dave Chappelle won his fourth Grammy Award in the category of Best Comedy Album for his special "The Closer."
October 19, 2023: Comments on Israel-Hamas War Spark Controversy
On October 19, 2023, during a performance in Boston, Dave Chappelle made remarks about the Israel-Hamas war, characterizing Israel's actions as war crimes and criticizing the United States' support of Israel. His comments drew a mixed response from the audience, with some cheering, some heckling, and others walking out.
December 31, 2023: Release of "The Dreamer" on Netflix
Dave Chappelle's comedy special, "The Dreamer," was released on Netflix on December 31, 2023. The special debuted at number five on Netflix's chart with 2.2 million views.