Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

The story

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.

Cast & crew

Franklyn AjayeSelf

Angela BassettNarrator (voice)

Bill BellamySelf

Todd BoydSelf

Jeff ClanaganSelf

Bill CosbySelf

Stanley CrouchSelf

Elijah CummingsSelf

Tommy Davidson

Tommy DavidsonSelf

Michael Eric DysonSelf

Walter Fauntroy

Walter FauntroySelf

Shang Forbes

Shang ForbesSelf