This Weeks Star Spotlight focuses on a man who needs no introduction and is known to many across
the globe as a comedian, an actor, a director, a TV and film producer and in my opinion “The
Goat”. We all have a favorite comedian and some of us may even argue who did it best, but in my
eyes its Christopher Julius Rock, III.
We’re talking about a guy who’s survived decades in the industry and has only gotten better with
time. Who host s the Academy Awards twice in one lifetime? It blows my mind when I recap the
timeline of a high school dropout who metamorphosized into this comedic megastar with a net
worth of over 70 million dollars. Unless you’re born with a silver spoon in your mouth its highly likely
you’ve come from humble beginnings. Rock started out as a stand-up comedian and began
appearing in small movie roles. Those small movie roles eventually led to a gig on Saturday Night Live
which resulted in even bigger roles like I’m Gonna Git You Sucka and my personal favorites New Jack
City and Boomerang. Chris Rock has always been cutting edge, with his clever yet controversial
views on the topics of politics, race and his recollections of his childhood; He invites us into a personal
and private space; one that’s both honest, logical and intelligent but most importantly… funny. He
did something that I believe is very brave. He talks about in depth and pokes fun at his challenging
childhood experiences which inspired the TV Sitcom Everybody Hates Chris.
His material is on a global level feeding our intellectual side and even making my God fearing 79-
year-old grandfather laugh, which solidifies the multi-dimensional outlook and the gift to be able to
communicate universally. That big toothy smile and that raspy voice that just dazzles crowds, winning
over audiences from all ethnicities and from one generation to the next. He’s universal and a vivid
source of our countries comedic relief. I believe he’ll be the last man standing and continue to add
to our spectrum of extraordinary and brilliant entertainers of our lifetime. His name is part of a legacy,
his contribution to show business is undeniable and his obligation to making America laugh is
infectious.
There’s an article I read recently in the Rolling Stone magazine where Rock says some pretty direct
and candid things about his nasty divorce and his newly found freedom. He basically said that he
just didn’t want to be married anymore and I quote “Would I get married again? Not if it would cure
Aids”. What a powerful and painful statement. After two children and 18 years of marriage this is your
declaration? The answer is yes and I loved every bit of it. At 52 years’ old this is his testimony which is
not only therapeutic but appreciated by his fans. He’s vulgar and crude and uses profanity and
doesn’t apologize for any of it – this is the meaning of life. To share your experiences and be able to
laugh at yourself and to not take life too seriously. Someone once told me that you only get one life
and if you do it right… once is enough.
As the Blackout Tour is among us I suggest you google the dates. Chris Rock is making his rounds from
state to state schooling us on life, love, marriage, racism, the free world and poking fun at stuff that is
uncomfortably funny. On behalf of myself and the Humor Mill Magazine we got nothing but love for
Chris Rock and hope to see much more of him in the future.