*We spoke with the multitalented comedian, writer, and producer Chris Spencer about his role as host of “Black Comedy in America,” a new 10-part docuseries on Vice TV, and what he hopes viewers will take away from this empowering series.
Spencer has been a staple in the comedy world for decades, with a career spanning roles in “Blackish,” “Def Comedy Jam,” and his late-night talk show “VIBE.” He also co-created “Real Husbands of Hollywood” with Kevin Hart and produced Jamie Foxx’s recent Netflix special. In “Black Comedy in America,” Spencer and co-hosts Tiffany Haddish and Ryan Davis take audiences on a journey through the influential history of Black comedy, with special features including the iconic “Original Kings of Comedy” reunion and conversations with a range of comedians.
This series offers a deep dive into the comedic legends and cultural milestones that have shaped Black comedy and American culture. The next episode airs on Tuesday, November 12 at 10 PM ET/PT, where the hosts will unpack the romantic comedy “The Best” with Angela Rye, Malcolm D. Lee, and Taye Diggs. We have an exclusive clip from the episode featuring Taye discussing the lasting magic of the 1999 film — watch it below. Upcoming episodes will also include profiles on Richard Pryor, and Eddie Murphy, as well as an exploration of the origin of Black comedy.
We asked Chris how he envisions this series inspiring the next generation of comedians.
“I think what’s going to be great is they’re going to see their icons in a more humanistic way. You’re going to hear about their struggles, their fears, the things that make them excited, to hear that some of them have butterflies, even though they’re box office, chart-winning comedians who are selling out arenas and stadiums around the world. They still have trepidation about this art form at times,” he explained.
Spencer added, “And so for a young budding comedian that’s like, I don’t know if I want to do this because every time I go on stage I get butterflies, just know that Chris Rock might also get butterflies. Dave Chappelle might also get butterflies. And that feeling may not ever go away, but you have to figure out a way to conquer it so that you can be as successful as them.”
We also asked what he believes is the most valuable lesson audiences can learn from Richard Pryor’s journey.
“Don’t light yourself on fire,” he jokingly said.
“No, you gotta learn about honesty and truth. Richard, they call him the greatest of all time because he was fearless on stage,” Spencer added. “And to see that honesty and to find humor in all of that pain is going to allow people to go, especially young comedians, to go, ‘Wow, there are things in my life that I thought I would never, ever, ever talk about because it hurts so bad. But it ain’t as bad as what he went through. So if he can find light and levity in it, then maybe I can as well.’ ”
Watch our full conversation with Chris Spencer below.
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