‘Laughter is the best medicine,’ they say, and black comedians have been at the center of it all.

From standups to situational comedy (otherwise known as sitcoms), so many black comedians exist to crack our ribs.

While celebrated modern comics like Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, and Tiffany Haddish rock our TV screens and stages today, some famous names paved the way for them that we rarely discuss.

Two particular eras that brought black comedy into recognition and appreciation were the 50s and 60s.

So, we’ll look at 10 of the greatest black comedians from these two ages that you would love to listen to.

Here we go!

Black Comedians of the 50s

1.    Slappy White

Melvin Edward White, famously known by the stage name Slappy White, is one of the most accomplished black comedians of the 50s.

He’s one of the few comedians who worked with Redd Foxx during the Chitlin Circuit Standup comedy event in the 50s and 60s.

Throughout his career, Slappy White appeared on Saturday Tonight, Sanford and Sign, Blossom, and That’s My Mom.

Slappy White also featured on Playboy Comedy Roast Amazing Grace and The Man from Orgy.

2.    Nipsey Russel

Another famous name from the 50s is Julius Nipsey Russel.

Russel was an American comic, dancer, poet, and actor best remembered for his appearance as a panelist on several game shows from the ’60s to the ’90s. Those shows include Match Game, Hollywood Squares, Pyramid, and Password.

Russel, however, began his comedy journey in 1952 when he joined comic Mantan Moreland on stage to replace another comic, Ben Carter.

Russel is also remembered to have performed at Ed Sullivan Show, the Tonight Show, Car 54 – Where Are You, and Lane Crow Show in the 60s.

Black Comedians of the 60s

3.     Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor was a famed black comedian during the 60s. The standup comedian bagged 5 Grammies and a Primetime Emmy Award, among many other accolades.

Pryor is best remembered for his storytelling comedy style, which he performed in clubs while starting as a standup comedian in 1963.

He’s one of the most accomplished black comedians inspired by the iconic Bill Cosby.

During the 60s, Pryor graced several groundbreaking shows such as the Sullivan Show, the Tonight Show, and the Merv Griffin Show, among many others.

4.    Redd Foxx

John Elroy Sanford, alias Redd Foxx, was a renowned black comedian known for his role in the 1960 American drama ‘All the Fine Young Cannibals’ and his performance at the Nightclub even during the 1954-1968 civil rights unrest.

Foxx is also remembered as one of the few black comedians to entrain a white audience at the Las Vegas Strip, a 4.2-kilometer stretch in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Until he died in 1991, Foxx was featured in countless TV shows and films.

5.    Bill Cosby

It’s hard to talk about back comedy without mentioning the host of The Cosby Show, Bill Cosby. Sexual abuse allegations aside, Bill Cosby had an illustrious career as a black comedian and comedic actor.

Some of the most accomplished comedians, like Larry Wilmore and Jerry Seinfeld, claimed that Bill Cosby inspired them.

That explains why Mr. Cosby has 8 Grammies, numerous Emmy awards, a Hollywood Walk of Fame, among many others, even though some were rescinded f

6.    Willie Best

William Best, or Wille Best for short, was an African American comedian of the 60s who was best known for playing the role of an illiterate, simple-minded, and indolent character.

Willie Best featured in over 100 films during the 30s and 40s, but his biggest breakthrough in the comedy world came in the 50s when he played the role of Willie, the house servant in the famous Stu Erwin Sitcom.

He was later featured on CBS’s My Little Magic in 1953-1955 and Waterfall in 1954 before his untimely death in 1962.

7.    LaWanda Page

Code-named the ‘Black Queen of Comedy,’ LaWanda Page is one of the first women to do standup comedy—her love for standup comedy developed during the Chitlin Circuit event.

LaWanda is among the few black comedians who shared the stage with the legendary Redd Foxx.

During the ’60s, she created at least five individual comedy albums under the Laft Records Label.

8.   Dick Gregory

Richard Claxton Gregory was an American actor, comedian, social critic, and activist who began his comedy career in the mid-50s while being part of the military.

1958 saw him perform comedy at the Apex Club in Illinois, and in 1959, he was hired as a master of ceremony for the Roberts Show Club to make people laugh.

 The 6-s also saw him perform at the Blue Angel Nightclub, Playboy Nightclub, and the Jack Pear’s Show. 

9.    Pigment Markham

Pigment Markham is another distinguished black comedian from the 60s. In addition to being a comedian, Mr. Markham was also an actor, dancer, and singer.

His rise to prominence, however, was due to comedy, especially during the 1968-1969 Laugh-In Sketch Comedy TV show.

Moreover, he also had a comedy album collection in the 60s in association with Chess Records, a Chicago-based record company.

10. Godfrey Cambridge

Godfrey McArthur Cambridge was a celebrated American standup comedian and actor of the 60s.

 He, together with the legendary Dick Gregory, Nipsey Russell, and Bill Cosby, were named by Time Magazine in 1965 among the country’s most celebrated negro comedians.

As a comedian, Cambridge performed on the night show and Hollywood Palace during the 60s, and the two shows saw him gain the audience’s love until he died in 1976.

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Black comedy has undeniably come a long way, and the above men and women paved the way for it to be what we know today. While most of them are no more, their sacrifice and determination have earned black comedy the recognition it currently enjoys, and we all can do is be grateful.

Seeing the diversity in Hollywood is refreshing as more gifted black actresses grace both TV and film.

And it’s not only those over 20 making waves with top appearances. Now, there are gifted young black actresses under 15 pushing boundaries.

The 10 young actresses on this list have undeniable talent and skills. Best of all, they’re just beginning and soon will be forces to reckon.

Here’s a look into some of the most remarkable black actresses under 15 taking over the entertainment industry in 2024.

1. Kassidy Geraldine – 10 Years Old

Kassidy Geraldine is an up-and-coming American actress born in 2014 in Los Angeles, California.

She is an actress whose prominence in the film industry has grown since her debut role in Wrap Battle in 2019.

Geraldine is a proud Capricorn and has been honing her acting skills since she was young.

The actress has appeared in several films including:

• Wrap Battle (2019)
• A Holiday Chance (2021)
• Abbott Elementary (2021)

2. Tandi Fomukong – 6 Years Old

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Tandi Fomukong, real name Tandi Fomukong, was born and raised in New York City, United States.

She is a young SAG-AFTRA American actress known for her humor and curious nature.

The actress has been acting since she was a child, smiling for the camera, singing, and dancing.

She’s been published in numerous magazines and has a top project coming up in 2024.

Her most notable TV series and movie roles include:

• Abbott Elementary (2021)
• Dora the Explorer (2024)

3. Aalyrah Caldwell – 15 Years Old

Aalyrah Caldwell is no stranger to the camera, as she began modeling at a young age. She was born on 1^st February 2008 in Southern California, USA.

Aalyrah got her break starring in different TV commercials. Later, she’d land her first acting role as Maizy in Uncle Buck.

She’s had roles in shows and films such as:

• The Fosters (2013)
• Code Black (2015)
• Uncle Buck (2016)
• Midma (2017)

4. Mychal-Bella Bowman – 14 Years Old

Mychal-Bella Bowman was born in the United States on 16th January 2010, a Capricorn. She’s an American and an actress by profession who also does modeling.

Bowman has been the face of different ad campaigns in the US for Barbie, American Girl, Gap, and Nike. She’s also known for her love for philanthropy since she was 4.

Bowman’s most notable TV series and film roles are:

• Togetherness (2016)
• The Gaze (2021)
• The Underground Railroad (2021)
• Dead Ringers (2023)

5. Lia London Farrior – 9 Years Old

Lia London Farrior was born on 3^rd June 2015, in Los Angeles, California, USA. She’s young but already making headway in the entertainment industry.

London has had a passion for acting since 2021. London is funny, and her mom has been heard exclaiming she has numerous one-liners that leave her in stitches.

London’s recent roles are in ‘Abbott Elementary’ in 2022.

6. Madison Curry – 15 Years Old

Madison Curry is an American actress born on 11^th June 2008 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Curry continues to hone her craft, acting in different roles.

 She attended the Amazing Grace Conservatory Performing Arts Theatre in California. Curry got her big break starring in ‘Us.’

TV series and films featuring Curry are:

• Us (2019)
• Bless this Mess (2019)

7. Kennedi Butler – 13 Years Old

Kennedi Butler was born on 12^th March 2010 in St. Lois, Missouri, United States.

Butler, who is turning 14 in 2024, is turning into a fan favorite as she plays more roles.

She got her big break in 2014 on the TV series True Detective in 2014.

Butler has been featured on:

• True Detective (2014)
• Family Reunion (2019)
• Emily’s Wonder Lab (2020)

8. Stormy Merriwether – 15 Years Old

Stormi Merriwether is an up-and-coming black actress who grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, United States. She was born on 21^st September 2008 and began acting at age 5.

 Merriwether has been featured in different commercials, done modeling, and even done print work. She attended acting classes and featured in short films to hone her acting skills.

Merriwether is known for her role in:

• Selma (2014)
• BMF (2021)
• Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story (2022)

9. Makenzie Lee-Foster – 14 Years Old 

Makenzie Lee-Foster was born on 17^th November 2010 in San Jose, California, United States.

She’s an author and actress who first hit the stage at age two. Lee-Foster not only likes the cameras but also enjoys writing children’s books.

Recently, she published her first book ‘Kickin’ It with Kenzie.’ The book encourages children to follow their dreams and know nothing comes easy, so you must work hard.

Lee-Foster’s notable roles have been on shows such as:

• Inspector Gadget (2015)
• DC Superheroes (2019)
• Big Nate (2022)

10. Lela Hoffmeister – 11 Years Old.

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Lela Hoffmeister is a young shining star who continues to play different roles on stage and screen. She was born 4^th November 2012 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

In 2020, she got her big break on Kidding playing Arya.

Some of her notable roles were on:

• Kidding (2020)
• Bite Size Halloween (2020)
• Abbott Elementary (2021)

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Audiences continue being captivated by the multi-talented black actresses listed above. They may not be older than 15, but that hasn’t limited their abilities. As child stars, they have a bright future ahead and continue to impress with diverse roles.

Like most nations, the political arena in the U.S. is split between Liberals and Conservatives.

And while Hollywood may be dominated by Liberals who always criticize conservatives, there are various outspoken conservatives.

These movie stars have always shared their political opinion and even supported Republican candidates.

Some of these stars have featured in some of Marvel’s blockbusters, which begs the question, which Marvel actors are conservative?

Let’s find out…

Marvel Actors Who Are Outspoken Republicans

Most Marvel actors including Vin Diesel and Robert Downey Jr. always shy away from sharing their political opinions.

After all, some actors have been attacked by their fans online for supporting certain individuals.

Therefore, stars like Downey Jr. always say they’re not liberal or Democrat, with some saying they’re independent.

Some Marvel actors Like Don Cheadle and Downey Jr. have appeared in anti-Trump rallies.

Other actors like Mark Sinclair never share their political affiliations and instead focus on their work.

However, there are other Marvel actors who love the spotlight and are always open about their opinions.

The following Marvel actors have openly supported the Republican Party:      

1. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

• Age: 51 years old
• Date of birth: May 2, 1972
• Place of birth: Hayward California

Every fan of WWE knows Dwayne as “The Rock”, a beloved wrestler who became a mega movie star.

Dwayne has always been a conservative superstar and his work as Black Adam makes him one of the best Marvel DC actors.

Dwayne even told Oprah that if he was to run for the presidency, he would run as a Republican in 2032.

He has been asked by some of his fans to run for the top seat; in fact, he even shared this idea or plan in his series” Young Rock.”

The series is hinged around the Rock’s presidential ticket. He even shares his journey as he campaigns for the 2023 presidential seat.

2. Kesley Grammer

• Age: 68 years old
• Date of birth: February 21, 1955
• Place of birth: Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Island

Grammer has featured in various movies, with his most popular being the X-Men: The Last Stand.

He is a Conservative Republican who still supports President Trump and has always been open about his political views.

3. Kevin Sorbo

• Age: 65 years old
• Date of birth: September 24 1958
• Place of birth: Mound, Minnesota

Unlike the other actors in our list, Sorbo features in the Marvel animated movie, “The Super Hero Squad” as Ka-Zar.

The Hercules actor has always been open about his conservative nature and he openly supported President Trump.

He told BBC in 2019 that he was a fan of the former president and would still pick him in the next election. Before sharing more about Trump, he was disrupted by his publicist, but he still stood by what he said.

Kevin was against the January 6, 2021 protest against the elections. He even tweeted in support of the former president’s lie about voter fraud. Kevin claimed that the people who were protesting the 2020 elections weren’t patriots.  

4. Neal McDonough

• Age: 57 years old
• Date of birth: February 13, 1966
• Place of birth: Dorchester, Massachusetts

Neal has described himself as a conservative Christian who has succeeded in Hollywood. He even shared his story with Andrew Klavan a year ago.

He has received a lot of pressure from everyone for championing his beliefs. He even told Fox News Radio that he is a Republican.

Neal has received a lot of pressure from producers and other actors for his conservative nature.

After all, he never takes part in any romantic scene as he believes that his lips are for his wife.

He stands for his religion, the same way he supports his political party and no one can make him stop supporting the Republican Party.

5. Powers Boothe

• Age: 68 years old
• Date of birth: June 1, 1948
• Place of birth:  Snyder, Texas

We may have lost Powers back in 2017, but his contribution to Marvel cannot be forgotten.

He played Malick Gideon in The Avengers. But did you know that he was among the first out-of-the-closet conservative actors in the United States.

Before his death, Boothe was a member of the Republican Party and very open about his political affiliations. 

Initially, Hollywood fought against conservative actors and producers, so they never shared their political and social opinions.

But Boothe was among the first actors to openly speak about being conservative Republicans.

He helped pave the way for conservative actors who currently love sharing their political and social opinions.

Currently, Hollywood is still more liberal than conservative, but Conservative actors are no longer discriminated against.

Sure, some celebrities have been attacked online for being Republicans, but they’re always defended by other actors and fans.

6. Chris Pratt

• Age: 44 years old
• Date of birth: June 21, 1979
• Place of birth:  Virginia, Minnesota

Pratt is a known conservative who has played several liberal roles in movies. He even follows various conservatives’ accounts including Tucker Carlson, Ben Shapiro, and Babylon Bee. 

The actor has featured in a number of marvel movies including Thor: love and thunder, Avenger Endgame, and the Avengers Infinity.

Despite his role in the movies, Pratt is a known Republican; unfortunately, most people believed that he was a Democrat.

But after discovering that he is a Republican, they were disappointed with most of them attacking him online.

He has even been bashed for supporting the anti-LBGTQ churches in the country.

Despite being attacked for his stand, Pratt did not respond and decided to let his followers have fun at his expense.

Other Marvel Actors who are believed to Be Conservatives

While the Marvel celebrities listed below have not openly declared their support for the Republican party, they are believed to lean towards conservatism due to their vague political stands and backgrounds (some come from conservative communities).

7. David Dastmalchian

• Age: 48 years old
• Date of birth: July 21, 1975
• Place of birth: Allentown, Pennsylvania

David has played a couple of supporting roles in the Marvel universe with the popular ones being his role in Ant-Man and as Thomas Schiff in Dark Knight.

Despite being born in Pennsylvania, he grew up in Kansas City, which he described as a conservative community.

8. Jaimie Alexander

• Age: 39 years old
• Date of birth: March 12, 1984
• Place of birth:  Greenville, South Carolina

Jaimie is a known conservative Republican who grew up in a conservative town in South Carolina. The actress is known for her role as Lady Sif in Thor.

9. Jeremy Renner

• Age: 53 years old
• Date of birth: January 7, 1971
• Place of birth:  Modesto, California

When asked about his political views or who he supports, he always says he is fiscally conservative and socially liberal. In fact, he refused to tell the world who he supported for presidency back in 2012.

10. Mark Sinclair

• Age: 56 years old
• Date of birth: July 18, 1967
• Place of birth:  Amanda County, California

Sinclair, popularly known as Vin Diesel has never shared his political affiliations, but has shown support for conservative leaders over the years. He has even featured in The American Conservative website.

Wrap Up

Beliefs can evolve as individuals mature, leading some who were raised in liberal households to adopt conservative views in adulthood. This implies that the mentioned actors could alter their political affiliations in the future. Some actors identify as independent, not aligning with either Liberals or Conservatives. However, at present, we are pleased to know that the top Marvel actors mentioned above are conservative Republicans.

A gap between the teeth (diastema) is a sign of beauty. In Hollywood, actors with gapped teeth are common, and they embrace their dental imperfections with confidence and pride. 

While the gap can be between the molars and incisors, most people have gaps in the front incisors. 

But what causes the gap between the teeth?

Well, it can occur when the tissue connecting the gum to the lip is more extensive than usual, an extra tooth growing behind the front teeth, gum diseases, angled forward teeth, or the upper jaw growing quicker than the lower jaw. 

Whatever the cause, we must admit that the gap in the teeth is a sign of uniqueness and character, especially among our beloved black actors. 

Without further ado, let’s unveil the top 10 black actors with gapped teeth below: 

1.    Eddie Murphy 

Edward Regan Murphy is one of the most successful black actors in Hollywood. He is famous for his versatile roles, charismatic personality, hilarious impression, and gapped teeth.

He has featured in countless movies, including The Golden Child, Coming to America, and The Nutty Professor. His gap isn’t just an imperfection but something he has embraced as part of him.

2.    Anthony Anderson 

Anthony Anderson is an American actor, game show host, and comedian. He featured in Blackish, The Departed and Me, Hoodwinked, Myself, and Irene, to name a few.

Apart from acting, Anderson hosts the Fox Game show, We Are Family and is a regular judge on Iron Chef America, a food network.

One thing that distinguishes Anthony from the rest is the gap between his teeth, which he is proud of and is a trademark of his identity. 

3.    Laurence Fishburne 

Laurence John Fishburne III is a director, producer, and actor known for his roles in The Matrix Trilogy, Furious, and What’s Love Got to Do with It.

Laurence has also appeared in countless television shows and has won several nominations and awards, all thanks to his hard work. He has a gap between his teeth and smiles often to showcase it. 

4.    Samuel L Jackson 

Samuel Leroy Jackson is another famous actor and film producer with gapped teeth.

Samuel has appeared in over 100 films like Star Wars, Vengeance, Die Hard, and Pulp Fiction, showing his talent and height in acting.

He is known for his charismatic presence, distinctive voice, and the natural gap between his teeth. 

5.    Michael Strahan 

The former footballer, Television personality, and actor featured in Ice Age, Charlie’s Angels, and many more has a signature smile that he calls his gap power and isn’t ashamed of his gapped teeth.

As he says, he doesn’t want to be perfect, and the gap is here to stay, and that’s behind the reason he has confidently embraced his gapped teeth. 

 In April 2021, he had fooled many into thinking that he had fixed his teeth and that the gap was gone. He got mixed reactions but later said it was Fool’s Day, and he had no intentions of fixing his gap.

6.    50 Cent 

Curtis James Jackson III, popularly known as 50 Cent, is an American rapper, businessman, producer, and actor who has won several awards.

He has appeared in the semi-autographical films Get Rich or Die Tryin, Home of the Brave, and Righteous Kill, among others.

His teeth were way apart when he rose to fame, but he fixed them, ensuring that his gap would remain physical, indicating how much he loved his gapped teeth.

7.    Morgan Freeman 

Morgan Freeman is a legendary American actor, director, and an incredible narrator known for his deep, distinctive voice and gapped teeth.

He has featured explicitly in roles not meant for black actors and thrived well. He has won several awards and acted in numerous films like Glory, Leon on Me, and Unforgiven, to name a few. 

8.    Keith David

Keith David is an American actor known for his screen presence and deep voice. He has featured in over 300 television, interactive media, and film industry roles.

David has starred in numerous films such as  The Thing, Platoon, They Live, Dead Presidents, and Armageddon, to name a few.

Besides his countless achievements, Keith has a gap in his front teeth that he showcases with his beautiful smile.

Having the blessing of a deep voice, he has also voiced in several films like The Prince and The Frog, among others.

9.    Anthony Mackie

Anthony Dwane Mackie is an American actor who made his film debut starring in The 8 Mile, a semi-biographical drama. Later, he was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award as the Best Actor for his leading role in the LGBT drama Brother to Brother 2004.

In the same year (2004), Mackie appeared in The Manchurian Universe and, most recently, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier in 2021.

Mackie doesn’t stop there! He will lead his film Captain America: Brave New World in 2024, which we are all looking forward to.

But why all these achievements? He is a sensational actor who doesn’t let his gapped teeth hinder him from achieving anything he wishes.

10. Tone Bell

Michael Anthony Bell II, professionally known as Tone Bell, is an American actor and stand-up comedian.

Tone has appeared in several TV shows, including Single Ladies, Love You, Mind of a Man, and Mean It with Whitney Cummings.

Apart from that, Bell hosts the Netflix reality show Drink Masters, and he stars as Khalil in the comedy series. In the film, he starred in Survival of the Thickest, among others.

Bell is not only a funny comedian and a sensational actor, but his tooth gap has made him bag outstanding achievements. He does not shy from it but embraces it as part of his identity without plans of closing it.

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There is nothing to be ashamed of if you have gapped teeth. Above are ten top-notch black actors who have confidently embraced their gapped teeth. It signifies their natural beauty and resilience, which they are proud of.