African Celebrities: Chris Rock

Christopher Julius Rock III (Chris Rock) is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, television producer, film producer, and director. He was born on February 7, 1965 in Andrews, South Carolina. His mother, Rosalie Tingman was a teacher and social worker for the mentally handicapped; his father, Julius Rock was a former truct driver and newspaper deliveryman. His father died in 1988 after ulcer surgery. Chris's younger brothers Tony, Kenny and Jordan are also in the entertainment business. His older half-brother, Charles, died in 2006 after a long struggle with alcoholism.

Chris Rock began doing stand-up comedy in 1984 in New York. City's catch a Rising star. Upon seeing his act at a night club, Eddie Murphy befriended and mentored the aspiring comic. He gave him his first role in Beverly Hills Cop II.

Chris Rock has been married to Malaak Compton-Rock since November 23, 1996 she is the founder and excutive director of StyleWorks, a non-profit full service salon that provides free services for women leaving welfare and entering the workforce. Chris Rock and his wife Malaak Compton-Rock have two daughters together, Lola Simone born in 2002 and Zahra Savannah born in 2004.