On this page, you can find information about Chris Rock’s net worth, biography, age, height, weight, and other details. Chris Rock, an American stand-up comedian, actor, and filmmaker, gained fame with his sharp humor and quick wit, using his skills to touch on subjects such as race relations, human sexuality, and observational humor. He is renowned for his work in film, television, and theater, and has amassed a net worth of $60 million. To know more about his biography, career, and other details, keep reading.
Who is Chris Rock? More Insights
Christopher Julius Rock or Chris Rock is an American comedian, actor, and filmmaker who rose to fame with his uneasy humor and quick wit. He is best known for his stand-up comedy that explores subjects such as race relations, human sexuality, and observational humor.
Rock has also made a name for himself in film, television, and theater and has won several awards, including three Grammy Awards for the best comedy album, four Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Golden Globe Award nomination. He was ranked fifth on Comedy Central’s list of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time and Rolling Stone’s list of the 50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time.
| Who is Chris Rock in a Nutshell | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christopher Julius Rock |
| Celebrated Name | Chris Rock |
| Date of Birth | Feb 7, 1965 |
| Age | 58 years old |
| Place of Birth | Andrews, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Profession | Comedian, Screenwriter, Actor, Film director, Film Producer, Television producer, Voice Actor, Presenter |
| Nationality | United States of America |
Chris Rock’s Net Worth in 2023
Chris Rock’s net worth is estimated to be $60 million as of June 2023. He has been performing stand-up comedy for over 40 years and is one of the highest-paid comedians in the world. He has starred in numerous films and television shows, including “Saturday Night Live,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” and “Grown Ups.”
Rock’s net worth could be much higher, but he reportedly lost as much as $40 million in a divorce settlement with his wife of 20 years, Malaak Compton. They divorced in 2016 after 20 years of marriage.
Despite the divorce, Rock has continued to be successful in his career. In 2016, he signed a deal with Netflix to release two stand-up specials. Netflix gave him $80 million for those two specials.
Rock is also a successful businessman. He has his own production company, Chris Rock Enterprises, and he has invested in real estate.
| Full Name | Christopher Julius Rock |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $60 Million |
| Date of Birth | Feb 7, 1965 |
| Place of Birth | Andrews |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Profession | Comedian, Screenwriter, Actor, Film director, Film Producer, Television producer, Voice Actor, Presenter |
| Nationality | United States of America |
Major Earning Sources of Chris Rock
As earlier we discuss that, as of 2023 Chris Rock’s net worth is estimated to be $60 million. He has earned his wealth through a variety of sources, including:
Stand-up comedy: Rock stands as one of the world’s highest-paid comedians, having extensively toured throughout his career and achieved success with multiple stand-up albums.
Acting: Rock’s filmography boasts a plethora of notable roles across both television and film. Among his standout performances are his appearances on “Saturday Night Live,” his lead role in the sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris,” and his memorable part in the comedy film “Grown Ups.”
Writing: Rock’s success extends to his endeavors as a writer. He has contributed his writing talents to various television shows, such as “The Chris Rock Show” and “Everybody Hates Chris.” In addition, he has authored several books, including “Rock This!: The Best of Chris Rock” and “Chris Rock: Bring the Pain.”
Directing: Rock has directed several films, including “Top Five” and “Head of State.”
Business ventures: Rock has his own production company, Chris Rock Enterprises. He has also invested in real estate.
Sources that have contributed to affect Chris Rock’s net worth:
| Source | Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix deal | 2016 | $80 million |
| Divorce settlement | 2016 | $40 million |
| Film earnings | – | Varies (multiple films grossing over $100 million) |
| Television earnings | – | Varies (from successful shows such as “Saturday Night Live,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” and “The Chris Rock Show”) |
Chris Rock’s Career Highlights and Achievements
Chris Rock is a well-known American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director who has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. Here is a brief overview of his career highlights and achievements.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Rock began his career as a stand-up comedian and made appearances in minor film roles. He gained recognition as a cast member on the popular NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live from 1990 to 1993. During this time, he also appeared in the films New Jack City (1991), Boomerang (1992), and CB4 (1993), which he also wrote and produced.
Mainstream Stardom and Acclaim
In 1996, Rock achieved mainstream stardom with his critically acclaimed comedy special Bring the Pain. He continued to make popular specials such as Bigger & Blacker (1999), Never Scared (2004), Kill the Messenger (2008), Tamborine (2018), and Selective Outrage (2023). He also developed, wrote, produced, and narrated the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris (2005-2009), which was based on his early life.
From 1997 to 2000, Rock hosted his own critically acclaimed talk show, The Chris Rock Show, on HBO. He also starred in several successful films, including Nurse Betty (1999), Down to Earth, Pootie Tang (2001), Head of State (2003), The Longest Yard (2005), and the Madagascar film series (2005–2012).
Rock’s television appearances include Louie, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and Fargo. He made his Broadway theater debut in the 2011 Stephen Adly Guirgis play The Motherfucker with the Hat.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Bring the Pain comedy special |
| 1997-2000 | Hosted The Chris Rock Show |
| 1999 | Bigger & Blacker comedy special, Nurse Betty (film) |
| 2001 | Down to Earth and Pootie Tang (films) |
| 2003 | Head of State (film) |
| 2004 | Never Scared comedy special |
| 2005 | The Longest Yard (film), Everybody Hates Chris TV series |
| 2005-2012 | Madagascar film series |
| 2008 | Kill the Messenger comedy special |
| 2011 | Broadway theater debut in The Motherfucker with the Hat |
| 2018 | Tamborine comedy special |
| 2023 | Selective Outrage comedy special |
| 2021 | Fargo (TV series) |
| 2022 | Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee (TV series) |
| 2022 | Spiral: From the Book of Saw (film) |
Rock’s biggest movies by worldwide box office include:
- Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012) – $746 million
- Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008) – $603 million
- Grown Ups (2010) – $271 million
- Grown Ups 2 (2013) – $247 million
- Madagascar (2005) – $532 million
Hosting the Academy Awards and Controversies
Rock has hosted the Academy Awards twice; in 2005 and 2016. As many are aware, during the Academy Awards in March 2022, Will Smith unexpectedly stormed on stage and slapped Chris Rock in response to a joke he made about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett.
Chris remained mostly silent about the incident for almost a year, until his live Netflix special on March 4, 2023. During the special, Chris expressed his strong disapproval towards both Jada and Will Smith bluntly and unapologetically. Despite the incident, Rock remains one of the most respected and influential comedians in the industry.
Highest Paid Comedian
During his tours, Chris Rock consistently ranks among the world’s highest-paid comedians. For instance, from June 2016 to June 2017, he earned an estimated $60 million, making him the highest-paid comedian worldwide. The following year, from June 2017 to June 2018, Chris earned $30 million.
Chris Rock’s Netflix Specials
In October 2016, Netflix announced a deal with Chris Rock for the release of two new stand-up specials. The agreement earned him $40 million, with $20 million per special. The first special, “Chris Rock: Tamborine,” was released on February 14, 2018, marking his return to concert specials after a ten-year hiatus. On March 4, 2023, Chris released his third Netflix special, “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage,” which was performed live in Baltimore and streamed worldwide.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Christopher Julius Rock was born on February 7, 1965, in Andrews, South Carolina. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Brooklyn, New York, where they settled in Bedford-Stuyvesant after a second move.
Bullying and Dropping Out of High School
Rock was bused to schools in mostly white neighborhoods in Brooklyn, where he faced bullying and harassment from white students. As the bullying intensified, he dropped out of high school and obtained his GED while working at fast-food restaurants.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Chris Rock |
| Full Name | Christopher Julius Rock |
| Date of Birth | February 7, 1965 |
| Age | 58 years old |
| Place of Birth | Andrews, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Profession | Comedian, Screenwriter, Actor, Film director, Film Producer, Television producer, Voice Actor, Presenter |
| Nationality | United States of America |
| Education | James Madison High School |
| Spouse | Malaak Compton (m. 1996; div. 2016) |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Tony Rock (brother) |
Venturing into Stand-Up Comedy
Rock’s foray into stand-up comedy began in 1984 at the club Catch a Rising Star in New York City. As he performed, he slowly gained recognition and even landed a few roles, such as in the TV series “Miami Vice.” It was during these early years that Eddie Murphy saw Rock performing at a nightclub and befriended him, mentoring him and even giving Rock his first film role in “Beverly Hills Cop II” (1987).
Chris Rock’s Career in Saturday Night Live and Comedy
Chris Rock’s career skyrocketed in the 1990s and 2000s, as he became a household name in the comedy industry. He started with a bang as one of the “Bad Boys of SNL,” alongside Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, and David Spade. From there, he went on to create an impressive resume of film, television, and stand-up comedy work.
Rock’s first comedy album, “Born Suspect,” was released in 1991. He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of an addict in the film “New Jack City” the same year. After leaving SNL in 1993, Rock appeared on its prime-time rival, “In Living Color,” for just six episodes before the show’s cancellation.
Despite the setback, Rock wrote and starred in the 1993 comedy film “CB4,” which proved to be a financial success. He continued to shine with his HBO comedy specials, “Big Ass Jokes” (1994), “Bring the Pain” (1996), “Bigger & Blacker” (1999), “Never Scared” (2004), and “Kill the Messenger” (2008). “Bring the Pain” won him two Emmy Awards and solidified his reputation as one of the best comedians in America.
Rock also made waves as a commentator for “Politically Incorrect” on Comedy Central during the 1996 United States Presidential Elections, earning him an Emmy nomination. He also hosted his talk show on HBO, “The Chris Rock Show,” where he interviewed celebrities and politicians and won an Emmy for writing.
Rock’s work during this period wasn’t just critically acclaimed, but commercially successful as well. His comedy albums “Roll with the New,” “Bigger & Blacker,” and “Never Scared” all won Grammy Awards. By the end of the 2000s, Rock had firmly cemented his status as a comedic icon.
Success in Film and Directing Career
Rock’s success in comedy opened doors for him in the film industry, leading to leading roles in movies like “Down to Earth” (2001), “Bad Company” (2002), “The Longest Yard” (2005), “Death at a Funeral” (2010), “Grown Ups” (2010), and “2 Days in New York” (2012). Additionally, he lent his voice to the character of Marty the Zebra in the popular “Madagascar” animated film franchise.
Not content with just acting, Rock expanded his creative range by taking on the roles of writer and director. He wrote, directed, and starred in the political satire “Head of State” (2003), followed by the romantic comedy “I Think I Love My Wife” (2007). In 2014, he wrote, directed, and starred in the critically-acclaimed film “Top Five,” which explores the life of a comedian trying to make it as a serious actor.
In 2009, Rock also released a documentary called “Good Hair,” which explores the perceptions and history of African American women’s hairstyles.
| Year | Movie |
|---|---|
| 2001 | Down to Earth |
| 2002 | Bad Company |
| 2003 | Head of State |
| 2005 | The Longest Yard |
| 2007 | I Think I Love My Wife |
| 2010 | Death at a Funeral |
| 2010 | Grown Ups |
| 2012 | 2 Days in New York |
| 2014 | Top Five |
| 2005 | Madagascar (voice of Marty the Zebra) |
| 2008 | Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (voice of Marty the Zebra) |
| 2012 | Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (voice of Marty the Zebra) |
| 2009 | Good Hair (documentary) |
Chris Rock’s work in Television and the Cannabis Industry
Aside from his successful career in comedy and acting, Chris Rock has also made significant contributions to the television industry and the cannabis industry.
Television Production
Rock served as the executive producer and narrator of the comedy series “Everybody Hates Chris” which premiered on UPN in 2005 before moving to The CW for its final season in 2009. The show was based on Rock’s own experiences as a teenager and received several nominations, including a Golden Globe for Best TV Series (Musical or Comedy) and two Emmy Awards for costuming and cinematography. Additionally, Rock produced the series “Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell” in 2012.
Hosting the Academy Awards
Rock has hosted the prestigious Academy Awards twice in his career. He first hosted the 77th Academy Awards in 2005, and more recently, the 88th Academy Awards in 2016.
Investing in the Cannabis Industry
As a self-proclaimed “dedicated cannabis consumer,” Rock invested in the Lowell Herb Co., a cannabis brand in California in August 2019.
Personal Life
Chris Rock tied the knot with Malaak Compton-Rock on November 23, 1996, and the couple resided in New Jersey with their two daughters, born in 2002 and 2004.
However, the couple’s marriage faced turmoil, and in December 2014, Rock disclosed that he was filing for divorce, admitting to infidelity and addiction to pornography. After a two-year legal battle, the divorce was finalized in 2016, with Chris reportedly required to pay around $40 million worth of real estate and liquid assets to his ex-wife.
On July 7, 2022, it was reported that Rock had started dating actress, screenwriter, and director Lake Bell.
Real Estate
While working on SNL in 1994, Chris purchased a home in Brooklyn, New York. He resided there for two years before relocating with his then-wife Malaak to the suburbs. Chris proceeded to rent out the Brooklyn property for $8,000 per month until 2017 when he listed the house for sale at $3.25 million. Following their divorce, Malaak continued to reside in the family’s 13,000-square-foot mansion in Alpine, New Jersey, which was purchased for $3 million in 2001.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chris Rock’s net worth is poised to further expand in the future, as he remains at the height of his career as a comedian and actor, with several projects underway. Despite facing setbacks, Chris has secured a place as one of the highest-paid comedians in history. With over forty years of stand-up comedy experience, he has the potential to earn millions of dollars by releasing a single stand-up special today. Notably, he was ranked fifth in a Comedy Central poll as one of the greatest stand-up comedians.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Chris Rock was born on February 7, 1965, which means he is currently 58 years old.
Answer: Chris Rock is 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) tall.
Answer: Chris Rock’s net worth was estimated to be $60 million.
Answer: “Jada, I love you. GI Jane 2, can’t wait to see you,” he quipped, appearing to refer to Pinkett Smith’s shaved head.
Answer: At the 94th Academy Awards ceremony held on March 27, 2022, comedian Chris Rock was presenting the award for Best Documentary Feature when actor Will Smith unexpectedly walked onstage and slapped him across the face.
