The best movie roles of Chris Rock
Hollywood Shuffle is a series celebrating our cultural icons in film and television whose performances have resonated with generations of viewers. From the pioneering actors and actresses who helped break down barriers and pave the way for those who would follow, to the most promising and decorated thespians of today, their dedication to their craft is respected and appreciated.
Chris Rock’s contribution of laughter and thought-provoking takes on society has made him one of the most popular comedians and actors of his time. Born on February 7, 1965 in South Carolina and raised in Brooklyn, New York, the rocker first appeared as a comedian in local clubs, attracting the attention and mentorship of Eddie Murphy.
After getting small roles in the 1987 movie Murphy Beverly Hills Cop II And Keenen Ivory Wayans I’ll give you Sokka The following year, Rock spent the early 1990s building his comedy resume. This included stints as a cast member Saturday Night Livehe In living coloras well as through his award-winning comedy specials It brings pain And Bigger and blacker.
Top Five, Chris Rock, 2014. ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
Courtesy Everett Collection
He also gained more traction as an actor during the latter half of the decade, with prominent roles in a mix of urban classics and crossover films. Having not only starred, but produced and directed numerous films and documentaries, Rock is considered one of the most accomplished comedians of all time.
His accolades include three Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album, four Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Golden Globe nomination, putting him within striking distance of EGOT territory. And with recent popular offerings in the FX series Fargo And the 2023 Netflix movie RustinThe Rock remains as strong as ever when it comes to drawing viewers in and immersing themselves in the fabric of the plot.
For the latest edition of Hollywood Shuffle, Vibration Highlights Chris Rock’s 10 most memorable film roles in celebration of his 59th birthday.
-
Bucky in “New Jack City”
Image credit: Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection
Chris Rock relied on his comedic chops while offering a glimpse into the depth of his character as a stage actor in his role as a drug-addicted detective in this classic urban crime drama. Bringing dramatic moments of humor to a dark tale, Rock’s performance as “Pookie” continues to this day and remains among his most memorable roles to date.
-
Albert “MC Gusto” Brown in the movie “CB4”
Image source: © Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
Chris Rock plays aspiring rapper MC Gusto in this satirical investigation of studio gangsters in hip-hop. Written and co-produced by Rock, this hit song included cameos from Ice-T, Halle Berry, Ice Cube, Flavor Flav, Shaquille O’Neal and the late Eazy-E.
-
Detective Lee Butters in “Lethal Weapon 4”
Image credit: (c) Warner Bros./courtesy Everett Collection
In 1998, Rock scored a role in the fourth film lethal Weapon Imtiaz as Detective Lee Butters, the father of Detective Roger Murtaugh’s (Danny Glover) unborn grandson. Starring alongside Mel Gibson, Joe Pesci, Rene Russo, and Jet Li, Rock made his debut in a popular crossover release and was among the highest-grossing films of the year.
-
Lance Barton in “Down To Earth”
Image credit: Paramount/Courtesy The Everett Collection
Art rock became his life’s tradition with his role in the 1978 film remake heaven Can Wait, in which he plays an aspiring comedian, albeit one who meets an untimely death and is reincarnated as a middle-aged white businessman. Sharing screen time with castmates Regina King, Eugene Levy, Frankie Faison, Jennifer Coolidge, Chazz Palminteri, and Wanda Sykes, Rock delivered one of the first leading roles of his career, with the film grossing more than double its budget at the box office.
-
JB in “Putty Tang”
Image credit: Courtesy Everett Collection
Chris Rock has added another classic to his filmography with his role in this quirky comedy based on a sketch from the movie The Chris Rock Show. Rock is also credited as a producer on the film, appearing alongside Lance Crowther and J.B. Smoove as Truckee, Jennifer Coolidge, Wanda Sykes, and Robert Vaughn in this underrated Louis C.K.-directed gem.
-
Miss Gilliam in “Head of State”
Image source: DreamWorks/Courtesy Everett Collection
Chris Rock continued to settle into his role as a multi-hyphenate through his work on this 2003 release. Written and produced by Rock, who starred opposite the late Bernie Mac, this comedy entry may not have performed as well as the Brooklyn native’s previous or subsequent efforts, but it earned laughs from the comics’ core audience.
-
James “Caretaker” Farrell in “The Longest Yard”
Image credit: Paramount/Courtesy The Everett Collection
Of the many instances of Chris Rock and Adam Sandler starring side-by-side in a buddy comedy, this one captured rock music in the most poetic and sympathetic way. With a story about the competitive fortitude that can be found through hardship, Rock’s performance, along with strong performances from fellow extras James Cromwell, William Fichtner, Burt Reynolds, and Neely, make this bizarre sports movie an unforgettable one.
-
Aaron in “Death at a Funeral”
Image credit: Phil Bray/©Screen Gems/courtesy Everett Collection
In 2010, Rock appeared opposite fellow legendary comedian Martin Lawrence in this star-studded film centered around a homecoming service where a family revelation is threatened. Featuring a cast of familiar names including Danny Glover, Regina Hall, Tracy Morgan, Loretta Devine, Zoe Saldaña, Columbus Short, Keith David and Kevin Hart, the film, which Rock also produced, is among the actor’s most exciting performances.
-
Curt McKenzie in the movie “Adults”
Photo credit: Tracy Bennett / © Columbia Pictures / The Everett Collection
Rock, who plays stay-at-home dad Curt McKenzie, joins the likes of Adam Sandler, Kevin James, David Spade and Rob Schneider in this feel-good comedy. They relive their childhood during a big reunion, bond and laugh in this 2010 film, which grossed $272 million and spawned an equally popular sequel, grown ups 2, in 2013.
-
Andre Allen in the “Top Five”
Image credit: Paramount Collection/Courtesy Everett
In 2014, Chris Rock delivered this freewheeling love story set in the heart of the Big Apple. An accomplished comedian whose personal life is on the brink of a downward spiral, Rock shares scenes with Rosario Dawson, a curious journalist looking to land the profile that will take her career to the next level. Directed and written by Rock, with appearances and lyrics from Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld, J.P. Smoove, Adam Sandler, Cedric the Entertainer, Whoopi Goldberg, Tracy Morgan, and more, this critically acclaimed film has evolved into a cult classic and has become more popular over time. . .
