Def Comedy Jam Famous: Series Alumn Who Made It Big

The list of comedians who got their start on the urban comedy showcase, Def Comedy Jam, is ridiculously stacked. The Russel Simmons HBO classic was the catalyzing force that helped paved the way for some of the game’s most respected comedians. The successful TV series (which ran from 1992-1997, 2006 and 2008) celebrated it’s 25^th anniversary on Netflix this past year (2017). From Dave Chappelle and Tracy Morgan to Tiffany Haddish and Katt Williams – countless comedians can attribute their career-altering debuts to Def Comedy Jam.

Check out our list of the best Def Comedy Jam alumn throwbacks:

1. Adele Givens

Featured as one of the ‘Queen’s of Comedy’, Givens is mostly known for her appearances in The Player’s Club (1998), Martin (1992) and The Hughleys (1998).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 1, Episode 2 (March 14, 1992)
Season 2, Episode 7 (September 19, 1992)
Season 3, Episode 3 (July 24, 1993)
Season 5, Episode 6 (April 7, 1995)
Season 5, Episode 9 (April 28, 1995)
Season 5, Episode 12 (May 19, 1995)
Season 6, Episode 10 (March 8, 1996)
Season 6, Episode 16 (Feb 7, 1997)
Season 7, Episode 2 (Sept 17, 2006)

2.Aries Spears

Known for his spot-on rapper impressions, Spears has appeared on Comedy Central Presents (2005), Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam (2013) and Gotham Comedy LIVE (2015). His standup special, ‘Hollywood, Look I’m Smiling’ debuted in 2011.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 6, Episode 25 (May 2, 1997)
Season 8, Episode 6 (October 15, 2006)
Season 7, Episode 12 (July 1, 1992)

3.Arnez J

Distinguished by his onstage energy, Arnez J was featured on Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam (2013), Comedy Central Presents (2003) and also launched his own TV special ‘Racially Motivated’ in 2013.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 3, Episode 12 (September 25, 1993)
Season 6, Episode 1 (Jan 5, 1996)
Season 8, Episode 6 (October 15, 2006)

4.Affion Crockett

This Wild N’Out veteran was featured in A Haunted House (2014), A Haunted House 2 (2014), The Wedding Ringer (2015, Baggage Claim (2013) Soul Men, Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins (2008), and Fifty Shades of Black (2016) and the TV series Blackish.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 6, Episode 4 (Jan 26, 1996)

5.Bill Bellamy

Famed for coining the phrase ‘booty call’ on his Def Comedy Jam set, Bellamy has had a vibrant career featured as a prominent MTV host – with film features in The Brothers (2001), Love Jones (1997), How To Be A Player (1997), Getting Played (2005) and Any Given Sunday (1999). In addition to his TV one series, ‘Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes’ (2006), the star also appeared on NBC’s Last Comic Standing (2003).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 1, Episode 1 (March 7, 1992)
Season 2, Episode 6 (September 12, 1992)
Season 6, Episode 3 (Jan 19 1996)
Season 8, Episode 8 (Nov 5, 2006)

6.Bernie Mac

This comedy legend had a widely successful career in TV and film, featured in classic comedies like Mr. 3000 (2004), Ocean’s Twelve (2004), Ocean’s Thirteen (2007), Bad Santa (2003), Above The Rim (1994), Friday (1995), Booty Call (1997), How To Be A Player (1997), The Players Club (1998), Head of State (2003), Soul Men (2008) and more. He launched 104 episodes of ‘The Bernie Mac Show’ (2001-2006) and played Uncle Bernie for 3 seasons on the 90’s TV Series, Moesha.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 1, Episode 4 (March 28, 1992)
Season 2, Episode 1 (August 8, 1992)

7.Bruce Bruce

This BET ComicView host has been featured in the hilarious comedies, Think Like A Man (2012), The Wash (2001), Idelewild (2006), Who’s Your Caddy? (2007), Top Five (2014) as well as the action film, XXX: State of The Union (2005).

Bruce Bruce Set (10:18)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzt5wcmU-Q0

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 4, Episode 8 (August 27, 1994)
Season 6, Episode 13 (March 29, 1996)
Season 8, Episode 5 (October 8, 2006)

8.Cedric The Entertainer

Currently touring as part of the ‘Comedy Get Down’ crew, Cedric has taken over the game with sequel classics like Barbershop (2002), Barbershop 2: Back In Business (2004) and Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016). He’s voiced characters in the animated series The Proud Family (2001-2005), as well as in the films Ice Age (2002), Madagascar (2005), Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa (2008), Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012), Planes (2013), Planes: Fire 7 Rescue (2014), Doctor Doolittle 2 (2001) and Charlotte’s Web (2006). He has been recently featured in the TV series The Last OG (2018) and Black-ish (2018). Among films like Big Momma’s House (2000), The Honeymooners (2005) and Street Kings (2008), Cedric is currently working on projects like the TV series ‘The Neighborhood’ (2018), ‘Down By The Water’, ‘Above The Line’, ‘A Fall From Grace’ and ‘She Ball’. The legendary comedian also landed his own Hollywood Walk Of Fame star this past month (June 2018).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 2, Episode 2 (August 15, 1992)
Season 6, Episode 11 (March 15, 1996)
Season 6, Episode 15 (Jan 31, 1997)
Season 7, Episode 2 (July 1, 1992)

9.Chris Rock

A comedy legend, famed for his countless standup specials and hit TV series, The Chris Rock Show (1997-2000) and Everybody Hates Chris (2005-2009). Rock has appeared in the films Top Five (2014), The Longest Yard (2005), Lethal Weapon 4 (1998), Down To Earth (2001), Death At A Funeral (2010), I Think I Love My Wife (2007), Pootie Tang (2001) and Head of State (2003). He has also executive produced his classic standup specials Bring The Pain (1996), Bigger & Blacker (1999 ) and Never Scared (2004).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 6, Episode 5 (Feb 2, 1996)

10.Chris Tucker

This 90’s breakout comedian is most known by his roles in films like Friday (1995), House Party 3 (1994), Money Talks (1997), Dead Presidents (1995), Jackie Brown (1997), Rush Hour (1998) and Rush Hour 2 (2001). He’s appeared in a handful of iconic music videos for Dr. Dre’s ‘Keep Their Head’s Ringin’’, 2Pac ft. Dr. Dre’s ‘California Love’, Mase’s ‘Feel So Good’, Mariah Carey’s ‘Shake It Off’ and Michael Jackson’s ‘You Rock My World’.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 2, Episode 1 (August 8, 1992)

11.Craig Robinson

A standup comic turned TV series star has been featured in the productions ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’, ‘Ghosted’, ‘Mr. Robot’, ‘Mr. Robinson’, ‘Mr. Robinson’s Driving School’, ‘The Cleveland Show’, ‘The Office’, ‘Reno 911’ and ‘Eastbound & Down. He’s also appeared in the hit films This Is The End (2013), Pineapple Express (2008), Hot Tub Time Machine (2010), Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015) and Peeples (2013). Robinson has also voiced characters in the hit films, Sausage Party (2016) and Shrek Forever After (2010).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 6, Episode 15 (Jan 31, 1997)
Season 7, Episode 2 (July 1, 1992)

12.Dave Chappelle

His hit standup specials keep rolling out – from Equanimity (2017), The Bird Revelation (2017), Deep In The Heart Of Texas (2017) and The Age Of Spin (2017), to his earlier classics like Killin’ Them Softly (2000), For What It’s Worth (2004) and Block Party (2005). Chapelle has done it all – hosting the Oscars (2016), taking over TV with The Chappelle’s Show (2003-2006) and owning sets on The Laugh Factory, HBO Comedy and Def Comedy Jam.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 2, Episode 3 (August 22, 1992)
Season 4, Episode 9 (Sept 3, 1994)
Season 6, Episode 6 (Feb 9, 1996)

13.Damon Wayans Jr.

His breakout roles in the films, Let’s Be Cops (2014), The Other Guys (2010), and TV series ‘New Girl’ have helped define his career. Early on, he was featured in My Wife And Kids (2001-2004), The Underground (2006) and Dance Flick (2009), while landing his first appearance on Def Comedy Jam (2008).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9M9aeNP_gA

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 9, Episode 1 (Jan 6, 2008)

14.DeRay Davis

Defined by both his TV and film success, DeRay has also performed on top comedy shows such as BET’s Comic View, Comedy Central Presents and Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam. He’s been featured in top comedies like Scary Movie 4 (2006), Barbershop (2002), Barbershop 2: Back In Business (2004), Semi-Pro (2008), 21 Jump Street (2012), Drumline: A New Beat (2014), Meet The Blacks (2016) and Grow House (2017). His TV appearances include Reno 911! (2005-2007), Entourage (2005), Empire (2015) and a return to All Def Comedy in 2017.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 8, Episode 5 (October 8, 2006)
Season 9, Episode 6 (Feb 10, 2008)

15.Deon Cole

Post Def Comedy Jam Debut, Cole went on to star as ‘Dante’ in the Barbershop comedies, including Barbershop (2002), Barbershop: Back In Business (2004) and Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016). His TV appearances include Nick Cannon’s ‘Short Circuitz’ (2007), Grown-ish (2018) and Black-ish (2014-2018).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 4, Episode 10 (Sept 10, 1994)
Season 8, Episode 10 (Nov 19, 2006)

16.Don DC Curry

Known for his role in the ‘Friday’ series as ‘Uncle Elroy’, Don DC Curry has had an extensive career, with TV features on Everybody Hates Chris (2007), The Tracy Morgan Show (2004), Grace Under Fire (1997-1998) and Black Jesus (2014).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 4, Episode 6 (August 13, 1994)
Season 6, Episode 9 (March 1, 1996)
Season 8, Episode 7 (October 29, 2006)

17.Donnell Rawlings

Rawlings has appeared in countless TV shows post Def Comedy Jam debut. He’s been featured on Jamie Fox Presents: America’s Funniest Comics (2007), In The Flow With Affion Crockett (2011) and SNL (2016). He played the judge on Guy Court (2013), appeared on The Wire (2002-2008), on the series Black Jesus (2015) and on the Chapelle’s Show (2003-2004). Rawling’s movie roles include Something Like A Business (2010), Percentage (2014) and Spider Man 2 (2004).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 4, Episode 3 (Jul 23, 1994)

18.DL Hughley

Host of his nationally syndicated radio show, ‘The D.L. Hughley Show’ and member of the ‘The Comedy Get Down’ crew, D.L. first appeared on HBO’s Comedy Half-Hour (1994) and The Original Kings Of Comedy (2000). He created the hit TV series, The Hughleys (1998-2004), Weekends At The DL (2005) and DL Hughley Breaks The News (2008-2009). His most memorable comedy specials include Goin’ Home (1999), Unapologetic (2007) and Reset (2012).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 1, Episode 5 (April 4, 1992)
Season 2, Episode 3 (August 22, 1992)
Season 5, Episode 12 (May 19, 1995)
Season 6, Episode 21 (March 28, 1997)
Season 7, Episode 8 (July 1, 1992) – Hosted
Hosted all of Season 9 (2008)

19.Earthquake

‘Quake has appeared on MAdtv (2002), as ‘Uncle Mike’ on Everybody Hates Chris (2006-2009) and even voiced ‘Root The Rooster’ in The Barnyard (2006). His top movie features include The Longshots (2008) and Clerks II (2006). He is set to appear in Armed (2018) with a TBA release date.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 5, Episode 9 (April 28, 1995)
Season 6, Episode 3 (Jan 19 1996)
Season 7, Episode 2 (Sept 17, 2006)
Season 8, Episode 6 (Feb 10, 2008)

20.Eddie Griffin

Renowned for his enlightened comedic standup, Griffin is most associated with The Comedy Get Down crew. His standup specials Undeniable (2018), You Can Tell ‘Em I Said It (2011), Freedom Of Speech (2008), I’m Rick James (2007), Dysfunktional Family (2003), All Jokes Aside (2000) and Voodoo Child (1997) contain some of the most memorable material in the game. His top film features include Undercover Brother (2002), Norbit (2007), Scary Movie 3 (2003), Double Take (2001), John Q (2002) and Foolish (1999). Griffin was also ranked on Comedy Central’s ‘100 Greatest Stand-Ups Of All Time’.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 1, Episode 8 (April 25, 1992)

21.Faizon Love

Faizon is best known for his roles in Don’t Be a Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood (1996), Friday (1995), Elf (2003), The Player’s Club (1998) and Grow House (2017). He appeared on BET’s ‘New Edition Story’, hit TV series Black-ish (2017), The Big House (2004) and 90’s sitcom ‘The Parent’Hood’.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 3, Episode 5 (August 7, 1993)

22.George Willborn

Known for the films Chi-Raq (2015), The Evil One (2005) and The Blexicans (2015), Willborn has also appeared on the TV series Family Reunion (2008) and Baisden After Dark (2007-2008). His appearances include the 2010 Soul Train Awards, Centric Comedy All-Stars (2013) and Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam (2010).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 2, Episode 6 (September 12, 1992)
Season 6, Episode 11 (March 15, 1996)
Season 7, Episode 9 (July 1, 1992)

23.Gina Yashere

The first Def Comedy Jam comedian from London, Gina Yashere has been featured on Last Comic Standing, The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien, The Jay Leno Show, Live At The Apollo and The Daily Show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iH7XIfDwfc

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 8, Episode 1 (Jan 6, 2008)

24.Guy Torry

Guy Torry has landed features in Family Matters (1993), Martin (1995), NYPD Blue (2001), The Shield (2002), The Good News (1997-1998), The Strip (1999-2000) and Last Coming Standing (2010). He has also appeared in the films With Or Without You (2003), The Last Stand (2006), Ride (1998), Sunset Park (1996), Life (1999), Pearl Harbor (2001) and Runaway Jury (2003).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 4, Episode 8 (August 27, 1994)
Season 8, Episode 10 (Nov 19, 2006)
Season 8, Episode 11 (Nov 26 2006)

25.Jamie Foxx

This comedian turned actor-musician first started his career on the Def Comedy Jam stage. Foxx has since appeared in hits like Ray (2004), Collateral (2004), Law Abiding Citizen (2009), Any Given Sunday (1999), The Players Club (1998), Ali (2001), Dreamgirls (2006), Django Unchained (2012), Horrible Bosses (2011) and Horrible Bosses 2 (2014). His TV series ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’ aired for 5 seasons. He was featured on In Living Color (1991-1994), Roc (1992-1993) and White Famous (2017). Foxx even appeared in countless music videos including, Coolio: 1234 (sumpin’ New), Ice Cube ft. DMX ‘We Be Clubbin’ Remix, Aaliyah ‘Miss You’, The Black Eyed Peas ‘Where Is The Love’ and Drake ‘Walk It Talk It’. Foxx’s music career took off in the early 2000’s with hit singles like, ‘Blame It’ ft. T-Pain, ‘She Got Her Own’ with Neyo and Fabolous, ‘Live In The Sky’ with T.I., ‘Unpredictable’ with Ludacris, ‘Gold Digger’ with Kanye West, ‘Slow Jamz’ with Twista and ‘Jam’ with Kevin Gates, Trey songz and Ty Dolla $ign.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 6, Episode 4 (Jan 26, 1996)

26.J. Anthony Brown

Anthony Brown was featured on hit TV series like, Me And The Boys (1994-1995), Living Single (1996-1997), Martin (1995), The Parent’ Hood (1995-1997), Moesha (1997-1998), The Hughleys (1999), The Parkers (2001), Like Family (2003-2004), House Of Payne (2010) and The Rickey Smiley Show (2013-2014). Brown’s film features include roles in Mr. 3000 (2004), Think Like A Man (2012), Drumline (2002) and xXx: State Of The Union (2005).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwoV7PJePMg

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 1, Episode 2 (March 14, 1992)
Season 4, Episode 3 (Jul 23, 1994)
Season 6, Episode 12 (March 22, 1996)

27.J.B. Smoove

With recurring roles on hit TV series like SNL and Everybody Hates Chris, J.B. Smoove’s most memorable appearances were on Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing and Cedric The Entertainer Presents. Smoove also starred in HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, CBS’s The Millers and BET’s Real Husband’s Of Hollywood.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 5, Episode 11 (May 12, 1995)

28.Joe Clair

Former host of BET’s ‘Rap City’ for 5 seasons, Joe Clair also appeared on BET’s ‘Comic View’ and hosted several radio shows – named DC’s WPCG-FM morning drive time host.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 4, Episode 5 (August 6, 1994)
Season 6, Episode 23 (April 11, 1997)
Season 7, Episode 10 (July 1, 1992)

29.Joe Torry

Among his TV appearances on BET Comedy Awards (2004), BET’s Richard Pryor: The Funniest Man Dead Or Alive (2005) and NCIS (2003), Torry also co-starred in the films Poetic Justice (1993), Tales From The Hood (1995), Fled (1996), House Party 3 (1994) and Act of Faith (2014).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 1, Episode 3 (March 21, 1992)
Season 2, Episode 11 (October 24, 1992)
Season 3, Episode 6 (August 14, 1993)
Season 5, Episode 2 (March 10, 1995)
Season 5, Episode 8 (April 21, 1995)
Season 5, Episode 11 (May 12, 1995)
Season 6, Episode 7 (Feb 16, 1996)

30.John Witherspoon

John Witherspoon is most known for his roles in Friday (1995), Next Friday (2000), Friday After Next (2002) and Soul Plane (2004). In the late 90’s, Witherspoon was featured on The Richard Pryor Show, Martin, The Wayans Bros. and The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. He appeared in Jay-Z’s ‘I Just Wanna Love You – Give It To Me’ music video. Witherspoon has also appeared on The Proud Family (2003-2004), The Tracy Morgan Show (2003-2004), The Boondocks (2005-2014), Black Jesus (2014-2015), Black-ish (2016) and White Famous (2017).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQjP4mLSCMY

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 7, Episode 10 (July 1, 1992) Hosted

31.Katt Williams

The ‘King Of Underground Comedy’ has been around since the early 2000’s, and he’s here to stay. His TV shows, standup and film appearances have transformed him into a comedy legend. His early features on The Tracy Morgan Show (2003-2004), Wild N’ Out and Nick Cannon’s ‘Short Circuitz’ helped him gain national attention, while his iconic specials like Let A Playa Play (2006), The Pimp Chronicles (2006), Katthouse (2008), Pimpadelic (2008), It’s Pimpin’ Pimpin’ (2008), 9 Lives (2008), Kattpacalypse (2012), Afterlife (2014), Great America Tour (2018), Katt Williams LIVE (2006), and American Hustle (2007) completely transformed his career. Katt most memorable film features include Friday After Next (2002), Norbit (2007) and Scary Movie (2013). He has since appeared in Father Figures (2017) and the hit TV series, Atlanta (2018). His most recent comedy includes, The House Next Door (2018).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 8, Episode 4 (Oct 1, 2006)

32.Kevin Hart

Hart’s earlier career is marked by classic comedy one-liners that helped pave his way to the top. Essentially the hype-man who stole the show, Hart first began with small-role parts in films like Scary Movie 3, Soul Plane, The 40-Year-Old-Virgin and Death At A Funeral. With the take-off of his standup, Hart landed more central roles in hit comedies like, Think Like A Man, This Is The End, Ride Along, About Last Night, Think Like A Man Too, The Wedding Ringer, Central Intelligence, Jumaji: Welcome To The Jungle and Night School. His standup specials, Seriously Funny (2013), Let Me Explain (2013) and What Now? (2016) have produced some of the most quotable material in the industry.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 8, Episode 4 (Oct 1, 2006)

33.Lavell Crawford

A regular on BET’s ComicView and NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Crawford has since appeared in TV series Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia and the film American Ultra (2015).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEi__EUL5FM

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 5, Episode 8 (April 21, 1995)

34.Mark Curry

Curry hosted Showtime At The Apollo and Comedy Central’s ‘Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush’. He starred in Nick At Nite’s ‘See Dad Run’ and ABC’s ‘Hanging With Mr. Cooper’ and Martin. His additional TV appearances include The Jamie Foxx Show, All That and Living Single. Curry also co-starred with Martin Lawrence in the film ‘Talkin’ Dirty After Dark’ and appeared in Armageddon (1998).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HArLGNjQjC0&list=PLFkHrr1GkibhZK6zwC8afO5je8Ak1Sifj

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 6, Episode 9 (March 1, 1996)
Season 6, Episode 17 (Feb 14, 1997)
Season 7, Episode 4 (July 1, 1992) – Hosted
Season 8, Episode 9 (Nov 12, 2006)

35.Martin Lawrence

The iconic Martin Lawrence hosted Def Comedy Jam from 1992-1993. His most noteworthy comedies include Bad Boys (1995), Bad Boys II (2003), National Security (2003), Rebound (2005), Big Momma’s House 2 (2006), College Road Trip (2006), Death At A Funeral (2010), Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins (2008), Wild Hogs (2007) and Blue Streak (1999). His most noteworthy standup specials include Live Talkin’ Shit (1993), Funk It (1995), Doin’ Time (2016) and Runteldat (2002). He also starred in his own hit TV series Martin from 1992-1997.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 1, Episode 1, 3
Season 2, Episode 1, 4

36.Melanie Comarcho

Comarcho appeared on The Jamie Foxx Show (2000) and Everybody Hates Chris (2006). She was also in the films The Last Stand (2006), First Sunday (2008), With Or Without You (2003) and Hair Show (2004).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 3, Episode 8 (August 28, 1993)
Season 6, Episode 10 (March 8, 1996)
Season 8, Episode 4 (Oct 1, 2006)

37.Michael Colyar

Colyar is most famed for his performances on Laffs From The Hood (2005), Before They Were Kings (2005) and The Big Black Comedy Show (2005). He also appeared in the films The Longshots (2009), House Party 3 (1996) and What’s Love Got To Do With It (1993).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 1, Episode 6 (April 11, 1992)
Season 2, Episode 4 (August 29, 1992)
Season 2, Episode 8 (September 26, 1992)
Season 5, Episode 6 (April 7, 1995)
Season 6, Episode 13 (March 29, 1996)
Season 7, Episode 11 (July 1, 1992)

38.Mike Epps

Epps got his start with 5 episodes on Def Comedy Jam. After that, he appeared on Wild N’ Out and 106 & Park. His hit films Next Friday (2000), 3 Strikes (2000), All About The Benjamins (2002), Friday After Next (2002) and the Honey Mooners (2005) led to hosting the BET Hip Hop Awards. Since then, Epps has continued to land co-starring roles in The Hangover (2009), The Hangover Part III (2013), Meet The Blacks (2016), Fifty Shades Of Black (2016), Girls Trip (2017) and Where’s The Money (2017). His most recent films include Acts of Violence (2018) and The House Next Door (2018). Epps has also starred in the music videos for Kendrick Lamar’s ‘B*tch Don’t Kill My Vibe’, T.I.’s ‘What You Know’ and ‘ASAP’, Ice Cubes ‘Why We Thugs’, Hurricane Chris’s ‘Ay Bay Bay’ and most notoriously, BadMeetsEvil’s ‘I’m On Everything’.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 5, Episode 9 (April 28, 1995)
Season 6, Episode 22 (April 4, 1997)
Season 7, Episode 9 (July 1, 1992)
Hosted all of Season 8 (2006)

39.Patrice O’ Neal

One of the comedy greats, Patrice O’ Neal starred on Just For Laughs (2009) and Comedy Central Presents (2003). His standup special Elephant In The Room (2011) has gone down as a comedy classic. He guested on Jimmy Fallon (2011) and Letterman (2006), hosting VH1 & IFILMS’s Web Junk 20. His TV features include Z Rock (2009), The Office (2005), Yes, Dear (2003) and Arrested Development (2003). O’ Neal also starred in the films Head Of State (2003), In The Cut (2003), Nature Calls (2012) and Furry Vengeance (2010).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA0CqQUYZSY

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 9, Episode 2 (Jan 13, 2008)

40.Queen Latifah

From her rapping career to comedy, producing and acting, the Queen got her start on none other than Def Comedy Jam. She hosted The Queen Latifah Show (2013-2014) and appeared in Let’s Stay Together (2011-2014), Living Single (1993-1998), The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1991), Empire (2017) and Star (2016). She launched 7 career albums: Black Reign (1993), Order In The Court (1998), All Hail The Queen (1989), Nature Of A Sista (1991), The Dana Owens Album (2004), Trav’lin’ Light (2007) and Persona (2009). Queen Latifah’s most memorable comedies include Taxi (2004), Bringing Down The House (2003), Barbershop 2: Back In Business (2005), Beauty Shop (2005), 22 Jump Street (2014), House Party 2 (1991), Last Holiday (2006), Set It Off (1996), The Ice Age Series and Girl’s Trip (2017). She has also starred in more serious roles in the films, Chicago (2002), Hairspray (2007), Joyful Noise (2012) and Bessie (2015).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCcEvrtaDkE

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 6, Episode 2 (Jan 12, 1996)

41.Ricky Harris

Harris was featured on the TV shows Everybody Hates Chris (2006-2008), Moesha (1996-1998) and The Tracy Morgan Show (2003). His most memorable film features included Heat (1995), Hard Rain (1998), Dope (2015) and This Christmas (2007).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 1, Episode 2 (March 14, 1992)
Season 3, Episode 10 (September 11, 1993)
Season 5, Episode 1 (March 3, 1995)
Season 5, Episode 7 (April 14, 1995)
Season 5, Episode 10 (May 5, 1995)
Season 6, Episode 8 (Feb 23, 1996)
Season 6, Episode 20 (March 21, 1997)

42.Rickey Smiley

Rickey Smiley is most known from the TV sitcom The Rickey Smiley Show (2012-2014), the radio show, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show and TV One’s Rickey Smiley For Real (2015). He has been featured on BET’s ComicView (1992), Comedy Central Presents (2006), and The BET Comedy Awards (2004). His co-starring film features include Baggage Claim (2013), First Sunday (2007), Friday After Next (2002) and All About The Benjamins (2002).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 3, Episode 9 9 (September 4, 1993)
Season 7, Episode 7 (July 1, 1992)

43.Sheryl Underwood

TV Show appearances on Holla (2002), Nikki (2002), The Young And The Restless (2012-2013), The Millers (2013), Madam Secretary (2014), The Comeback (2014), Supergirl (2016), The Odd Couple (2016), Face Value (2017) and The Bold And The Beautiful (2016-2018). Underwood also co-starred in the films Bulworth (1998), I Got The Hook Up (1998) and Beauty Shop (2005).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 3, Episode 1 (July 10, 1993)
Season 6, Episode 7 (Feb 16, 1996)

44.Sommore

One of the original ‘Queen’s Of Comedy’, Sommore has starred in Friday After Next (2002), Soul Plane (2004), Something New (2006) and Dirty Laundry (2006). Her self-produced standup specials Chandelier Status (2013), Fun Non Amously Famous (2015) and The Queen Stands Alone (2007) have gained national attention. With appearances on Comic View (1994- 2014), The Hughleys (1998), BET Comedy Awards (2005), The Tom Joyner Show (2006), Comics Unleashed (2007-2014), The Arsenio Hall Show (2013) and Wild N’ Out (2007), ‘The One Chandelier’ is definitely here to stay.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 4, Episode 3 (Jul 23, 1994)
Season 6, Episode 18 (Feb 28, 1997)
Season 7, Episode 5 (July 1 ,1992)

45.Steve Harvey

Famed as being one of the entertainment industry’s top comedic hosts, Steve Harvey has both executive produced and starred in many of his own shows. After making a name for himself at Def Comedy Jam in the early to mid 90’s, Harvey launched The Steve Harvey Show with seasons running into 2002. During this time, a documentary was made about him titled ‘One Man’ (2001). His standup sketch variety show Steve Harvey’s Big Time Challenge ran from 2003-2005, while he was working on the set of Johnson Family Vacation (2004). He launched his standup special ‘Still Trippin’’ in 2008 and re-launched The Steve Harvey show an encore season four years later. He is most known for executive producing the hit comedies Think Like A Man (2012) and Think Like A Man Too (2014, as well as hosting shows like Family Feud (2010-2017) and Little Big Shots (2016-2018).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 1, Episode 4 (March 28, 1992)
Season 3, Episode 7 (August, 21, 1993)
Season 6, Episode 1 (Jan 5, 1996)
Season 6, Episode 14 (Jan 24, 1997)

46.Tiffany Haddish

This Girls Trip (2017) breakout comedy star has transformed the game for female urban comedians. Haddish began her comedy career at The Laugh Factory as a teen and debuted on Def Comedy Jam in 2008. Haddish appeared in small film roles until starring in Real Husbands of Hollywood (2013-2014), Keanu (2016) and Animal Nation with Anthony Anderson (2017). After stealing the show in Girls Trip (2017), Haddish’s career drastically transformed. She was featured in JAY-Z’s ‘Moonlight’, Drake’s ‘Nice For What’ and Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B’s ‘Girls Like You’ music videos. Haddish currently co-stars in the TV series ‘The Last O.G.’ (2018) and is launching multiple upcoming films including Uncle Drew (2018), Night School (2018), Nobody’s Fool (2018). She has landed a handful of animated roles in The Lego Movie 2 (2019), The Secret Life Of Pets 2 (2019) and Tuca & Bertie (2019).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXMkNlMSdd8

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 9, Episode 3 (Jan 20, 2008)

47.Thea Vidale

This famed comedienne started out in DC’s standup comedy clubs, before landing specials for HBO and Showtime. Vidale’s starred in her own sitcom in ’93, earning a People’s Choice Award for her performance. She also had a WWE streak as ‘Momma Benjamin’ on RAW. Vidale has been featured on Ellen, The Wayan Bros., The Drew Carey Show and My Wife and Kids.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 2, Episode 11 (October 24, 1992)

48.Tony T. Roberts

Also known as ‘The Comedian’s Comedian’, Tony Roberts was featured on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, BET’s Comic View (2007), It’s Showtime At The Apollo and Shaquille O’Neal’s All-Star Comedy Jam (2012). Roberts has performed his worldwide standup on the BET Comedy Tour, Russel Simmons Def Comedy Jam Tour and the USO Tour. He also received the BET ‘Most Original Comic’ Award with his standup featured on multiple tracks of Styles P album ‘Super Gangster (Extraordinary Gentleman)’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyBjvB-7m68

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 5, Episode 11 (May 12, 1995)
Season 7, Episode 3 (Sept 24, 2006)
Season 8, Episode 3 (Jan 20, 2008)

49.Tony Rock

Tony Rock appeared on the TV series All Of Us (2003-2007), Everybody Hates Chris (2008-2009) and The Tony Rock Project (2008-2009). He later starred in the successful film Think Like A Man (2012) and landed the hit comedy sitcom Living Biblically (2018).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 8, Episode 1 (Sept 10, 2006)

50.Tracy Morgan

The iconic Tracy Morgan got his start on the hit 90’s TV series ‘Martin’. He appeared in Bamboozled (2000), Half Baked (1998) and 30 Years To Life (2001). The comedian landed his own TV series, ‘The Tracy Morgan Show’ and was featured in the films The Longest Yard (2005), Littleman (2006), First Sunday (2008) and more. Morgan also had a recurring role on the TV show 30 Rock (2003-2006). He worked on SNL (1996-2017) and now runs his own show ‘The Last O.G.’ (2018). Morgan’s comeback standup special ‘Staying Alive’ (2017) gained national attention after his brush with death. The comedian has also voiced characters in the animated films Rio 2 and The Boxtrolls. He was most recently awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 3, Episode 2 (July 17, 1993)
Season 5, Episode 7 (April 14, 1995)

51.TuRae

Any comedy show or big-name special you can think of, TuRae has been a part of it. His features include The Funny Spot (2008), 1^st Amendment Standup (2009), Live At Gotham (2009), The Mo’Nique Show (2011), Comedy.TV (2012), Comics Unleashed (2014), BET’s ComicView (2005-2014), Laughs (2014) and Def Comedy Jam (2008). TuRae also appeared in the hit TV series Underground Kings (2014).

Def Comedy Jam Appearances:

Season 9, Episode 9 (March 2, 2008)

52.Vanessa Fraction

This Comedienne, host and actress powerhouse has appeared on 1^st Amendment Stand Up (2007), The Funny Spot (2008), Baisden After Dark (2008), Mike Epps Presents: Live from Club Nokia (2011), Dish Nation (2017) and at the 2016 Triumph Awards. Fraction has also written for the Arsenio Hall Show (2014), BET’s 106 & Park (2012), The Monique Show (2010-2011) and 1^st Amendment Stand Up (2007). Her most noteworthy film appearance includes her role as ‘Monisha’ for Barbershop 2: Back In Business. Fraction also appeared on the TV sitcom Mann and Wife (2017).