Who lives next to me? What's the white man next to me? He's a dentist. He's just a dentist. That's what America is. My dad used to say, 'You can't beat white people at anything, ever. But you can knock 'em out. Like, if you have six and the white guy has five, he wins. If you're black, you can't let it go to the judge's decision, because you're gonna lose no matter how bad you beat this man up.' You -- you're always black. There's always going to be an overreaction one way or the other regarding your presence, be it good or bad. 
-- Chris Rock
Christopher Julius Rock III was born in Andrews, South Carolina February 7, 1965 and was raised in Brooklyn, New York as the oldest of seven children. He began his career in stand-up comedy in New York in 1985, though his career skyrocketed once legendary comedian Eddie Murphy befriended him and offered him a role in his Beverly Hills Cop II in 1987.
In 1990, Rock became a cast member on Saturday Night Live, starring with the likes of Adam Sandler and Chris Farley. After several TV and film flops, Rock focused on a career in stand-up comedy. In 1994, he starred in his first HBO Comedy documentary, but it
was his second stand-up special in 1996 called Bring the Pain which earned him his reputation as one of the best comedians. He has since done other stand-up specials, including 2004's Never Scared.
Since then, he has gone on to appear in several successful films including Beverly Hills Ninja, The Longest Yard and Head of State, of which he helped write and direct. His work has garnered him 15 Emmy nominations, having won three. He also hosted the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards and the 77th Academy Awards in 2005.
In 1990, Rock became a cast member on Saturday Night Live, starring with the likes of Adam Sandler and Chris Farley. After several TV and film flops, Rock focused on a career in stand-up comedy. In 1994, he starred in his first HBO Comedy documentary, but it
was his second stand-up special in 1996 called Bring the Pain which earned him his reputation as one of the best comedians. He has since done other stand-up specials, including 2004's Never Scared.
Since then, he has gone on to appear in several successful films including Beverly Hills Ninja, The Longest Yard and Head of State, of which he helped write and direct. His work has garnered him 15 Emmy nominations, having won three. He also hosted the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards and the 77th Academy Awards in 2005.
