Chris Rock ~ actor, comedian, director, producer...guest on The Actors Studio

Chris Rock (Photo/NCM)

Christopher Julius "Chris" Rock III is a comedian, actor, screenwriter, television producer, film producer and director who turned 45 on February 7, 2010.

Chris Rock began stand-up comedy in 1985 in New York City's Catch a Rising Star.  He slowly climbed the ladderthe of the comedy circuit as well as getting bit roles in the films.

His acting debuted in I'm Gonna Git You Sucka and in the TV series Miami Vice.  Eddie Murphy, after seeing Rock's work, befriended and mentored the aspiring comic.

Murphy gave Rock his first film role in Beverly Hills Cop II, and he became a cast member Saturday Night Live in 1990.  He and other cast members - Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider and David Spade became known as the Bad Boys of SNL.  Little did Chris Rock know that he would have his television show - one being The Chris Rock Show!

After his success in stand-up comedy Rock began receiving major parts in films.  Such roles have been - Dogma, Beverly Hills Ninja, Lethal Weapon 4, Nurse Betty, The Longest Yard, Bad Company, and Down to Earth.

In addition to acting, Rock has also worked behind the camera as a writer and director for Head of State and I Think I Love My Wife.  Being a voiceover actor can be added to that of Rock's many talents.  Films that he leant his voice to were - Dr. Dolittle, Madagascar (I & III), Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and Osmosis Jones.

A few more of the talent Rock has worked with: Morgan Freeman, Avatar's Zoe Saldana (Pirates of the Caribbean), Danny Glover, Luke Wilson, Kerry Washington...