View source for Dave Chappelle

{{Short description|American comedian and actor (born 1973)}}
{{for|the photographer|David LaChapelle}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox comedian
| image        = Dave Chappelle at Preamiere of "Dave Chappelle In Real Life" (2).jpg
| caption      = Chappelle in 2025 
| birth_name   = David Khari Webber Chappelle
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1973|8|24}}
| birth_place  = [[Washington, D.C.]], U.S.
| medium       = {{hlist|Stand-up|television|film}}
| education    = {{ubl|[[Eastern High School (Washington, D.C.)|Eastern High School]]|[[Duke Ellington School of the Arts]]}}
| years_active = 1990–present<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tracy-morgan-dave-chappelle-and-more-celebrate-25-years-of-def-comedy-jam/|title=Tracy Morgan, Dave Chappelle and more celebrate 25 years of "Def Comedy Jam"|work=[[CBS News]]|date=September 11, 2017|access-date=October 14, 2019|archive-date=July 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706212155/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tracy-morgan-dave-chappelle-and-more-celebrate-25-years-of-def-comedy-jam/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| genre        = {{hlist|[[Observational comedy]]|[[black comedy]]|[[insult comedy]]|[[racial humor]]|[[satire]]|[[sketch comedy]]|[[surreal humor]]}}
| subject      = {{hlist|[[American politics]]|[[African-American culture]]|[[current events]]|[[human sexuality]]|[[LGBTQ people]]|[[Popular culture|pop culture]]|[[race relations]]|[[racism in the United States]]|[[recreational drug use]]}}
| spouse       = {{marriage|Elaine Erfe|2001}}
| children     = 3
| parents      = [[William David Chappelle&nbsp;III]]<br />[[Yvonne Seon]]
| relatives    = {{unbulleted list|[[William D. Chappelle]] (great-grandfather)|[[Robert John Palmer]] (great-great-grandfather)|[[W.&nbsp;D. Chappelle&nbsp;Jr.]] (grand-uncle)}}
| awards       = [[List of awards and nominations received by Dave Chappelle|Full list]]
| signature    = Dave Chapelle Signature.svg
}}

'''David Khari Webber Chappelle''' ({{IPAc-en|ʃ|ə|ˈ|p|ɛ|l}} {{Respell|shə|PEL}}; born August 24, 1973) is an American [[stand-up comedy|stand-up comedian]] and [[actor]]. He starred in and co-created the satirical comedy sketch series ''[[Chappelle's Show]]'' (2003–2006) before quitting in the middle of production during the third season. After a hiatus, Chappelle returned to performing stand-up comedy across the United States.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/18/arts/dave-chappelle-returns-to-stand-up-with-stories-to-tell.html |title=A Comic Quits Quitting |first=Jason |last=Zinoman |author-link=Jason Zinoman |date=August 15, 2013 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=February 21, 2017 |archive-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024185347/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/18/arts/dave-chappelle-returns-to-stand-up-with-stories-to-tell.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2006, Chappelle was called the "comic genius of America" by the [[Esquire (magazine)|''Esquire'' magazine]]<ref name="esquire">{{cite web|url=http://www.esquire.com/features/ESQ0506CHAPPELLE_92|title=Heaven Hell Dave Chappelle|work=[[Esquire Magazine|Esquire]]|author=Powell, Kevin|author-link=Kevin Powell|date=April 30, 2006|access-date=November 1, 2008|archive-date=October 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028125843/http://www.esquire.com/features/ESQ0506CHAPPELLE_92|url-status=live}}</ref> and, in 2013, "the best" by a ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' writer.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/list/1532254/chappelles-show-10-best-musical-sketches |title=Chappelle's Show: 10 Best Musical Sketches |magazine=Billboard |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-date=February 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205070626/https://www.billboard.com/articles/list/1532254/chappelles-show-10-best-musical-sketches |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2017, ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' ranked him No. 9 in their "50 Best Stand Up Comics of All Time".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-lists/50-best-stand-up-comics-of-all-time-126359 |title=50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time |first=Matthew |last=Love |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=February 14, 2017 |access-date=September 3, 2022 }}</ref>

Chappelle has appeared in various films, including ''[[Robin Hood: Men in Tights]]'' (1993), ''[[The Nutty Professor (1996 film)|The Nutty Professor]]'' (1996), ''[[Con Air]]'' (1997), ''[[You've Got Mail]]'' (1998), ''[[Blue Streak (film)|Blue Streak]]'' (1999), ''[[Undercover Brother]]'' (2002), ''[[Dave Chappelle's Block Party]]'' (2005), ''[[Chi-Raq]]'' (2015), and ''[[A Star Is Born (2018 film)|A Star Is Born]]'' (2018). His first lead role was in the 1998 comedy film ''[[Half Baked]]'', which he co-wrote. Chappelle also starred in the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] comedy series ''[[Buddies (TV series)|Buddies]]'' (1996). In 2016, he signed a $20-million-per-release comedy-special deal with [[Netflix]] and released six stand-up specials under the deal.<ref name='Sticks'>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/dave-chappelle-sets-fifth-netflix-stand-up-special-1232205|title=Dave Chappelle Sets Fifth Netflix Stand-Up Special|first=Rick|last=Porter|date=August 15, 2019|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=August 30, 2019|archive-date=August 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827200038/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/dave-chappelle-sets-fifth-netflix-stand-up-special-1232205|url-status=live}}</ref>

As a stand-up comedian, he has released his first comedy special ''[[Dave Chappelle: Killin' Them Softly|Killin' Them Softly]]'' (2000) for [[HBO]], followed by ''For What It's Worth'' for [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]]. He has since released eight standup specials for [[Netflix]]. He has won six [[Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album|Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album]] for ''[[The Age of Spin]]'' (2018), ''Equanimity & The Bird Revelation'' (2019), ''[[Sticks & Stones (2019 film)|Sticks & Stones]]'' (2019), ''[[The Closer (2021 film)|The Closer]]'' (2021), ''What's in a Name?'' (2022), and ''[[The Dreamer (2023 film)|The Dreamer]]'' (2023).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jan/28/grammy-awards-2018-the-full-list-of-winners |title=Grammys awards 2018: full list of winners |date=January 29, 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=January 31, 2018 |archive-date=February 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217090840/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jan/28/grammy-awards-2018-the-full-list-of-winners |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Grammys>[https://www.vulture.com/2020/01/grammy-winners-2020-the-full-list.html Grammy Winners 2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126233127/https://www.vulture.com/2020/01/grammy-winners-2020-the-full-list.html |date=January 26, 2020 }} by Zoe Haylock, Vulture.com, January 26, 2020.</ref>

He has received numerous accolades, including six [[Emmy Award]]s, six [[Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album|Grammy Awards]], and the [[Mark Twain Prize for American Humor]] in 2019, which is presented by the [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts]] as America's highest comedy honor.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Blair |first1=Elizabeth |last2=Jarenwattananon |first2=Patrick |title=Dave Chappelle To Be Awarded Mark Twain Prize For American Humor |publisher=[[NPR]] |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/05/07/721017931/dave-chappelle-to-be-awarded-mark-twain-prize-for-american-humor |date=May 7, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=September 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905034243/https://www.npr.org/2019/05/07/721017931/dave-chappelle-to-be-awarded-mark-twain-prize-for-american-humor |url-status=live }}</ref> Chappelle has received two [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series]] for hosting ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' in 2016 and 2020.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/2017-emmy-award-winners/ |title=2017 Emmy Award Winners |publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=September 18, 2017 |archive-date=November 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126154102/https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/2017-emmy-award-winners/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Early life and education ==
David Khari Webber Chappelle was born on August 24, 1973, in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="aanb">{{Cite book|last=Cunningham|first=Mark D.|chapter=Chappelle, Dave|year=2013|title=African American National Biography|volume=3|edition=2nd|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|editor-last1=Gates|editor-first1=Henry Louis Jr.|editor-link1=Henry Louis Gates Jr.|editor-last2=Higginbotham|editor-first2=Evelyn Brooks|editor-link2=Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham|language=en|doi=10.1093/acref/9780195301731.013.36402|pages=[[iarchive:africanamericann0003unse/page/8/mode/1up|8–10]]|isbn=<!--978-0-19-530173-1-->978-0-19-999038-2|title-link=African American National Biography Project}}</ref> His father, [[William David Chappelle III]], was a professor of vocal performance and the dean of students at [[Antioch College]] in [[Yellow Springs, Ohio]].<ref name="InsideActorsStudio">{{cite episode|title = Dave Chappelle|series = Inside the Actors Studio|series-link = Inside the Actors Studio|network = [[Bravo (US TV channel)|Bravo]]|air-date = 2006-02-12|season = 12|number = 10}}</ref> His mother, [[Yvonne Seon]] ({{nee|Reed}}, formerly Chappelle),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/27/arts/television/dave-chappelle-is-alive-and-well-and-playing-las-vegas.html|title=Dave Chappelle Is Alive and Well (and Playing Las Vegas)|first=Dave|last=Itzkoff|date=27 November 2005|access-date=29 January 2018|newspaper=The New York Times|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024185352/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/27/arts/television/dave-chappelle-is-alive-and-well-and-playing-las-vegas.html|url-status=live}}</ref> worked for [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congolese]] Prime Minister [[Patrice Lumumba]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://africasacountry.com/2015/05/how-many-of-you-know-dave-chappelles-mother-worked-for-patrice-lumumba/|title=How many of you know Dave Chappelle's mother worked for Patrice Lumumba?|date=19 May 2015|website=Africasacountry.com|access-date=29 January 2018|archive-date=January 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118122549/http://africasacountry.com/2015/05/how-many-of-you-know-dave-chappelles-mother-worked-for-patrice-lumumba/|url-status=live}}</ref> is a [[Unitarian Universalist]] minister,<ref name="nytimesItzkoff" /> and worked as a professor and university administrator at several institutions including [[Wright State University]] and [[Prince George's Community College]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ysnews.com/news/2009/07/a-lifetime-of-making-a-difference|title=A lifetime of making a difference|website=Ysnews.com|access-date=29 January 2018|date=July 16, 2009|archive-date=January 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118185743/http://ysnews.com/news/2009/07/a-lifetime-of-making-a-difference|url-status=live}}</ref> Chappelle has a stepmother and a stepbrother.<ref name=esquire/>

Chappelle grew up in [[Silver Spring, Maryland]], and attended [[Woodlin Elementary School]].<ref name="InsideActorsStudio"/> His parents were politically active, and family house visitors included [[Pete Seeger]] and [[Johnny Hartman]].<ref name=esquire/> Hartman predicted Chappelle would be a comedian and, around this time, Chappelle's comic inspiration came from [[Eddie Murphy]] and [[Richard Pryor]]. After his parents separated, Chappelle stayed in Washington with his mother while spending summers with his father in [[Ohio]]. In high school he worked as an usher in [[Ford's Theatre]].<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGMACVGFIfM&t=207| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211024/TGMACVGFIfM| archive-date=2021-10-24|at=3:27 minutes in|title=Dave Chappelle @ Comic Strip Live Feb. 2009|author=Andrew J |via=[[YouTube]] |date=April 20, 2017|access-date=December 1, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He attended DC's [[Eastern High School (Washington, D.C.)|Eastern High School]] for a short time before transferring to [[Duke Ellington School of the Arts]], where he studied [[theater arts]], graduating in 1991.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Montgomery |first=David |date=2017-11-09 |title=The education of Dave Chappelle: How a D.C. arts school prepared him for stardom |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/the-education-of-dave-chappelle-how-a-dc-arts-school-prepared-him-for-stardom/2017/11/08/99f28046-adc5-11e7-a908-a3470754bbb9_story.html |access-date=2022-06-03 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref name="InsideActorsStudio"/>

== Career ==
=== 1990–2002: Early career and breakthrough ===
Chappelle was featured in a montage of random people telling jokes in the first episode of [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s ''[[America's Funniest People]]'', airing on September 13, 1990. Following his high school graduation, Chappelle moved to [[New York City]] to pursue a career as a comedian. He performed at [[Harlem]]'s [[Apollo Theater]] in front of the "Amateur Night" audience, but he was [[booing|booed]] off stage. Chappelle described the experience as the moment that gave him the courage to continue his show business aspirations.<ref name="InsideActorsStudio" /> He quickly made a name for himself on the New York comedy circuit, even performing in the city's parks. In addition to weekend stand-up gigs, he honed his craft at Monday night "open mic" performances at places such as the [[Boston Comedy Club]] on West 3rd Street, as late as the summer 1994.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.laughfactory.com/DaveChappelle|title=Dave Chappelle|publisher=[[Laugh Factory]]|access-date=May 12, 2020|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024185414/http://www.laughfactory.com/DaveChappelle|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1992, he won critical and popular acclaim for his television appearance in [[Russell Simmons]]' ''[[Def Comedy Jam]]'' on [[HBO]]. It was his appearance on this show that allowed his popularity to truly begin rising, eventually allowing him to become a regular guest on late-night television shows such as ''[[Politically Incorrect]]'', ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]'', ''[[The Howard Stern Show]]'', and ''[[Late Night with Conan O'Brien]]''. [[Whoopi Goldberg]] nicknamed him "The Kid".<ref name="esquire" /> At 19, he made his film debut as "Ahchoo" in [[Mel Brooks]]' ''[[Robin Hood: Men in Tights]]''. He also appeared on ''[[Star Search]]'' three times but lost to competing comedian [[Lester Barrie]]; Chappelle later joked about becoming more successful than Barrie. The same year, Chappelle was offered the role of Benjamin Buford "Bubba" Blue in ''[[Forrest Gump]]''. Concerned the character was demeaning and the movie would bomb, he turned down the part.<ref name="ajc2007">Staff report (August 23, 2007). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AT&p_theme=at&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11B34F8754BA55E0&p_field_direct-0=document_id "COMEDY: Watching Dave make his stand"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020122018/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AT&p_theme=at&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11B34F8754BA55E0&p_field_direct-0=document_id |date=October 20, 2013 }}. ''[[Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]''</ref><ref name="wiser2006">Wiser, Paige (December 17, 2006). [https://web.archive.org/web/20131105221836/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3692172.html Might-have-beens who (thankfully) weren't: The wacky world of Hollywood's strangest casting calls.] ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]''</ref> He parodied the film in the 1997 short ''Bowl of Pork'', where a dim-witted black man is responsible for the [[Rodney King]] beating, the [[1992 Los Angeles riots|LA riots]] and [[O. J. Simpson murder case|O. J. Simpson's being accused of murder]].<ref name="gore1998">[[Chris Gore|Gore, Chris]] (January 26, 1998). [https://www.filmthreat.com/festivals/161/ Park City Madness: Sundance, Slamdance, and Slamdunk 1998.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007153637/http://www.filmthreat.com/festivals/161/ |date=2012-10-07}} ''[[Film Threat]]''</ref> Chappelle played another supporting role in an early [[Doug Liman]] film, ''[[Getting In]]'', in 1994.<ref>{{cite book|title=Historical Dictionary of African American Cinema|year=2007|publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield|Scarecrow Press]]|isbn=978-0-8108-5545-8|page=[https://archive.org/details/historicaldictio0000berr/page/63 63]|author1=Berry, Torriano|author2=Berry, Venise|url=https://archive.org/details/historicaldictio0000berr/page/63}}</ref> At age 19, he was the opening act for R&B soul singer [[Aretha Franklin]].<ref>Reed, Ryan (June 11, 2014). [https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/videos/dave-chappelle-i-never-quit-im-seven-years-late-for-work-20140611]{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209100143/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/videos/dave-chappelle-i-never-quit-im-seven-years-late-for-work-20140611|date=December 9, 2017}} <span> "Dave Chappelle: 'I Never Quit – I'm Seven Years Late for Work</span>{{'"}}. ''[[Rolling_Stone]]''.</ref>

Chappelle attracted the attention of television network executives and developed numerous [[television pilot|pilots]] but none were picked up for development into a series.<ref name="InsideActorsStudio" /><ref name=freedom>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chappelle-an-act-of-freedom-19-10-2004/|title=Chappelle: 'An Act of Freedom'|work=[[60 Minutes II]]|publisher=[[CBS News]]|author=Leung, Rebecca|date=December 29, 2004|access-date=2007-03-16|archive-date=October 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022075014/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/10/19/60ii/main650149.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1995, he made a guest appearance on an episode of ABC's popular [[situation comedy|sitcom]] ''[[Home Improvement (TV series)|Home Improvement]]''. The storyline had Chappelle and real-life friend and comedian [[Jim Breuer]] ask [[Tim Taylor (fictional character)|Tim Taylor]] for advice on their girlfriends.<ref name="latimes1995">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-04-16-tv-55110-story.html|title=Boys Will Be 'Buddies': ABC Sitcom Explores the Relationship and the Differences Between Best Friends|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|author=Kleid, Beth|date=1995-04-16|access-date=September 6, 2013|archive-date=July 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724143107/http://articles.latimes.com/1995-04-16/news/tv-55110_1_abc-sitcom|url-status=live}}</ref> The characters' single outing in the episode proved so popular that ABC decided to give them their own [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] sitcom titled ''[[Buddies (TV series)|Buddies]]''. However, after taping a pilot episode, Breuer was fired and replaced with actor [[Christopher Gartin]]. ''[[Buddies (TV series)|Buddies]]'' premiered in March 1996 to disappointing [[Nielsen ratings|ratings]] and the show was canceled after only five episodes out of 13 that had been produced.

After the failure of ''Buddies'', Chappelle starred in another pilot. According to Chappelle, the network was uncomfortable with the [[African-American]] cast and wanted [[White American|white]] actors added.<ref name="varietyhontz">{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/1998/tv/news/tv-s-race-card-1117478261/|title=TV's race card|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|author=Hontz, Jenny|date=July 8, 1998|access-date=September 3, 2013|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203075809/http://variety.com/1998/tv/news/tv-s-race-card-1117478261/|url-status=live}}</ref> Chappelle resisted and subsequently accused the network of racism. Shortly afterward Chappelle's father died and, after returning to Ohio, he considered leaving the entertainment business.<ref name="InsideActorsStudio"/><ref name="freedom"/>

He later appeared as a stand-up insult comic who targets patrons of a nightclub in the 1996 comedy ''[[The Nutty Professor (1996 film)|The Nutty Professor]]'' starring [[Eddie Murphy]], one of his major comedic influences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=nuttyprofessor.htm|title=The Nutty Professor (1996)|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|access-date=February 19, 2020|archive-date=November 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119091919/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=nuttyprofessor.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> He had a minor role in 1997's ''[[Con Air]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=conair.htm|title=Con Air (1997)|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=February 19, 2020|archive-date=July 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714092823/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=conair.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> At the beginning of 1998, he did a stand-up performance for [[HBO]] ''Comedy Half-Hour''. That same year, he appeared in "Pilots and Pens Lost", an episode of ''[[The Larry Sanders Show]]''{{'}}s sixth season, in which he and the executives of the show's unnamed [[television network]] satirize the treatment that scriptwriters and show creators were subjected to, as well as the executives' knee-jerk tendencies toward [[Ethnic stereotype|racial stereotypes]].<ref name="ifclarry">[http://www.ifc.com/shows/the-larry-sanders-show/episodes/season-6/pilots-and-pens-lost "Season 6, Episode 4: Pilots and Pens Lost"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107232154/http://www.ifc.com/shows/the-larry-sanders-show/episodes/season-6/pilots-and-pens-lost |date=January 7, 2014}}. [[IFC (U.S. TV network)|IFC]], [[AMC Networks]]. Retrieved 2014-01-07</ref>

He and [[Neal Brennan]] co-wrote the 1998 cult [[stoner film]] ''[[Half Baked]]'', Chappelle's first starring role, about a group of [[Cannabis (drug)|marijuana]]-smoking friends trying to get their other friend out of jail. It made money at the box office and remains a classic "stoner" film, a genre that includes the ''[[Cheech & Chong]]'' films as well as more recent fare like [[Judd Apatow]]'s ''[[Pineapple Express (film)|Pineapple Express]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20483133_20362224_20445193,00.html|title=Stoner Flicks: 20 'High-Rated' Faves|newspaper=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|first1=Whitney|last1=Pastorek|first2=Jeff|last2=Labrecque|date=April 20, 2013|access-date=February 19, 2020|archive-date=December 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213012404/http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20483133_20362224_20445193,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="mjcommovies">{{cite web|url=http://www.marijuana.com/news/2013/05/top-10-marijuana-movies-from-up-in-smoke-to-half-baked-hollywood-loves-pot-flicks/ |title=Top 10 Marijuana Movies: From "Up In Smoke" to "Half Baked" Hollywood Loves Pot Flicks |publisher=Marijuana.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606214454/http://www.marijuana.com/news/2013/05/top-10-marijuana-movies-from-up-in-smoke-to-half-baked-hollywood-loves-pot-flicks/ |archive-date=June 6, 2013|date=2013-05-29 }}</ref> In December 1998, Chappelle appeared as [[Tom Hanks]]' character's friend and confidant in ''[[You've Got Mail]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=youvegotmail.htm|title=You've Got Mail|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=February 19, 2020|archive-date=September 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921133957/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=youvegotmail.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1999, he appeared in the [[Martin Lawrence]] film ''[[Blue Streak (film)|Blue Streak]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bluestreak.htm|title=Blue Streak (1999)|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=February 19, 2020|archive-date=November 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109192014/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bluestreak.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2000, Chappelle recorded his first hour-long [[HBO]] special, ''[[Dave Chappelle: Killin' Them Softly]]'', in [[Washington, D.C.]] He also starred alongside [[Norm Macdonald]] in the 2000 comedy film ''[[Screwed (2000 film)|Screwed]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://decider.com/2021/09/14/norm-macdonald-tribute-moth-turd-ferguson/|title=A Tribute To Norm Macdonald, Every Comedian's Favorite Comedian|date=September 15, 2021|access-date=October 11, 2021|archive-date=October 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011033739/https://decider.com/2021/09/14/norm-macdonald-tribute-moth-turd-ferguson/|url-status=live}}</ref> He followed this with an appearance as "Conspiracy Brother" in the 2002 racial satire ''[[Undercover Brother]]''.<ref name=NYTF>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movies/person/12383/Dave-Chappelle/filmography|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113020756/http://www.nytimes.com/movies/person/12383/Dave-Chappelle/filmography|archive-date=2013-11-13|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=2013|title=Dave Chappelle: Filmography}}</ref> During the early 2000s, Chappelle was a member of the [[Spitkicker]] artist collective, along with many [[hip-hop]] artists like [[De La Soul]] and [[Talib Kweli]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hess |first=Mickey |title=Icons of hip hop : an encyclopedia of the movement, music, and culture |publisher=Greenwood Press |year=2007 |isbn=9780313084386 |location=Westport, Connecticut |pages=379}}</ref>

=== 2003–2006: ''Chappelle's Show'' ===
{{main|Chappelle's Show}}

In 2003, Chappelle debuted his own weekly [[sketch comedy]] show on [[Comedy Central]] called ''[[Chappelle's Show]]''. The show parodied many aspects of American culture, including [[Ethnic stereotype|racial stereotypes]], politics and [[popular culture|pop culture]]. Along with comedy sketches, the show also featured musical performances by mostly [[hip-hop music|hip-hop]] and [[soul (music)|soul]] artists. He promoted the work of other black comedians as well, most notably [[Paul Mooney (comedian)|Paul Mooney]] and [[Charlie Murphy (actor)|Charlie Murphy]].<ref name=Als/>

Due to the show's popularity, Comedy Central's new parent company [[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]]<ref name=esquire/> offered Chappelle a $55 million contract (giving Chappelle a share of DVD sales) to continue production of ''Chappelle's Show'' for two more years while allowing him to do side projects. Chappelle has said that sketches are not his favorite form of comedy,<ref name=esquire/> and that the show's format was similar to [[short film]]s.

In June 2004, based on the popularity of the "[[Rick James]]" sketch, it was announced that Chappelle was in talks to portray James in a [[biopic]] from [[Paramount Pictures]], also owned by Viacom.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1488300/06102004/story.jhtml|title = Dave Chappelle Is Rick James, Bitch!|publisher = [[MTV News]]|first = Alyssa|last = Rashbaum|date = June 10, 2004|access-date = March 21, 2007|archive-date = March 31, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070331145633/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1488300/06102004/story.jhtml|url-status = dead}}</ref> James' estate disagreed with the proposed comical tone of the film and put a halt to the talks.<ref>{{cite magazine|url = https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117955707.html?categoryid=13&cs=1|title = Turner to script singer James's biopic|magazine = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|first = Michael|last = Fleming|date = December 13, 2006|access-date = March 21, 2007|archive-date = May 7, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070507101549/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117955707.html?categoryid=13&cs=1|url-status = live}}</ref>

That same month, Chappelle recorded his second comedy special, this time airing on [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]], ''Dave Chappelle: For What It's Worth'', at [[San Francisco]]'s [[The Fillmore|Fillmore Auditorium]], where [[Lenny Bruce]], [[George Carlin]], [[Richard Pryor]], and [[Robin Williams]] had performed.

==== Season 3 problems ====
{{see also|Chappelle's Show#Third season delays and The Lost Episodes}}
Season 3 was scheduled to begin airing on May 31, 2005, but earlier in May, Chappelle surprised fans and the entertainment industry when he abruptly left during production and took a trip to [[South Africa]].<ref name="esquire"/> Chappelle said that he was unhappy with the direction the show had taken, and expressed in an interview with ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine his need for reflection in the face of tremendous stress.<ref name="Time">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1061415,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516031453/http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0%2C8599%2C1061418%2C00.html|archive-date=May 16, 2008|title = On the Beach With Dave Chappelle|magazine= [[Time (magazine)|Time]]|first = Simon|last = Robinson|date=May 15, 2005|access-date = March 20, 2007}}</ref> Chappelle said on ''Inside the Actors Studio'' that the death of his father seven years prior influenced his decision to go to South Africa. By throwing himself into his work, he had not taken a chance to mourn his father's death. He also said the rumors that he was on drug or psychiatric treatment only persuaded him to stay in South Africa.<ref name="InsideActorsStudio"/>

In an interview with [[Oprah Winfrey]] that aired on February 3, 2006, Chappelle stated that burnout, losing his creative control, and a work environment that was uncomfortable, were some of the reasons he left the show.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cosgrove |first=Bootie |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dave-chappelle-i-wasnt-crazy/ |title=Dave Chappelle: 'I Wasn't Crazy' |work=[[CBS News]] |date=February 3, 2006 |access-date=March 30, 2017 |archive-date=February 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211160707/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dave-chappelle-i-wasnt-crazy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He did not rule out returning to ''Chappelle's Show'' to "finish what we started", but promised that he would not return without changes to the production.<ref name="oprah">{{cite web|url=http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Chappelles-Story/5|title=Chappelle's Story: Dave's Moral Dilemma|publisher=[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]|access-date=May 30, 2012|archive-date=May 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506023102/http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Chappelles-Story/5|url-status=live}}</ref> Chappelle expressed disdain at the possibility of his material from the unfinished third season being aired, saying that to do so would be "a bully move", and that he would not return to the show if Comedy Central were to air the unfinished material.<ref name="CNN">{{cite web|url=http://insidecable.blogsome.com/2006/07/07/dave-chappelle-on-360-tonight/ |title=Transcript: Interview With Dave Chappelle, July 7, 2006 |publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061029205225/http://insidecable.blogsome.com/2006/07/07/dave-chappelle-on-360-tonight/ |archive-date=2006-10-29 }}</ref> On July 9, 2006, Comedy Central aired the first episode of ''[[Chappelle's Show: The Lost Episodes]]''. After the DVD release, Chappelle was interviewed by [[Anderson Cooper]] on CNN and reiterated he would not return to ''Chappelle's Show''.<ref name="complex"/> An uncensored DVD release of the episodes was made available on July 25.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCutcheon |first=David |date=June 30, 2006 |title=Chappelle's Lost Episodes to DVD |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/06/30/chappelles-lost-episodes-to-dvd |website=[[IGN]]|access-date=February 11, 2025}}</ref>

Chappelle's abrupt departure from the show continues to be a focus of interviews and profiles of him and of his own comedy.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dave-chappelle-netflix-comedy-fame-leaving-chappelles-show/|title=Dave Chappelle on fame, leaving "Chappelle's Show" and Netflix special|agency=CBS News|access-date=29 January 2018|archive-date=March 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324174147/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dave-chappelle-netflix-comedy-fame-leaving-chappelles-show/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2014/06/dave-chappelle-why-he-left-chappelle-show|title=Dave Chappelle Finally Breaks His Silence About Abruptly Leaving Chapelle's [sic] Show|last=Robinson|first=Joanna|magazine=Vanity Fair|access-date=March 29, 2017|archive-date=May 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508121523/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2014/06/dave-chappelle-why-he-left-chappelle-show|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=Lessons Learned from Popular Culture|last1=Delaney|first1=Tim|last2=Madigan|first2=Tim|publisher=SUNY Press|year=2016|isbn=9781438461458|location=Albany|page=195}}</ref> His decision to quit the show meant walking away from a $50 million contract with Comedy Central<ref name=Als/> and forming a rift with longtime collaborator [[Neal Brennan]].<ref name=esquire/> The show still plays in syndication on several television networks, despite the relatively small number of episodes compared to most American syndicated television programs.<ref name="Wisniewski2009">{{cite book|author=K.A. Wisniewski|title=The Comedy of Dave Chappelle: Critical Essays|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JWqnueNtCT8C&pg=PA140|date=2 July 2009|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-5427-3|pages=11,99,140|access-date=October 21, 2016|archive-date=March 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323164052/https://books.google.com/books?id=JWqnueNtCT8C&pg=PA140|url-status=live}}</ref> In ''Bird Revelation'', Chappelle draws an analogy between his departure and the book ''Pimp'', the memoir of [[Iceberg Slim]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.vulture.com/2018/01/dave-chappelle-pimp-story-bird-revelation-close-read.html|title=A Close Read of the Pimp Story Dave Chappelle Tells in The Bird Revelation|last=Schilling|first=Dave|work=Vulture|access-date=June 23, 2018|archive-date=June 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623171746/http://www.vulture.com/2018/01/dave-chappelle-pimp-story-bird-revelation-close-read.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2004: ''Dave Chappelle's Block Party'' ===
[[File:Broken Angel House.jpg|alt=A picture of The Broken Angel House in Brooklyn on May 16, 2007.|thumb|right|The [[Broken Angel House]] in [[Brooklyn]] on May 16, 2007, which was the site of the documentary ''[[Dave Chappelle's Block Party]]'' (2005)]]

Chappelle was the star and a [[Film producer|producer]] of the [[Michel Gondry]]-directed documentary ''[[Dave Chappelle's Block Party]]'', which chronicles his hosting a free concert in the [[Clinton Hill, Brooklyn|Clinton Hill]] neighborhood of [[Brooklyn]] on September 18, 2004.<ref name=esquire/> Several musical artists, including [[Kanye West]], [[The Roots]], [[Erykah Badu]], [[Mos Def]], [[Dead Prez]] and [[Jill Scott (singer)|Jill Scott]], are featured in the movie both performing in the concert and in conversation off-stage; Chappelle brought Yellow Springs residents to Brooklyn at his own expense.<ref name=esquire/> Another highlight of the event was the temporary reunion of 1990s [[hip-hop]] group [[The Fugees]].<ref>[http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/360/wyclef_jean_perfect_gentelman/ "Wyclef Jean interview by Pete Lewis"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107231047/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/360/wyclef_jean_perfect_gentelman/ |date=January 7, 2014 }}. Blues & Soul. December 2008. Retrieved January 8, 2014</ref>

Chappelle toured several cities in February and March 2006 to promote the film under the name "Block Party All-Stars Featuring Dave Chappelle". [[Universal Pictures]]' genre division, [[Rogue Pictures]], released the film in the U.S. on March 3, 2006. It was a success, grossing a total of $11.7 million on a $3 million budget.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=blockparty.htm|title=Dave Chappelle's Block Party|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=February 19, 2020|archive-date=July 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701082800/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=blockparty.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2005–2015: Infrequent comedy appearances ===
Chappelle has been known to make impromptu and unannounced appearances at comedy venues,<ref>Hogan, Marc (May 28, 2014). [https://www.spin.com/2014/05/dave-chappelle-radio-city-music-hall-roots-janelle-monae-erykah-badu-busta-rhymes/ "Dave Chappelle Enlists the Roots, Janelle Monae for New York Comeback"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063134/https://www.spin.com/2014/05/dave-chappelle-radio-city-music-hall-roots-janelle-monae-erykah-badu-busta-rhymes/ |date=March 21, 2018 }}. ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''.</ref> and continued to do so following his post–''Chappelle's Show'' return to stand-up comedy.<ref>Doggett, Jolie A. (July 7, 2014). [http://www.essence.com/2014/07/06/dave-chappelle-essence-festival/ "Dave Chappelle Makes Surprise Appearance at 2014 ESSENCE Festival"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215153836/http://www.essence.com/2014/07/06/dave-chappelle-essence-festival |date=February 15, 2015 }}. ''[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]]''.</ref> In June 2005, Chappelle performed impromptu stand-up shows in Los Angeles,<ref name="nytimesItzkoff">{{cite news|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/27/arts/television/27itzkoff.html|title = Dave Chappelle Is Alive and Well (and Playing Las Vegas)|newspaper = [[The New York Times]]|first = Dave|last = Itzkoff|date = November 27, 2005|access-date = March 21, 2007|archive-date = March 9, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080309004625/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/27/arts/television/27itzkoff.html|url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="ewbuckeye">{{cite news|url = https://ew.com/article/2005/05/26/dave-chappelle-resurfaces-ohio/|title = The Buckeye Stops Here|newspaper = Entertainment Weekly|first = Gary|last = Susman|date = May 26, 2005|access-date = March 20, 2007|archive-date = March 14, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070314195540/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1065847,00.html|url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="ewtruestory">{{cite magazine|url = https://ew.com/article/2005/06/03/dave-chappelle-resurfaces-la-comedy-club/|title = True Hollywood Story|magazine = Entertainment Weekly|first = Gary|last = Susman|date = June 3, 2005|access-date = March 20, 2007|archive-date = April 1, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070401024421/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1068717,00.html|url-status = live}}</ref> then went on a tour that began in [[Newport, Kentucky]], not far from his Ohio home.<ref name="MTV">{{cite news|url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1509344/20050912/index.jhtml?headlines=true|title = Dave Chappelle Is Back Onstage|publisher = [[MTV News]]|first = Gil|last = Kaufman|date = September 12, 2005|access-date = March 20, 2007|archive-date = August 14, 2006|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060814124439/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1509344/20050912/index.jhtml?headlines=true|url-status = dead}}</ref> On May 11, 2006, he made a prearranged, but quietly marketed, surprise appearance at [[Towson University]]'s annual Tigerfest celebration. He made another appearance on HBO's ''[[Def Poetry]]'', where he performed two poems, titled "Fuck [[Ashton Kutcher]]" and "How I Got the Lead on ''[[Jeopardy!]]''".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.litkicks.com/DPJ20050610 |title=Def Poetry Jam: June 10, 2005 &#124; Literary Kicks |website=Litkicks.com |date=June 11, 2005 |access-date=March 30, 2017 |archive-date=March 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323143126/http://www.litkicks.com/DPJ20050610 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Dave Chappelle (cropped).jpg|left|thumb|180px|Chappelle in 2007]]
In April 2007, Chappelle set a stand-up endurance record at the [[Laugh Factory]] Sunset Strip comedy club, beating comedian [[Dane Cook]]'s record of three hours and 50 minutes. In December of the same year, Chappelle broke his own record with a time of six hours and 12 minutes. Cook reclaimed the record in January 2008, with a time of seven hours.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/dane-cook-breaks-dave-chappelles-laugh-factory-endurance-record|title=Dane Cook Breaks Dave Chappelle's Laugh Factory Endurance Record|publisher=[[Fox News]]/[[Associated Press]]|date=January 4, 2008|access-date=October 15, 2009|archive-date=April 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420145920/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,320330,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 19, 2009, Chappelle performed at the Laugh Factory again, where it was speculated that he would attempt to take back the record. However, according to the club owner, he was disqualified after he left the stage five hours into his routine.<ref name="huffingtonrecord">[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/20/dave-chappelle-fails-to-s_n_327977.html "Dave Chappelle Fails To Set Comedy Endurance Record When Nature Calls"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309074353/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/20/dave-chappelle-fails-to-s_n_327977.html |date=March 9, 2016 }} ''[[The Huffington Post]]''; October 20, 2009</ref> Chappelle again appeared on ''Inside the Actors Studio'' and, in celebration of the show's 200th episode, he interviewed the show's usual host, [[James Lipton]]. The episode aired on November 11, 2008. He appeared again on ''Inside the Actors Studio'' in 2013, for its 250th episode.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}} In February 2009, Chappelle did a four-hour set at [[Comic Strip Live]] in New York.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comedyhype.com/stage-beast-4-hour-set-dave-chappelle-surfaces-online/|title=Stage Beast: 4 Hour Set Of Dave Chappelle Surfaces Online|date=October 20, 2014|access-date=March 25, 2020|archive-date=March 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325231949/https://comedyhype.com/stage-beast-4-hour-set-dave-chappelle-surfaces-online/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2011, Chappelle appeared at Comedy Jam in San Francisco.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://humormillmag.com/dave-chappelle-chris-tucker-katt-williams-comedy-show-a-huge-success/|title=Dave Chappelle, Chris Tucker, Katt Williams Comedy Show A Huge Success!|date=2011-08-15|work=The Humor Mill|access-date=2017-03-23|language=en-US|archive-date=November 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129145618/http://humormillmag.com/dave-chappelle-chris-tucker-katt-williams-comedy-show-a-huge-success/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Dave Chappelle and Donnell Rawlings stand in front of a C-17 Globemaster III (32666816002).jpg|alt=Dave Chappelle and Donnell Rawlings in February 2017.|thumb|Chappelle (right) and [[Donnell Rawlings]] (left) stand in front of a [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|C-17 Globemaster III]] at [[Joint Base Charleston]], S.C. (2017)]]

In August 2013, Chappelle returned to full-time touring stand-up,<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/18/arts/dave-chappelle-returns-to-stand-up-with-stories-to-tell.html Dave Chappelle returns to stand-up with stories to tell] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206032048/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/18/arts/dave-chappelle-returns-to-stand-up-with-stories-to-tell.html |date=February 6, 2017 }} New York Times, August 18, 2013</ref> as a headliner,<ref name="economist2013">{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/books-and-arts/21584313-one-americas-most-gifted-and-mercurial-comics-returns-stage-funny-man|title=Dave Chappelle's comeback: Funny man|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|date=Aug 29, 2013|author=<!--Staff writer, not named-->|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-date=October 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016013635/https://www.economist.com/news/books-and-arts/21584313-one-americas-most-gifted-and-mercurial-comics-returns-stage-funny-man|url-status=live}}</ref> when he was featured during the Oddball Comedy & Curiosity festival. Sponsored by [[Funny or Die]], Chappelle co-headlined with comedy act [[Flight of the Conchords]].<ref name="nytimesstandupreeturn">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/18/arts/dave-chappelle-returns-to-stand-up-with-stories-to-tell.html|title=Dave Chappelle Returns to Stand Up With Stories to Tell|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Jason|last=Zinoman|author-link=Jason Zinoman|date=August 15, 2013|access-date=February 21, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206032048/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/18/arts/dave-chappelle-returns-to-stand-up-with-stories-to-tell.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During a stop in [[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford]], Chappelle walked off the stage due to heckling from the crowd that lasted throughout his entire performance. The heckling was so raucous that it drowned out Chappelle's voice over the P.A. system and included chants of "White Power", a line used in a ''Chappelle's Show'' episode, that was viewed as wildly uncalled-for and out-of-context by other audience members who later wrote about the event.<ref name="usatoday">Oldenburg, Ann (August 30, 2013). [https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/08/30/dave-chappelle-heckled-off-stage-in-connecticut/2742657/ "Dave Chappelle walks off stage in Connecticut"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325073237/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/08/30/dave-chappelle-heckled-off-stage-in-connecticut/2742657/ |date=March 25, 2017 }}. ''[[USA Today]]''.</ref><ref name="huffingtonhartford">{{cite news |title=It Wasn't a 'Meltdown': Here's What Really Happened at Dave Chappelle's Show in Hartford |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-dunn/dave-chappelle-hartford_b_3844742.html |work=[[The Huffington Post]] |date=August 30, 2013 |access-date=March 27, 2014 |author=Mike Dunn |archive-date=March 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328011700/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-dunn/dave-chappelle-hartford_b_3844742.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A few days later, Chappelle stopped in Chicago for a performance. The comedy website ComedyHype.com acquired and released audio of him on stage responding to the heckling. Chappelle referenced the Hartford incident, stating that "young, white, alcoholic[s]" should be blamed for the prior incident, that he hoped North Korea would bomb Hartford, that in the future he would not stop in Hartford for gas, and finally summarizing his feelings on the situation by saying, "Fuck Hartford!"<ref>{{cite news|author=Sacks, Ethan|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/dave-chappelle-hartford-conn-hope-north-korea-drops-bomb-article-1.1446701|title=Gossip: Dave Chappelle blames 'young, white alcoholic' hecklers for Hartford, Conn. debacle, says he hopes North Korea drops bomb on city|newspaper=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|location=New York|access-date=September 7, 2013|archive-date=September 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907235713/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/dave-chappelle-hartford-conn-hope-north-korea-drops-bomb-article-1.1446701|url-status=live}}</ref> However, in August 2014 Chappelle returned to Hartford for a surprise appearance at the 2014 Oddball Festival and received standing ovations during his set.<ref>[[Jason Zinoman|Zinoman, Jason]] (August 24, 2014). [https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/25/arts/chappelle-returns-to-hartford-all-is-forgiven.html "Chappelle Returns to Hartford (All Is Forgiven)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601191303/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/25/arts/chappelle-returns-to-hartford-all-is-forgiven.html |date=June 1, 2016 }}. ''The New York Times''.</ref>

In June 2014, Chappelle made his first major New York City appearance in eleven years, performing ten nights at [[Radio City Music Hall]].<ref name=Als>[[Hilton Als|Als, Hilton]], "Who's Your Daddy," ''[[New Yorker (magazine)|New Yorker]]'', 7 & 14, July 2014.</ref> Chappelle promoted the dates by appearing on ''[[Today (U.S. TV program)|The Today Show]]'', ''[[The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon]]'' and ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]''. In 2015, Chappelle appeared in the [[Spike Lee]] film ''[[Chi-Raq]]'', his first film role in 13 years.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Dave Chappelle Joins Spike Lee's Chiraq|url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/06/dave-chappelle-joins-spike-lees-chiraq.html|magazine=[[New York (magazine)|New York]]|first=Dee|last=Lockett|date=June 4, 2015|access-date=22 December 2015|archive-date=June 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629131127/http://www.vulture.com/2015/06/dave-chappelle-joins-spike-lees-chiraq.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2016–2019: Career comeback ===
On November 12, 2016, Chappelle made his hosting debut on ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' the weekend after [[Donald Trump]] won the [[2016 United States presidential election|2016 presidential election]]. The show also featured [[A Tribe Called Quest]] as the musical guest.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dave Chappelle To Host 'Saturday Night Live' On November 12|url=https://deadline.com/2016/11/dave-chappelle-saturday-night-live-host-tribe-called-quest-1201848662/|first=Erik|last=Pedersen|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=November 4, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108083401/http://deadline.com/2016/11/dave-chappelle-saturday-night-live-host-tribe-called-quest-1201848662/|url-status=live}}</ref> In his opening monologue, Chappelle tackled Trump and the election head on. He ended his monologue by stating, "I'm wishing Donald Trump luck, and I'm going to give him a chance, and we, the historically disenfranchised, demand that he give us one too."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/11/13/snl-dave-chappelle-opening-monologue/93758578/|title=Watch: Dave Chappelle gives an iconic 'SNL' monologue, wishes Trump luck|website=USA TODAY|access-date=March 20, 2019|archive-date=March 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320232352/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/11/13/snl-dave-chappelle-opening-monologue/93758578/|url-status=live}}</ref> His performance on ''SNL'' received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. At the [[69th Primetime Emmy Awards]], he received an [[Emmy Award]] for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series|Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series]] for his appearance.<ref name="auto"/> He donated the Emmy to his former high school while filming an episode of [[Jerry Seinfeld]]'s [[Netflix]] series, ''[[Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee]]'' (Season 10, Episode 2: "Nobody Says, 'I Wish I Had A Camera'").<ref>{{cite web|title=Dave Chappelle Returns to His DC Alma Mater, Gives Emmy to School|url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Dave-Chappelle-Returns-to-His-DC-Alma-Mater-Gives-Emmy-to-School-448741183.html|website=[[WRC-TV|NBC Washington]]|date=September 29, 2017 |access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710010409/https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Dave-Chappelle-Returns-to-His-DC-Alma-Mater-Gives-Emmy-to-School-448741183.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On November 21, 2016, [[Netflix]] announced that they would be releasing three new stand-up comedy specials from Chappelle in 2017, with Chappelle being paid $20 million per special.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.wired.com/2016/11/dave-chappelle-netflix/ |title=Dave Chappelle is doing three netflix specials in 2017 |last=Watercutter |first=Angela |date=21 November 2016 |journal=[[Wired.com]] |access-date=22 November 2016 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220151119/https://www.wired.com/2016/11/dave-chappelle-netflix/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/dave-chappelle-netflix-comedy-specials-set-premiere-dates/ |title=Dave Chappelle Fans, Rejoice: Netflix Sets Release Date for 2 New Stand-Up Specials |publisher=thewrap.com |date=2 March 2017 |access-date=3 March 2017 |archive-date=October 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001091240/https://www.thewrap.com/dave-chappelle-netflix-comedy-specials-set-premiere-dates/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/dave-chappelle-salary-netflix-comedy-specials-deal-2016-11 |title=Dave Chappelle is making $60 million for his Netflix comedy specials |website=[[Business Insider]]|first=Jethro|last=Nededog |date=2016-11-22 |access-date=2017-03-30 |archive-date=March 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326052010/http://www.businessinsider.com/dave-chappelle-salary-netflix-comedy-specials-deal-2016-11 |url-status=live }}</ref> The first two specials were released on Netflix on March 21, 2017, and hail directly from Chappelle's personal comedy vault. "Deep in the Heart of Texas" was filmed at [[Block 21|Austin City Limits Live]] in April 2015,<ref>{{cite web |last1=McCarthy |first1=Sean |title=Dave Chappelle filmed a 2015 stand-up special at Austin City Limits |url=https://thecomicscomic.com/2015/04/06/dave-chappelle-filmed-a-2015-hbo-special-at-austin-city-limits/ |website=The Comic's Comic |access-date=7 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409041835/https://thecomicscomic.com/2015/04/06/dave-chappelle-filmed-a-2015-hbo-special-at-austin-city-limits/ |archive-date=9 April 2015 |date=6 April 2015}}</ref> and "The Age of Spin" was filmed at the [[Hollywood Palladium]] in March 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=Tre'vell |title=Dave Chappelle at the Palladium proves he 'never stopped working' |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-dave-chappelle-20160325-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=7 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325213210/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-dave-chappelle-20160325-story.html |archive-date=25 March 2016 |date=25 March 2016}}</ref> The specials marked the comedian's first concert specials released in 12 years, and proved to be an immediate success as Netflix announced a month later that they were the most viewed comedy specials in Netflix's history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vladtv.com/article/227164/dave-chappelles-special-is-the-most-watched-in-netflix-history|title=Dave Chappelle's Special is the Most Watched in Netflix History|website=Vladtv.com|access-date=29 January 2018|archive-date=April 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421095621/http://www.vladtv.com/article/227164/dave-chappelles-special-is-the-most-watched-in-netflix-history|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dave Chappelle Headed to Netflix With 3 Stand-Up Specials|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/dave-chappelle-netflix-stand-up-specials-949616|first=Kate|last=Stanhope|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=November 21, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124072714/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/dave-chappelle-netflix-stand-up-specials-949616|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:DChapJStewRAH211018-22.jpg|thumb|left|Chappelle with [[Jon Stewart]] performing at [[Royal Albert Hall]] in 2018]]
The third special, ''Equanimity'', was filmed in September 2017 at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C., and then on November 20, 2017, Chappelle filmed a fourth special, ''The Bird Revelation'', at [[The Comedy Store]] in Los Angeles.<ref name=equanimity>{{cite web |author=Lesley Goldberg |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/dave-chappelle-sets-second-new-years-eve-stand-up-special-netflix-1070034 |title=Dave Chappelle Sets Second New Year's Eve Stand-Up Special on Netflix |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=2017-12-22 |access-date=2017-12-24 |archive-date=December 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224054701/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/dave-chappelle-sets-second-new-years-eve-stand-up-special-netflix-1070034 |url-status=live }}</ref> On December 22, 2017, Netflix announced the expansion of the deal to include ''The Bird Revelation'', which was released with ''Equanimity'' on December 31.<ref name=equanimity/>

[[File:Lunt-Fontanne Theatre - Dave Chappelle (48296060697).jpg|thumb|Chappelle stand-up on Broadway at the [[Lunt-Fontanne Theatre]] in 2019]]

In January 2018 at the [[60th Annual Grammy Awards]], Chappelle received a [[Grammy Award]] for [[Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album|Best Comedy Album]] for his first two 2017 specials ''The Age of Spin & Deep in the Heart of Texas''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jan/28/grammy-awards-2018-the-full-list-of-winners|title=Grammys awards 2018: full list of winners|date=29 January 2018|work=Guardian|access-date=31 January 2018|archive-date=February 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217090840/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jan/28/grammy-awards-2018-the-full-list-of-winners|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2018, Chappelle's ''Equanimity'' special received an [[Emmy Award]] for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/All-the-Emmy-winning-TV-shows-you-can-watch-on-Netflix-from-Black-Mirror-to-Godless/Dave-Chappelle-Equanimity/slideshow/65861031.cms|title=All The Emmy-Winning TV Shows You Can Watch On Netflix, From 'Black Mirror' To 'Godless'|date=18 September 2018|work=[[Business Insider]]|access-date=May 12, 2020|archive-date=May 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516143925/https://www.businessinsider.in/All-the-Emmy-winning-TV-shows-you-can-watch-on-Netflix-from-Black-Mirror-to-Godless/Dave-Chappelle-Equanimity/slideshow/65861031.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2018, Chappelle returned to the big screen as "Noodles", Jackson Maine's best friend and retired musician in [[Bradley Cooper]]'s directorial debut, a remake of ''[[A Star Is Born (2018 film)|A Star Is Born]]''. The film was a massive critical and commercial success. He was nominated along with the cast for the [[Screen Actors Guild Award]] for [[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture|Best Cast in a Motion Picture]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thefader.com/2018/09/06/dave-chappelle-star-is-born-clip|title=Dave Chappelle stars in new A Star Is Born clip|last=Hussein|first=Wandera|date=September 6, 2018|work=The Fader|access-date=November 26, 2018|archive-date=November 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126221504/https://www.thefader.com/2018/09/06/dave-chappelle-star-is-born-clip|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, Chappelle and [[Jon Stewart]] joined forces for a duo comedy tour in the [[United States]], and across the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/dave-chappelle-jon-stewart-plot-joint-stand-up-comedy-tour-630156/|title=Dave Chappelle, Jon Stewart Plot Joint Stand-Up Comedy Tour|first1=Ryan|last1=Reed|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=14 May 2018|access-date=March 20, 2019|archive-date=March 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320233224/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/dave-chappelle-jon-stewart-plot-joint-stand-up-comedy-tour-630156/|url-status=live}}</ref> He has also collaborated with [[Aziz Ansari]] for three stand-up shows in [[Austin, Texas]], at the [[Paramount Theatre (Austin, Texas)|Paramount Theater]].

In February 2019, Chappelle was nominated for and won the [[Grammy Award]] for [[Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album|Best Comedy Album]] for ''[[Dave Chappelle: Equanimity|Equanimity]]'' and ''Bird Revelation''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/dave-chappelle-wins-best-comedy-album-equanimity-bird-revelation-2019-grammys|title=Dave Chappelle Wins Best Comedy Album|date=2019-02-03|website=GRAMMY.com|language=en|access-date=2019-02-10|archive-date=June 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602045642/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/dave-chappelle-wins-best-comedy-album-equanimity-bird-revelation-2019-grammys|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2019, Chappelle was chosen to receive the annual [[Mark Twain Prize for American Humor]] presented by [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts]]. President of the Kennedy Center Deborah Rutter stated, "Dave is the embodiment of [[Mark Twain]]'s observation that 'against the assault of humor, nothing can stand'... and for three decades, Dave has challenged us to see hot-button issues from his entirely original yet relatable experience." The set of people honoring Chappelle included [[Jon Stewart]], [[Bradley Cooper]], [[Morgan Freeman]], [[Lorne Michaels]], [[Tiffany Haddish]], [[Aziz Ansari]], [[Sarah Silverman]], [[Neal Brennan]], [[Q-Tip (musician)|Q-Tip]], [[Mos Def]], [[John Legend]], [[Frederic Yonnet]], [[Erykah Badu]], [[Common (rapper)|Common]], ''[[SNL]]'' cast members [[Kenan Thompson]], [[Michael Che]] and [[Colin Jost]], as well as [[Eddie Murphy]]. The Prize was awarded at the Kennedy Center gala on October 27, 2019. The ceremony was broadcast on [[PBS]] January 7, 2020.<ref>"A Twain Prize salute to a fearless hometown hero", by Peggy McGlone, The Washington Post, Mon. October 28, 2019, Style, c1-c2.</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Dave Chappelle: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize {{!}} Season 2019 Episode 1 {{!}} Mark Twain Prize|url=https://www.pbs.org/video/dave-chappelle-the-kennedy-center-mark-twain-prize-qbmxgn/|language=en|access-date=2020-01-09|archive-date=February 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226013300/https://www.pbs.org/video/dave-chappelle-the-kennedy-center-mark-twain-prize-qbmxgn/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Mayor of the District of Columbia]], [[Muriel Bowser]], declared the day of the award ceremony "Dave Chappelle Day" in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dcist.com/story/19/10/28/dave-chappelle-gets-mark-twain-prize-and-an-official-day-in-d-c/|title=Dave Chappelle Gets Mark Twain Prize, And An Official Day In D.C.|website=DCist|language=en|access-date=2020-01-09|archive-date=January 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113010934/https://dcist.com/story/19/10/28/dave-chappelle-gets-mark-twain-prize-and-an-official-day-in-d-c/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MayorBowser/status/1188560885197004800|title=WHEREAS, on October 27, 2019, Dave Chappelle is being honored by the Kennedy Center as the recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor; I hereby proclaim October 27, 2019 in Washington, DC, as "DAVE CHAPPELLE DAY".pic.twitter.com/KXxEwjj1ua|last=Bowser|first=Mayor Muriel|author-link=Muriel Bowser|date=2019-10-27|website=@MayorBowser|language=en|access-date=2020-01-09|archive-date=2021-05-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517020638/https://twitter.com/mayorbowser/status/1188560885197004800|url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 26, 2019, Chappelle's fifth Netflix special, ''[[Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones]]'', was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/08/dave-chappelle-sticks-and-stones-netflix-premiere-date.html|title=Dave Chappelle's Fifth Netflix Special Debuts This Month|last=Wright|first=Megh|date=August 15, 2019|website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]|access-date=September 10, 2019|archive-date=September 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910154944/https://www.vulture.com/2019/08/dave-chappelle-sticks-and-stones-netflix-premiere-date.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The special garnered controversy,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/dave-chappelle-s-netflix-special-sticks-stones-perceptive-ever-here-ncna1048566|title=Dave Chappelle's Netflix special 'Sticks and Stones' is as perceptive as ever. Here's why it's controversial.|last=Krakauer|first=Steve|date=September 1, 2019|work=[[NBC News]]|access-date=September 10, 2019|archive-date=September 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910030433/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/dave-chappelle-s-netflix-special-sticks-stones-perceptive-ever-here-ncna1048566|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/dave-chappelles-netflix-special-sticks-stones-rated-zero-percent-rotten-tomatoes-1457458|title=Dave Chappelle's Netflix Special 'Sticks & Stones' Rated Low on Rotten Tomatoes|last=Hasan|first=Ilma|date=September 3, 2019|work=[[Newsweek]]|access-date=September 10, 2019|archive-date=September 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910154853/https://www.newsweek.com/dave-chappelles-netflix-special-sticks-stones-rated-zero-percent-rotten-tomatoes-1457458|url-status=live}}</ref> and backlash for jokes about abuse allegations against singers [[Michael Jackson]] and [[R. Kelly]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2019/08/26/dave-chappelle-sticks-and-stones-netflix-standup-special-controversial-jokes/2118354001/|title=Dave Chappelle defends Michael Jackson, jokes about R. Kelly on new Netflix special|last=Ryan|first=Patrick|date=August 26, 2019|work=[[USA Today]]|access-date=September 10, 2019|archive-date=September 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910153721/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2019/08/26/dave-chappelle-sticks-and-stones-netflix-standup-special-controversial-jokes/2118354001/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2019/08/michael-jackson-accuser-wade-robson-slams-dave-chapelle-netflix-1202169509/|title=Michael Jackson Accuser Wade Robson Fires Back at Dave Chappelle Over Assault Victim Jokes|last=Sharf|first=Zack|date=August 28, 2019|website=[[IndieWire]]|access-date=September 10, 2019|archive-date=September 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914055203/https://www.indiewire.com/2019/08/michael-jackson-accuser-wade-robson-slams-dave-chapelle-netflix-1202169509/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=mccarthy>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/michael-jackson-accusers-dave-chappelle-jokes-not-believing|title=Michael Jackson accusers respond to Dave Chappelle's Netflix special where star said he doesn't believe them|last=McCarthy|first=Tyler|date=August 29, 2019|publisher=[[Fox News]]|access-date=September 10, 2019|archive-date=September 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190907115214/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/michael-jackson-accusers-dave-chappelle-jokes-not-believing|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as for jokes about the [[LGBT community]] and [[cancel culture]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Timpf |first1=Katherine |author1-link=Kat Timpf |title=Defiant Dave Chappelle |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2019/10/28/defiant-dave-chappelle/ |website=National Review |access-date=March 18, 2020 |date=October 10, 2019 |archive-date=October 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017224530/https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2019/10/28/defiant-dave-chappelle/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.salon.com/2019/09/05/what-happened-to-dave-chappelle-the-cruelty-of-sticks-stones-is-a-sign-of-the-times/|title=What happened to Dave Chappelle: The cruelty of "Sticks & Stones" is a sign of the times|last=McFarland|first=Melanie|date=September 5, 2019|website=[[Salon (website)|Salon]]|access-date=September 10, 2019|archive-date=September 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910113228/https://www.salon.com/2019/09/05/what-happened-to-dave-chappelle-the-cruelty-of-sticks-stones-is-a-sign-of-the-times/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=hosking>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/you-can-definitely-skip-dave-chappelles-new-netflix-special-sticks-and-stones/|title=You Can Definitely Skip Dave Chappelle's New Netflix Special 'Sticks & Stones'|last=Hosking|first=Taylor|date=August 26, 2019|work=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]|access-date=September 10, 2019|archive-date=September 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910030433/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/59ngpb/you-can-definitely-skip-dave-chappelles-new-netflix-special-sticks-and-stones|url-status=live}}</ref> The following year, ''Sticks & Stones'' won the [[Grammy Award]] for Best Comedy Album.<ref name=Grammys/>

=== 2020–present ===
[[File:TaylorHawkTributeWemb030922 (25 of 281) (52334729229).jpg|thumb|right|320px|Chappelle at [[Wembley Stadium]] in 2022.]]
On June 12, 2020, Netflix released ''[[8:46 (special)|8:46]]'', a 27-minute and 20-second video of newly recorded stand-up by Chappelle on the YouTube channel "Netflix Is a Joke". The private event was held outdoors on June 6, 2020, in [[Yellow Springs, Ohio]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Ballengee|first=Libby|title=Dave Chappelle hosts impromptu comedy events in Yellow Springs — with more to come|url=https://www.dayton.com/lifestyles/dave-chappelle-hosts-impromptu-comedy-events-yellow-springs/nUJJaE1f8qcrgzB634v5PN/|access-date=2020-06-12|language=en|archive-date=June 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612082146/https://www.dayton.com/lifestyles/dave-chappelle-hosts-impromptu-comedy-events-yellow-springs/nUJJaE1f8qcrgzB634v5PN/|url-status=live}}</ref> where audience members observed social distancing rules and wore masks to prevent the spread of [[Coronavirus disease 2019|COVID-19]]. The title was chosen in reference to the [[Eight minutes 46 seconds|8 minutes and 46 seconds]] that police officer [[Derek Chauvin]] knelt on the neck of [[George Floyd]], leading to his death. Chappelle touches on Floyd's murder and subsequent [[George Floyd protests|protests]] and takes aim at [[Don Lemon]], [[Laura Ingraham]] and [[Candace Owens]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Watch Dave Chappelle Discuss George Floyd's Death at 'A Talk With Punchlines' Event|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2020/06/dave-chappelle-talks-8-46-george-floyd-death-a-talk-with-punchlines|access-date=2020-06-12|website=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|language=en|archive-date=June 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612082145/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2020/06/dave-chappelle-talks-8-46-george-floyd-death-a-talk-with-punchlines|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Respers France|first=Lisa|date=June 13, 2020|title=Dave Chappelle drops hard-hitting '8:46' special|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/12/entertainment/dave-chappelle-netflix-floyd-trnd/index.html|access-date=June 15, 2020|website=CNN|archive-date=June 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614225830/https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/12/entertainment/dave-chappelle-netflix-floyd-trnd/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Expanding on the concept of the socially distanced comedy presentation, beginning with a pair of performances in late June 2020 and officially kicking off with a Fourth of July celebration, "Chappelle and friends" hosted what became known as "Chappelle Summer Camp", which brought live performances to a masked, socially distanced audience at Wirrig Pavilion, in Yellow Springs, Ohio. These shows featured regular performances from comedians [[Michelle Wolf]], [[Mohammed Amer]] and Donnell Rawlings, as well as Chappelle's tour DJ, DJ Trauma and frequent special guests including [[Jon Stewart]], [[Chris Rock]], [[Louis C.K.]], [[Sarah Silverman]], [[David Letterman]], [[Bill Burr]], [[Michael Che]], [[Brian Regan (comedian)|Brian Regan]], [[Chris Tucker]], [[Kevin Hart]], [[Ali Wong]], [[Trevor Noah]], [[Tiffany Haddish]], with musical guests [[John Mayer]], [[Common (rapper)|Common]], and many others. After several shows in July, some issues arose from neighbors' complaints of noise and disturbances, local zoning officials granted a special variance allowing the performances to continue through October 4, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|last=Williamson|first=Aliah|date=6 Aug 2020|title=Zoning board approves temporary variance for Chappelle comedy show venue|url=https://www.wdtn.com/news/local-news/zoning-board-prepares-to-vote-on-continuation-of-chappelle-comedy-shows/|website=WDTN|access-date=September 26, 2020|archive-date=September 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927140016/https://www.wdtn.com/news/local-news/zoning-board-prepares-to-vote-on-continuation-of-chappelle-comedy-shows/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Chappelle Summer Camp series of shows ended suddenly September 25, 2020, when Elaine Chappelle announced in a closed Facebook fan group that there had been a possible COVID-19 exposure in their inner circle, and all further performances were canceled.<ref>{{cite web|date=September 2020|title=Remaining Dave Chappelle Shows Cancelled|url=https://www.wdtn.com/news/local-news/remaining-dave-chappelle-shows-canceled/amp/|website=WDTN|access-date=September 26, 2020|archive-date=October 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006071551/https://www.wdtn.com/news/local-news/remaining-dave-chappelle-shows-canceled/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref>

It was announced that Chappelle would return to host ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' the weekend of the [[2020 United States presidential election]], his second time giving a post-presidential election monologue. Due to the effect of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] on the vote count, the results were delayed and announced earlier that Saturday. In response to unfounded allegations that [[Joe Biden]]'s presidency had been stolen from [[Donald Trump]], Chappelle offered jokes ranging from Trump's handling of the pandemic to his resulting legacy, and the political future of the United States, in his 16-minute opening monologue, "Everyone knows how that feels. But here's the difference between me and you: You guys hate each other for that, and I don't hate anybody. I just hate that feeling. That's what I fight through. That's what I suggest you fight through. You've got a find a way to live your life. You've got to find a way to forgive each other. You've got to find a way to find joy in your existence in spite of that feeling".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.vox.com/culture/2020/11/8/21554830/dave-chappelle-snl-monologue-election-november-7-host|title= Dave Chappelle's SNL monologue was shrewd and political — but more chill than expected|website= Vox|date= November 8, 2020|access-date= November 9, 2020|archive-date= November 9, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201109015210/https://www.vox.com/culture/2020/11/8/21554830/dave-chappelle-snl-monologue-election-november-7-host|url-status= live}}</ref> Critics and audiences praised the monologue describing it as "scathing", "illuminating" and "powerful".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.vulture.com/article/dave-chappelles-snl-monologue-was-an-illuminating-mess.html|title= Dave Chappelle's SNL Monologue Was an Illuminating Mess|website= Vulture|date= November 8, 2020|access-date= November 9, 2020|archive-date= November 9, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201109013749/https://www.vulture.com/article/dave-chappelles-snl-monologue-was-an-illuminating-mess.html|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/dave-chappelle-trump-racism-coronavirus-snl-monologue-070502169.html|title= Dave Chappelle addresses Trump, racism and the coronavirus in a powerful 'SNL' monologue: 'Did I trigger you?'|website= Yahoo.com|date= November 8, 2020|access-date= November 9, 2020|archive-date= November 9, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201109015337/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/dave-chappelle-trump-racism-coronavirus-snl-monologue-070502169.html|url-status= live}}</ref>

[[File:Dave Chappelle at Preamiere of "Dave Chappelle In Real Life" (1).jpg|thumb|left|230px|Chappelle at [[Martha's Vineyard]] African American Film Festival Premiere of "Dave Chappelle In Real Life" in 2025.]]
In December 2020, Chappelle's company, ''Iron Table Holdings'' purchased a fire station near his [[Yellow Springs, Ohio]], home, with plans to convert it into a comedy club.<ref>*{{cite web| url = https://ysnews.com/news/2020/12/chappelle-to-buy-former-fire-station-in-yellow-springs-for-comedy-club| title = Chappelle to buy former fire station in Yellow Springs for comedy club • The Yellow Springs News| date = December 22, 2020| access-date = May 4, 2022| archive-date = October 23, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211023033257/https://ysnews.com/news/2020/12/chappelle-to-buy-former-fire-station-in-yellow-springs-for-comedy-club}}
*{{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HFn2eZK8LI| title = YouTube| website = [[YouTube]]| date = September 14, 2021| access-date = May 4, 2022| archive-date = October 21, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211021011931/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HFn2eZK8LI}}
*{{cite web| url = https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/09/16/dave-chappelle-plans-open-yellow-springs-restaurant-and-comedy-club/8360246002/| title = Yellow Springs gives OK to Dave Chappelle to open comedy club| access-date = May 4, 2022| archive-date = October 24, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211024040013/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/09/16/dave-chappelle-plans-open-yellow-springs-restaurant-and-comedy-club/8360246002/}}
*{{cite web| url = https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/09/24/reports-4-dave-chappelle-shows-approved-yellow-springs-venue/5853071001/| title = Reports: 4 Dave Chappelle shows approved at Yellow Springs venue| access-date = May 4, 2022| archive-date = October 21, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211021011925/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/09/24/reports-4-dave-chappelle-shows-approved-yellow-springs-venue/5853071001/}}
*{{cite web| url = https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2019/08/21/dave-chappelle-grew-up-still-lives-yellow-springs-ohio/2077075001/| title = Dave Chappelle grew up, still lives in Yellow Springs, Ohio| access-date = May 4, 2022| archive-date = March 1, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210301231233/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2019/08/21/dave-chappelle-grew-up-still-lives-yellow-springs-ohio/2077075001/}}
*https://web.archive.org/web/20211021002222/https://www.loudandclear.com/media</ref> He also retrofitted a mechanic's garage in the same village into a clubhouse, and dubbed it "The Shack", for podcasting.<ref>*{{cite web| url = https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210420006033/en/Talib-Kweli-Yasiin-Bey-and-Dave-Chappelle-Announce-The-Midnight-Miracle-Podcast-on-Luminary| title = Talib Kweli, Yasiin Bey, and Dave Chappelle Announce The Midnight Miracle Podcast on Luminar|publisher=Business Wire| date = April 20, 2021| access-date = May 4, 2022| archive-date = October 21, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211021011931/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210420006033/en/Talib-Kweli-Yasiin-Bey-and-Dave-Chappelle-Announce-The-Midnight-Miracle-Podcast-on-Luminary}}
*https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/09/24/reports-4-dave-chappelle-shows-approved-yellow-springs-venue/5853071001/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021011925/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/09/24/reports-4-dave-chappelle-shows-approved-yellow-springs-venue/5853071001/ |date=October 21, 2021 }}</ref> On October 5, 2021, Chappelle starred in his sixth Netflix special ''[[The Closer (2021 film)|The Closer]]''. In ''The Closer'', Chappelle made jokes about gay and transgender people, particularly [[transgender women]], that some considered [[Transphobia|transphobic]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Chapman |first=Wilson |date=2022-05-21 |title=John Mulaney Draws Criticism for Having Dave Chappelle Open, Tell 'Transphobic Jokes' at Ohio Show |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/john-mulaney-dave-chappelle-transphobic-jokes-1235274187/ |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=2021-10-07 |title='I'm team Terf': Dave Chappelle under fire over pro-JK Rowling trans stance |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/oct/07/dave-chappelle-transgender-netflix-special-backlash |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028120744/https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/oct/07/dave-chappelle-transgender-netflix-special-backlash |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |access-date=2021-10-28 |website=The Guardian|first=Maya|last=Yang |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=After Dave Chappelle Visit, Some Duke Ellington Students And Parents Speak Out |url=https://wamu.org/story/21/12/06/dave-chappelle-visit-duke-ellington-students-parents/ |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=WAMU |language=en}}</ref> Simultaneously, Chappelle argued that he was not anti-transgender, bringing up his opposition to [[Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act|North Carolina's anti-transgender bathroom laws]] and his friendship with the late [[Daphne Dorman]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=2022-07-12 |title=Emmys Ready to Honor Another Dave Chappelle Special Filled With Transphobic Jokes |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/dave-chappelle-transphobic-jokes-the-closer-emmy-nomination-1381734/ |access-date=2022-07-18 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> The special was met with some backlash, including from students of Chappelle's alma mater [[Duke Ellington School of the Arts|Duke Ellington School]].<ref name=":2">{{cite web |last=Gerstmann |first=Evan |title=Dave Chappelle, Transphobia And Anti-Semitism |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/evangerstmann/2021/11/15/dave-chappelle-transphobia-and-anti-semitism/ |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> On October 20, Netflix employees [[2021 Netflix walkout|organized a walkout]] demonstrating their support of the transgender community and demanding that ''The Closer'' be taken off of Netflix.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carras |first=Christi |date=October 20, 2021 |title=Protesters demand accountability from Netflix after Chappelle backlash spurs walkout |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-10-20/netflix-employee-walkout-dave-chappelle-special |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Carras |first=Christi |date=October 20, 2021 |title=Fed up with Chappelle fallout, Netflix employees are leading a walkout today in L.A. |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-10-20/netflix-walkout-dave-chappelle-special-trans-employees}}</ref> CEO Ted Sarandos acknowledged that "storytelling has real impact in the real world" but refused to take down the special, stating that he "does not believe it falls into hate speech".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/dave-chappelle-netflix-ted-sarandos-i-screwed-up-1235093098/|title='I Screwed Up': Netflix's Ted Sarandos Addresses Dave Chappelle Fallout|first1=Matt|last1=Donnelly|date=October 20, 2021|access-date=October 20, 2021|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020144540/https://variety.com/2021/film/news/dave-chappelle-netflix-ted-sarandos-i-screwed-up-1235093098/|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2021, ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' lampooned the controversy during its [[Weekend Update]] segment, stating, "A Washington, D.C. art school is postponing renaming its theater, after alumni Dave Chappelle's Netflix controversy. Well, of course, because God forbid, you should name a building after someone problematic in Washington, D.C."<ref>{{Citation |title=Weekend Update: House Passes Build Back Better Bill - SNL | date=November 20, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPUQxxLBDfc |language=en |access-date=2022-07-18}}</ref> In summer of 2022, Chappelle announced that he would not give his name to the [[Duke Ellington School of the Arts|Duke Ellington School]] theater,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Dave Chappelle declines having Duke Ellington School theater named for him |language=en-US |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/06/20/dave-chappelle-duke-ellington-school-arts/ |access-date=2022-07-18 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> instead insisting it should be named the Theater for Artistic Freedom and Expression.<ref>{{cite news |author=AJ Willingham |title=Dave Chappelle says his former high school theater will no longer be named after him |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/21/entertainment/dave-chappelle-duke-ellington-school-naming/index.html |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=CNN|date=June 21, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Dave Chappelle Name Won't Go On Duke Ellington Theater In DC |url=https://dcist.com/story/22/06/21/duke-ellington-arts-school-dc-theater-naming-dave-chappelle/ |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=DCist |language=en |archive-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718233320/https://dcist.com/story/22/06/21/duke-ellington-arts-school-dc-theater-naming-dave-chappelle/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2022-06-22 |title=Dave Chappelle's Plot Twist |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/dave-chappelles-plot-twist/ |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=National Review|first=Madeleine|last=Kearns|language=en-US}}</ref>

''[[Dave Chappelle: Live in Real Life]]'', a documentary covering Chappelle's concerts in Yellow Springs during the COVID-19 pandemic, premiered at [[Tribeca Film Festival]] in June 2021,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/scene/news/dave-chappelle-tribeca-festival-radio-city-music-hall-1235001009/|title=Dave Chappelle Closes Out Tribeca Festival With Surprise Concert at Radio City|first1=Rebecca|last1=Rubin|date=June 20, 2021|access-date=November 3, 2021|archive-date=November 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103015533/https://variety.com/2021/scene/news/dave-chappelle-tribeca-festival-radio-city-music-hall-1235001009/|url-status=live}}</ref> followed by a series of roadshow events in the United States and [[Canada]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2021/11/05/dave-chappelle-untitled-tour-wows-fans-amid-netflix-controversy/6288536001/|title='It's been a hell of a few weeks': Dave Chappelle launches film tour, ignoring outrage over trans comments|first=Elizabeth|last=Weise|website=USA TODAY|access-date=November 22, 2021|archive-date=November 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120111300/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2021/11/05/dave-chappelle-untitled-tour-wows-fans-amid-netflix-controversy/6288536001/|url-status=live}}</ref> and a [[limited theatrical release]] on November 19, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemark.com/movies/dave-chappelle-live-in-real-life|title=Dave Chappelle: Live in Real Life Movie Tickets & Showtimes|website=www.cinemark.com|access-date=November 22, 2021|archive-date=November 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122033719/https://www.cinemark.com/movies/dave-chappelle-live-in-real-life|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the early hours of May 4, 2022, Chappelle was performing at the [[Hollywood Bowl]] in [[Los Angeles, California]], as part of the [[Netflix Is a Joke Festival]], where he was tackled onstage by a member of the audience, who was swiftly subdued by security. The attacker was later found to have been armed with a replica handgun containing a knife blade.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dave Chappelle tackled during Hollywood Bowl comedy show |url=https://apnews.com/article/dave-chappelle-attacked-comedy-show-8b49be83edd1b2329f277f01bf7e3382 |access-date=May 4, 2022 |agency=The Associated Press |date=May 4, 2022}}</ref> Chappelle's 4-night stint at the Hollywood Bowl ties him with [[Monty Python]] for the most headlined shows by a comedian at the venue.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gregory |first1=John |last2=staff |first2=ABC7 com |date=2022-05-04 |title=Dave Chappelle attacked: Video shows moment suspect tackles comedian at Hollywood Bowl |url=https://abc7.com/dave-chappelle-attacked-tackled-hollywood-bowl/11817178/ |access-date=2022-05-05 |website=ABC7 Los Angeles |language=en}}</ref>

On November 12, 2022, Chappelle hosted ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' for the third time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/11/13/dave-chappelle-snl-kanye-antisemitism/ |title=Dave Chappelle returns to SNL, jokes about Kanye and antisemitism |newspaper=The Washington Post|first=Annabelle|last=Timsit |date=2022-11-13 |accessdate=2022-11-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Arkin |first=Daniel |author-link=Daniel Arkin |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/dave-chappelle-hosting-snl-third-time-jokes-yes-antisemitic-comments-h-rcna56585 |title=Dave Chappelle, hosting 'SNL' for the third time, jokes about Ye's antisemitic comments and Herschel Walker |work=NBC News |date=2022-11-13 |accessdate=2022-11-14}}</ref> On February 5, 2023, he received his fourth [[Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album]] for ''[[The Closer (2021 film)|The Closer]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/dave-chappelle-grammy-netflix-the-closer-trans-controversy-1235316559/|title= Dave Chappelle Wins Grammy for Netflix Special Condemned for Being Transphobic|website= [[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date= February 5, 2023|accessdate= February 5, 2023}}</ref> On December 31, 2023, [[Netflix]] released Chappelle's latest special, ''[[Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer|The Dreamer]]'', which debuted at No. 5 on the chart with 2.2 million views.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/netflix-top-10-streaming-ratings-1235697082/|title= Netflix Top 10: Ricky Gervais' 'Armageddon' Debuts at No. 1 On English TV Chart, Dave Chappelle's 'Dreamer' Lands at No. 5|website= Variety|accessdate= January 2, 2023}}</ref> On January 18, 2025, Chappelle hosted ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' in its first show of 2025, marking Chappelle's fourth time hosting.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Gallaga |first=Omar L. |date=2025-01-19 |title='SNL' host Dave Chappelle weighs in on L.A. wildfires, Palestine and Trump |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2025-01-18/snl-recap-dave-chappelle-los-angeles |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> His 17-minute monologue included commentary on recent events, including the [[January 2025 Southern California wildfires]], [[Death and state funeral of Jimmy Carter|Jimmy Carter's death]], and [[2024 United States presidential election|Donald Trump's reelection]] to the United States presidency.<ref name=":4" />

=== Riyadh Comedy Festival ===
In September 2025, Chappelle participated in the [[Riyadh Comedy Festival]]. Joey Shea, Saudi Arabia researcher at [[Human Rights Watch]], said in a statement that the Saudi government is using the comedy festival to whitewash its human rights abuses.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-16 |title=Major U.S. comedians set to perform in Saudi Arabia urged not to help cover up "abuses of a repressive regime" - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/saudi-arabia-riyadh-comedy-festival-us-comedians-human-rights-abuses/ |access-date=2025-09-28 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-23 |title=Saudi Arabia: Riyadh Comedy Festival Whitewashes Abuses {{!}} Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/09/23/saudi-arabia-riyadh-comedy-festival-whitewashes-abuses |access-date=2025-09-28 |language=en}}</ref>

== Comeback controversies ==
In 2019, after the release of ''[[Sticks & Stones (2019 film)|Sticks & Stones]]'', Chappelle experienced backlash from critics and fans alike for his jokes on the LGBTQ+ community, the #MeToo movement, and Anthony Bourdain's suicide and for humorously defending [[Kevin Hart]] and [[Michael Jackson]], debuting with a 0% critics score on [[Rotten Tomatoes]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-09-03 |title=Dave Chappelle's Special Rated Low on Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.newsweek.com/dave-chappelles-netflix-special-sticks-stones-rated-zero-percent-rotten-tomatoes-1457458 |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref> However, the special ultimately received mixed reviews, with the audience having greater favorability towards it than critics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dave_chappelle_sticks_and_stones |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}}</ref>  

Chappelle's 2021 special, ''[[The Closer (2021 film)|The Closer]]'', includes a variety of material directed towards the [[LGBTQ people|LGBTQ+]] community, especially trans individuals. He labels himself "Team [[TERF (acronym)|TERF]]," likens trans women to [[blackface]], and compares [[Transgender|trans]] genitalia to plant-based meat.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Breaking Down the Controversy Around Dave Chapelle's Netflix Special 'The Closer'|url=https://time.com/6105951/dave-chappelle-netflix-controversy/|work=TIME|access-date=2025-11-28|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250524055034/https://time.com/6105951/dave-chappelle-netflix-controversy/|archive-date=2025-05-24|language=en|first=Andrew R.|last=Chow}}</ref> Towards the end of the special, he tells the story of fellow comedian and trans women [[Daphne Dorman]], explaining their friendship that resulted from a dialogue at a comedy show of Chappelle's. The special, alongside internal memos from [[Netflix]]'s Co-CEO, [[Ted Sarandos]],  received media backlash from critics, LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, resulting in a walkout protest at Netflix's LA office.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chow |first=Andrew R. |title=Breaking Down the Controversy Around Dave Chapelle's Netflix Special 'The Closer' |url=https://time.com/6105951/dave-chappelle-netflix-controversy/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250524055034/https://time.com/6105951/dave-chappelle-netflix-controversy/ |archive-date=2025-05-24 |access-date=2025-11-25 |work=TIME |language=en}}</ref> 

Later, in 2022, the comedy venue, [[First Avenue (nightclub)|First Avenue]], in [[Minneapolis|Minneapolis, MN]], cancelled a show of Chappelle's day of, citing backlash at the show's announcement and Chappelle's previous material on LGBTQ+ individuals. Instead, he performed at the city's [[Dinkytown|Varsity Theater]] that night.<ref>{{Cite news |title=U.S. venue cancels comedian Dave Chappelle's show following backlash |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-venue-cancels-comedian-dave-chappelles-show-following-backlash-2022-07-21/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230410121548/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-venue-cancels-comedian-dave-chappelles-show-following-backlash-2022-07-21/ |archive-date=2023-04-10 |access-date=2025-11-25 |work=Reuters |language=en-US}}</ref> Later that year, Chappelle hosted ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'', where his 15-minute-long monologue touched on growing feelings of [[Antisemitism|anti-semitism]] within popular culture. His approach to the topic was openly criticized by the [[Anti-Defamation League|Anti-Defamation League's]] National Director, [[Jonathan Greenblatt|Jonathon Greenblatt]], and other celebrities for downplaying [[Antisemitism|anti-semitic]] remarks made by [[Kanye West]] and [[Kyrie Irving]] while continuing anti-semitic tropes of Jewish people owning or controlling industries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dave Chappelle's SNL Monologue Elicits Backlash from Anti-Defamation League National Director |url=https://people.com/tv/dave-chappelle-saturday-night-live-monologue-anti-defamation-league/ |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=People.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Influences ==
In his interview with ''[[Inside the Actors Studio]]'' host [[James Lipton]], he said that his biggest influences in comedy are [[Richard Pryor]], [[Eddie Murphy]], [[Mort Sahl]], [[Chris Rock]], [[Paul Mooney (comedian)|Paul Mooney]], and [[Mel Blanc]].<ref name="InsideActorsStudio"/>

When asked about his earliest influence in comedy, Chappelle said:

{{blockquote|You know who was a big influence on me that is really weird is [[Bugs Bunny]]. That's just weird. If you watch a lot of the stuff I do, you can almost see the influence in it, because these animators would animate these performances that were off the hook, and the guy that, the guy that did the voices was [[Mel Blanc]]. This guy was like some kind of savant or genius or something. But they had some kind of real big comedic influence on me, like, I liked those cartoons, I think that was my first real big comedy influence, was a rabbit.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCFMhrmKUV8 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211024/jCFMhrmKUV8| archive-date=2021-10-24|title=Dave Chappelle's Comedy Influenced By Bugs Bunny (2006) |publisher=art/research| via = [[YouTube]] |date=July 3, 2015 |access-date=March 30, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>}}

When asked about the biggest influence on him in comedy, Chappelle spoke of Richard Pryor:

{{blockquote|What a precedent he set—not just as a comic, but as a person. The fact that someone could open themselves up so completely is incredible. It’s hard enough to speak honestly in front of people, or even to be vulnerable with your closest friends. But to expose everything to the world—I freebase, I beat my women, I shot my car—and still have people respond without anger? They understood him. Somehow, they just understood. And when I was going through everything this year, his example was what I held onto. It gave me the courage to step back onstage.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=Vfw3lRZRPjs | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211024/Vfw3lRZRPjs| archive-date=2021-10-24|title=Dave Chappelle - Richard Pryor Influence |publisher= art/research| via = [[YouTube]] |date=December 3, 2015 |access-date=March 30, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>}}

== Awards and accolades ==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Dave Chappelle}}

Chappelle has received many awards and nominations for his work in stand-up and television including three consecutive [[Grammy Awards]] for [[Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album|Best Comedy Album]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/dave-chappelle/187041|title=Dave Chappelle: Grammys|website=[[The Recording Academy]]|access-date=May 24, 2020|archive-date=August 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815111253/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/dave-chappelle/187041|url-status=live}}</ref> He has also received five [[Primetime Emmy Award]]s and one [[Screen Actors Guild Award]] nomination along with the ensemble of ''[[A Star Is Born (2018 film)|A Star Is Born]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.emmys.com/bios/dave-chappelle|title=Dave Chappelle: Emmys|website=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]|access-date=May 24, 2020|archive-date=December 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229103044/https://www.emmys.com/bios/dave-chappelle|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.vulture.com/2018/12/oscars-2019-a-star-is-born-leads-sag-nominations.html|title= A Star Is Born, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Ozark Lead SAG Nominations|website= [[Vulture (magazine)|Vulture]]|date= December 12, 2018|access-date= May 24, 2020|archive-date= January 28, 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210128090252/https://www.vulture.com/2018/12/oscars-2019-a-star-is-born-leads-sag-nominations.html|url-status= live}}</ref>

In 2017, Columbia, South Carolina, Mayor Steven Benjamin declared February 3 "Dave Chappelle Day" when Chappelle spoke at the Chappelle Auditorium at Allen University, a building named after his great-grandfather, Bishop William David Chappelle, who worked at the university.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gaither|first1=Tanita|title=Comedian Dave Chappelle gets honor from the City of Columbia|url=https://www.wistv.com/story/34423525/comedian-dave-chappelle-gets-honor-from-the-city-of-columbia/.html|date=Feb 3, 2017|website=[[WIS (TV)|WISTV News]]|access-date=Nov 27, 2020|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024185348/https://www.wistv.com/story/34423525/comedian-dave-chappelle-gets-honor-from-the-city-of-columbia/.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2019, Chappelle was awarded the [[Mark Twain Prize for American Humor]] at the [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts]].<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.npr.org/2019/10/28/773979675/the-best-part-of-the-first-amendment-dave-chappelle-accepts-mark-twain-prize|title= 'The Best Part Of The First Amendment': Dave Chappelle Accepts Mark Twain Prize|first= Elizabeth|last= Blair|website= [[PBS]]|date= October 28, 2019|access-date= May 24, 2020|archive-date= August 9, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200809123242/https://www.npr.org/2019/10/28/773979675/the-best-part-of-the-first-amendment-dave-chappelle-accepts-mark-twain-prize|url-status= live}}</ref> Those to honor Chappelle at the event included [[Jon Stewart]], [[Bradley Cooper]], [[Aziz Ansari]], [[Sarah Silverman]], [[Chris Tucker]], [[Frederic Yonnet]] and [[Lorne Michaels]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Itzkoff|first1=Dave|title=Dave Chappelle to Receive Mark Twain Prize for Humor|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/07/arts/television/dave-chappelle-mark-twain-prize.html|date=May 7, 2019|website=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=May 8, 2019|archive-date=May 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508091015/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/07/arts/television/dave-chappelle-mark-twain-prize.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The award ceremony was turned into a television special and released on [[Netflix]] and received a [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)]] nomination.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.okayplayer.com/news/dave-chappelle-tribute-on-netflix.html|title= Dave Chappelle's Star-Studded Mark Twain Prize Tribute Is Now Streaming On Netflix|website= [[Okayplayer]]|first= Elijah C.|last= Watson|date= April 2020|access-date= May 24, 2020|archive-date= July 3, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200703193122/https://www.okayplayer.com/news/dave-chappelle-tribute-on-netflix.html|url-status= live}}</ref>

His work, as well as that of [[Margaret Cho]], was also the subject of a book by Canadian [[dramaturge|dramaturg]] Elizabeth Ludwig, ''American Stand-Up and Sketch Comedy'', that was published at the end of 2010.<ref name="Ludwig2007">{{cite book|author=Elizabeth Janet Ludwig|title=American Stand-up and Sketch Comedy: Between Race and Gender. The Works of Dave Chappelle and Margaret Cho|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZAcJOAAACAAJ|year=2007|publisher=University of Alberta (Canada)|isbn=978-0-494-29890-9|access-date=October 21, 2016|archive-date=March 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323173532/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZAcJOAAACAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Activism and advocacy==

===Philanthropy===
In 2004, he donated his time to [[Seeds of Peace]] International Camp, a camp located in [[Otisfield, Maine]], which brings together young leaders from communities in conflict.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.seedsofpeace.org/nba-stars-to-hold-basketball-clinic-for-middle-east-youth-at-seeds-of-peace-international-camp/|title=Dave Chappelle to Emcee NBA Basketball Clinic|date=July 21, 2004|location=Otisfield, Maine|publisher=Seeds of Peace|access-date=May 3, 2017|archive-date=November 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115082828/https://www.seedsofpeace.org/nba-stars-to-hold-basketball-clinic-for-middle-east-youth-at-seeds-of-peace-international-camp/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Chappelle supports his high school, [[Duke Ellington School of the Arts]]. He has financially contributed to the school over the years, visited and gave a [[commencement speech]].<ref name="auto2">{{cite news| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/the-education-of-dave-chappelle-how-a-dc-arts-school-prepared-him-for-stardom/2017/11/08/99f28046-adc5-11e7-a908-a3470754bbb9_story.html| title = The education of Dave Chappelle: How a D.C. arts school prepared him for stardom - The Washington Post| newspaper = [[The Washington Post]]| access-date = December 1, 2021| archive-date = May 4, 2022| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220504125700/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/the-education-of-dave-chappelle-how-a-dc-arts-school-prepared-him-for-stardom/2017/11/08/99f28046-adc5-11e7-a908-a3470754bbb9_story.html| url-status = live}}</ref> During his acceptance speech at the [[69th Primetime Emmy Awards|2017 Emmy Awards]], Chappelle gave a [[shout out|shout-out]] to [[District of Columbia Public Schools|D.C. Public Schools]].<ref name="auto2"/> In November 2021, the school was set to rename their auditorium in Chappelle's honor. Following controversy in response to jokes made in ''The Closer'', the renaming ceremony was delayed until April 2022.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/11/12/dave-chappelle-duke-ellington-theater-renaming-postponed/| title = Dave Chappelle's Netflix comments prompt Duke Ellington school to postpone renaming of theater - The Washington Post| newspaper = [[The Washington Post]]| access-date = December 1, 2021| archive-date = November 13, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211113114638/https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/11/12/dave-chappelle-duke-ellington-theater-renaming-postponed/| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Gathright|first=Jenny|date=2021-11-15|title=Duke Ellington high school delays naming its theater after Dave Chappelle|url=https://www.npr.org/local/305/2021/11/15/1055788938/duke-ellington-high-school-delays-naming-its-theater-after-dave-chappelle|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-01|website=NPR.org|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117003310/https://www.npr.org/local/305/2021/11/15/1055788938/duke-ellington-high-school-delays-naming-its-theater-after-dave-chappelle |archive-date=November 17, 2021 }}</ref> Instead, Chappelle made an unannounced stop at the school to host a [[school assembly]] and Q&A session, asking only students who had an issue with Chappelle to come forward to ask questions.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|last1=Parker|first1=Ryan|date=November 29, 2021|title=Dave Chappelle's High School to Rename Theater After Comic Regardless of Fundraising Contest Outcome|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/dave-chappelle-duke-ellington-school-rename-theater-after-comic-1235054038/|url-status=live|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129183045/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/dave-chappelle-duke-ellington-school-rename-theater-after-comic-1235054038/ |archive-date=November 29, 2021 }}</ref> Following the assembly, the school decided to go forward with renaming the auditorium, respecting the wishes of school co-founder [[Peggy Cooper Cafritz]].<ref name="auto1"/>

===Politics===

Chappelle endorsed [[Andrew Yang]] in the [[2020 United States presidential election]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/478194-dave-chappelle-endorses-andrew-yang-in-democratic-primary|title=Dave Chappelle endorses Andrew Yang in Democratic primary|work=The Hill|date=January 14, 2020|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115080808/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/478194-dave-chappelle-endorses-andrew-yang-in-democratic-primary|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2021, Chappelle told the [[Yellow Springs, Ohio]], village council that he would cancel his planned business investments, including his restaurant and comedy club, if it approved a zoning change to allow a multifamily affordable housing project. The affordable housing had been negotiated between the village and the developer as a condition of approval for its plan to build 143 single-unit homes. Chapelle stated that he is not against affordable housing; he is against "the poorly vetted, cookie-cutter, sprawl-style development deal which has little regard for the community, culture and infrastructure of the village".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/feb/11/dave-chappelle-ohio-comedy-club-affordable-housing | title=Dave Chappelle says he did not oppose hometown affordable housing plan | newspaper=The Guardian | date=February 11, 2022 }}</ref> On February 7, 2022, he again spoke up against the zoning change at the council meeting held to vote on the approval, calling the council "clowns" and reminding them that his business was worth $65 million a year. The council failed to approve the change, deadlocking at 2–2, with one recusal.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McClory |first1=Eileen |title=VIDEO: Yellow Springs votes no on housing plan after Chappelle, others speak up |url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/video-yellow-springs-votes-no-on-housing-plan-after-chappelle-others-speak-up/WFSD7UXAYVECLOFCZPWU4IV4FE/ |access-date=9 February 2022 |work=Dayton Daily News |date=8 February 2022 |language=English |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209184610/https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/video-yellow-springs-votes-no-on-housing-plan-after-chappelle-others-speak-up/WFSD7UXAYVECLOFCZPWU4IV4FE/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Fitzsimons|first=Tim|date=February 9, 2022|title=Ohio village scraps plan with affordable housing after Dave Chappelle threatens to pull his businesses|work=[[NBC News]]|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/ohio-town-scraps-plan-affordable-housing-dave-chappelle-threatens-pull-rcna15576|access-date=February 9, 2022|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210000730/https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/ohio-town-scraps-plan-affordable-housing-dave-chappelle-threatens-pull-rcna15576|url-status=live}}</ref> 

During an October 19, 2023 show in Boston, Chappelle described Israel's actions during the [[Gaza war]] as war crimes.<ref name=":3">{{cite news |title=Dave Chappelle comments on Israel-Hamas war trigger walkout of Boston show |agency=CBS Boston |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/dave-chappelle-comments-on-israel-hamas-war-trigger-walkout-of-boston-show/ar-AA1iHjst |access-date=2023-10-23}}</ref> Chappelle also condemned the United States for aiding [[Israel]] and [[Hamas]] for the [[October 7 attacks]].<ref name=":3" /> The audience reaction to Chappelle's statements was mixed; some audience members cheered, some heckled, and others walked out.<ref name=":3" /> In May 2024, in an appearance in [[Abu Dhabi]], Chappelle said that "genocide is striking the Gaza Strip amid the Israel-Hamas war", while urging Americans to fight antisemitism so Jews do not feel like they need to be protected by Israel.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gambrell|first=Jon| url=https://apnews.com/article/dave-chappelle-israel-hamas-war-gaza-48cab01d70064d6e8c1045d961ed7c1f |title=Dave Chappelle says there's a 'genocide' in the Gaza Strip as Israel-Hamas war rages on there|date=May 23, 2024|work=Associated Press News}}</ref> During his January 19, 2025, ''Saturday Night Live'' monologue, he exhorted President [[Donald Trump]]: "Whether they like you or not, they're all counting on you. Please do better next time. Do not forget your humanity and please have empathy for displaced people, whether they're in the [[Palisades Fire|Palisades]] or [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict|Palestine]]".<ref>{{cite news|title= Dave Chappelle urges Trump to have empathy for displaced people 'in the Palisades or Palestine'|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/film-tv/2025/01/19/dave-chappelle-palestine-snl-trump/|work=The National|date=19 January 2025}}</ref>

Chapelle headlined a campaign event for actor [[Hill Harper]], who was running against Congresswoman [[Elissa Slotkin]] in the Democratic primary ahead of [[2024 United States Senate election in Michigan|Michigan's 2024 U.S. Senate election]], at [[Saint Andrew's Hall (Detroit)|Saint Andrews Hall]] in [[Detroit]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.metrotimes.com/news/dave-chappelle-to-headline-detroit-fundraiser-for-progressive-us-senate-candidate-hill-harper-36700140 | title=Dave Chappelle to headline Detroit fundraiser for progressive U.S. Senate candidate Hill Harper | date=July 3, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2024/07/02/dave-chappelle-headlining-event-for-senate-hopeful-harper-in-detroit/74284654007/ | title=Dave Chappelle headlining fundraiser for Senate hopeful Hill Harper in Detroit }}</ref>

== Personal life ==
=== Family and marriage ===
His great-grandfather Bishop [[William D. Chappelle]], born into slavery in 1857, served as a president of [[Allen University]] and led a delegation of African Americans who met President [[Woodrow Wilson]] at the [[White House]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thestate.com/news/local/article130740989.html|title=Comedian Dave Chappelle given keys to city|work=thestate|access-date=2017-03-20|language=en|archive-date=March 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321083146/http://www.thestate.com/news/local/article130740989.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=8:46 - Dave Chappelle| date=June 11, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tR6mKcBbT4| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211024/3tR6mKcBbT4| archive-date=2021-10-24|access-date=June 16, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> His grand-uncle [[W. D. Chappelle Jr.]] was a physician and surgeon who opened the People's Infirmary around 1915, a small hospital and surgery practice in [[Columbia, South Carolina]], when segregation prevented many African Americans from having access to healthcare.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.postandcourier.com/free-times/opinion/citywatch-on-columbia-s-historic-black-health-care-facilities/article_9d05fdf8-a314-11e9-ae10-7f03bb6a5428.html|title=CityWatch: On Columbia's Historic Black Health Care Facilities|first=Kevin|last=Fisher|website=Post and Courier|date=July 10, 2019 |access-date=June 13, 2020|archive-date=June 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613013038/https://www.postandcourier.com/free-times/opinion/citywatch-on-columbia-s-historic-black-health-care-facilities/article_9d05fdf8-a314-11e9-ae10-7f03bb6a5428.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Chappelle married Elaine Mendoza Erfe in 2001.<ref name="esquire"/> The couple have two sons<ref name="fears">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7773670/site/newsweek/ |title=Fears of a Clown |magazine=[[Newsweek]] |first=Devin |last=Gordon |date=May 16, 2005 |access-date=2007-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205143048/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7773670/site/newsweek/ |archive-date=2007-02-05 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/content/node/22774 |title=The sixth man |work=[[The A.V. Club]] |first=Joshua |last=Klein |date=March 7, 2001 |access-date=2007-03-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008183820/http://www.avclub.com/content/node/22774 |archive-date=2007-10-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kids of Chappelle Family - Sanaa Chappelle, Ibrahim Chappelle, and Sulayman Chappelle |url=https://www.celebtattler.com/sonal-chappelle-ibrahim-chappelle-sulayman-chappelle/ |access-date=19 May 2019 |date=2018-05-27 |archive-date=May 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528165836/http://www.celebtattler.com/sonal-chappelle-ibrahim-chappelle-sulayman-chappelle |url-status=live }}</ref> and one daughter. They live on a {{convert|65|acre|ha|adj=on|abbr=off}} farm<ref name="InsideActorsStudio"/><ref name=freedom/> near [[Yellow Springs, Ohio]].<ref name="MTV"/> Chappelle also owned several houses in [[Xenia, Ohio]]. He told Yellow Springs' residents in September 2006, "Turns out you don't need $50 million to live around these parts, just a nice smile and a kind way about you. You guys are the best neighbors ever. That's why I came back and that's why I'm staying."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-09-11-chappelle-ohio_x.htm|title=Chappelle plans to stay in Ohio town|agency=Associated Press|work=[[USA Today]]|date=September 11, 2006|access-date=March 21, 2007|archive-date=June 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626023000/http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-09-11-chappelle-ohio_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Faith and beliefs ===
Chappelle converted to [[Islam]] when he was 17. He told ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine in May 2005, "I don't normally talk about my religion publicly because I don't want people to associate me and my flaws with this beautiful thing. And I believe it is beautiful if you learn it the right way."<ref name="Time"/> Chappelle appears in a video explaining the religious history of the [[Zamzam Well|Well of Zamzam]] in Mecca.<ref>{{cite AV media | date = May 25, 2017 | title = Dave Chappelle talks Muslim beliefs Zam Zam | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlpgjWst9cE | access-date = November 1, 2019 | publisher = West Dawn Media | via = [[YouTube]]}}</ref> He has also explained that his faith helped him use his career to benefit people.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saeed |first=Saeed |date=2020-10-28 |title='It's a beautiful religion': Dave Chappelle discusses his Muslim faith in Netflix interview with David Letterman |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/television/it-s-a-beautiful-religion-dave-chappelle-discusses-his-muslim-faith-in-netflix-interview-with-david-letterman-1.1099586 |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref>

==Filmography==

===Film===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
|rowspan=2| 1993
| ''[[Robin Hood: Men in Tights]]''
| Ah-Choo
|
|-
| ''[[Undercover Blues]]''
| Ozzie
|
|-
| 1994
| ''[[Getting In]]''
| Ron
|
|-
|rowspan=2| 1996
| ''[[The Nutty Professor (1996 film)|The Nutty Professor]]''
| Reggie Warrington
|
|-
| ''[[Joe's Apartment]]''
| Cockroach (voice)
| 
|-
|rowspan=4| 1997
| ''[[Con Air]]''
| Joe "Pinball" Parker
|
|-
| ''[[The Real Blonde]]''
| Zee
|
|-
| ''Damn Whitey''
| Dave
| Short 
|-
| ''Bowl of Pork''
| Black Forrest Gump
| Short 
|-
|rowspan=3| 1998
| ''[[Half Baked]]''
| Thurgood Jenkins/Sir Smoke-a-Lot
| 
|-
| ''[[Woo (film)|Woo]]''
| Lenny
|
|-
| ''[[You've Got Mail]]''
| Kevin Jackson
|
|-
|rowspan=2| 1999
| ''[[200 Cigarettes]]''
| Disco Cabbie
|
|-
| ''[[Blue Streak (film)|Blue Streak]]''
| Tulley
|
|-
| 2000
| ''[[Screwed (2000 film)|Screwed]]''
| Rusty P. Hayes
|
|-
| 2002
| ''[[Undercover Brother]]''
| Conspiracy Brother
|
|-
| 2015
| ''[[Chi-Raq]]''
| Morris
|
|-
| 2018
| ''[[A Star Is Born (2018 film)|A Star Is Born]]''
| George 'Noodles' Stone
|
|}

===Television===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
| 1992–1995
| ''[[Def Comedy Jam]]''
| Himself
| 2 episodes
|-
| 1995
| ''[[Home Improvement (TV series)|Home Improvement]]''
| Dave
| Episode: "Talk to Me"
|-
| 1996
| ''[[Buddies (TV series)|Buddies]]''
| Dave Carlisle
| 14 episodes, lead role
|-
| rowspan=2 |1997
| ''[[Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist]]''
| Dave
| Voice, episode: "Electric Bike"
|-
| ''[[Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child]]''
| Spider
| Episode: "Mother Goose" (voice) 
|-
| rowspan=2|1998
| ''[[The Larry Sanders Show]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Pilots and Pens Lost"
|-
| ''[[HBO Comedy Half-Hour]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Dave Chappelle"
|-
| 2002–2007
| ''[[Crank Yankers]]''
| Francis, Shavin (voice)
| 2 episodes 
|-
| 2003
| ''[[Wanda at Large]]''
| Vincent
| Episode: "The Favor"
|-
| 2003–2006
| ''[[Chappelle's Show]]''
| Himself (host)
| 28 episodes; also co-creator, writer, and executive producer
|-
| 2016–2025
| ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''
| Himself (host)
| 4 episodes
|-
| 2025
| ''[[Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special|SNL50: Anniversary Special]]''
| Himself
| Television special
|-
|}

===Music video===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Song
! Artist
! Role
|-
| 2000
| "[[Oooh.]]"
| [[De La Soul]] featuring [[Redman (rapper)|Redman]]
| Doorman
|}

===Stand-up specials===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!scope="col"| Year
!scope="col"| Title
!scope="col"| Platform
!Type
!class=unsortable |Ref.
|-
| 2000
| ''[[Dave Chappelle: Killin' Them Softly|Killin' Them Softly]]''
| [[HBO]]
| rowspan="7" |[[Stand-up comedy]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.nydailynews.com/joker-mild-dave-chappelle-killin-softly-hbo-special-article-1.884891|title= The joker's mild Dave Chappelle is 'Killin' Them Softly' in HBO special|website= New York Daily News|date= August 5, 2000|access-date= April 5, 2020|archive-date= June 28, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200628044335/https://www.nydailynews.com/joker-mild-dave-chappelle-killin-softly-hbo-special-article-1.884891|url-status= live}}</ref>
|-
| 2004
| ''For What It's Worth''
| [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]]
| <ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dave_chappelle_for_what_its_worth|title= Dave chappelle: for what it's worth|website= Rotten Tomatoes|access-date= April 5, 2020|archive-date= December 9, 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171209115003/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dave_chappelle_for_what_its_worth|url-status= live}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan=4 |2017
| ''The Age of Spin''
| rowspan=5|[[Netflix]]
|rowspan=2|<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/3/22/15010446/dave-chappelle-netflix-specials-review-age-spin-heart-texas|title= Dave Chappelle's new Netflix specials reveal a comic who knows he's out of touch but is willing to talk it out|website= Vox|date= March 22, 2017|access-date= April 5, 2020|archive-date= April 4, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200404050526/https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/3/22/15010446/dave-chappelle-netflix-specials-review-age-spin-heart-texas|url-status= live}}</ref>
|-
| ''Deep in the Heart of Texas''
|-
| ''Equanimity''
|rowspan=2|<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.vulture.com/2018/01/dave-chappelle-netflix-special-review-equanimity-bird-revelation.html|title= Dave Chappelle Is Mostly Disappointing in His New Netflix Specials|website= Variety|date= January 3, 2018|access-date= April 5, 2020|archive-date= February 20, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200220072832/https://www.vulture.com/2018/01/dave-chappelle-netflix-special-review-equanimity-bird-revelation.html|url-status= live}}</ref>
|-
| ''The Bird Revelation''
|-
| 2019
| ''[[Sticks & Stones (2019 film)|Sticks & Stones]]''
|<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.vox.com/2019/8/29/20835637/dave-chappelle-netflix-special-hidden-ending-cancel-culture|title= Dave Chappelle's Netflix special Sticks & Stones targets Michael Jackson's accusers, #MeToo, and cancel culture|website= Vox|date= August 29, 2019|access-date= April 5, 2020|archive-date= March 31, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200331232004/https://www.vox.com/2019/8/29/20835637/dave-chappelle-netflix-special-hidden-ending-cancel-culture|url-status= live}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan=2 |2020
| ''[[8:46 (special)|8:46]]''
| [[YouTube]]
| rowspan="3"|Performance speech
|<ref name="cnn846">{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/12/entertainment/dave-chappelle-netflix-floyd-trnd/index.html |title=Dave Chappelle drops Hard-Hitting '8:46' Special |last=France |first=Lisa Respers |publisher=CNN |date=June 12, 2020 |access-date=June 12, 2020 |language=en-US |archive-date=June 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612175334/https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/12/entertainment/dave-chappelle-netflix-floyd-trnd/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| ''Unforgiven''
| rowspan=2|[[IGTV]]
|<ref name="complex">{{cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/dave-chappelle-show-viacomcbs-comedy-central-timeline/ |title=Unforgiven: A Timeline of Dave Chappelle's Falling-Out With ViacomCBS Over 'Chappelle's Show' |last=Goodman |first=William |website=Complex |date=June 12, 2020 |access-date=November 25, 2020 |language=en-US |archive-date=November 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125174427/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/dave-chappelle-show-viacomcbs-comedy-central-timeline/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan=2 |2021
| ''Redemption Song''
|<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/tv/dave-chappelle-reveals-chappelle-show-returning-netflix/ |title=Dave Chappelle announces Chappelle's Show is returning to Netflix in surprise new clip |last=Yang |first=Rachel |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=February 12, 2021 |access-date=February 12, 2021 |language=en-US |archive-date=February 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212072706/https://ew.com/tv/dave-chappelle-reveals-chappelle-show-returning-netflix/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| ''[[The Closer (2021 film)|The Closer]]''
| rowspan=4|[[Netflix]]
| rowspan=1|[[Stand-up comedy]]
|<ref>{{cite web|last=Haylock|first=Zoe|date=2021-09-30|title=Dave Chappelle Allegedly Has Something Funny to Say in The Closer Teaser|url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/09/watch-the-teaser-for-netflixs-dave-chappelle-the-closer.html|access-date=2021-10-01|website=Vulture|language=en-us|archive-date=October 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001211446/https://www.vulture.com/2021/09/watch-the-teaser-for-netflixs-dave-chappelle-the-closer.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2022
| ''What's in a Name?''
|Acceptance speech
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Dave Chappelle: What's In A Name? |url=https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81625055 |website=netflix.com |access-date=July 9, 2022}}</ref>
|-
|2023
| ''[[The Dreamer (2023 film)|The Dreamer]]''
| rowspan=2|[[Stand-up comedy]]
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Dave Chappelle: Dave Chappelle to air new Netflix special two years after The Closer ignited trans row |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/comedy/news/dave-chappelle-new-netflix-special-2023-b2459809.html |website=www.independent.co.uk |date=December 7, 2023 |access-date=December 7, 2023}}</ref>
|-
|2025
| ''The Unstoppable''
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=2025-12-24 |title=Dave Chappelle’s “Repeated Expressions Of Support” For Sean Combs In ‘Unstoppable’ Special Leaves Sexual Battery Accuser “Unsettled” |url=https://deadline.com/2025/12/sean-combs-accuser-dave-chappelle-unstoppable-netflix-1236656092/ |access-date=2025-12-26 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>
|}

===Documentary===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
|-
| 2001
| ''Open Mic''
|-
| 2003
| ''[[Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet]]''
|-
| 2004
| ''Sex and the City: A Farewell''
|-
| 2006
| ''[[Dave Chappelle's Block Party]]''
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy]]''
|-
| 2013
| ''[[Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic]]''
|-
| 2017
| ''Def Comedy Jam 25''
|-
| 2018
| ''[[Quincy (film)|Quincy]]''
|-
| 2019
| ''Devil's Pie''
|-
|rowspan=2| 2021
| ''[[The One and Only Dick Gregory]]''
|-
| ''[[Dave Chappelle: Live in Real Life]]''
|-
|2025
|''Being Eddie''
|}

== Discography ==

=== Live albums ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of extended plays with selected details
! scope="col" style="width:13em;" | Title
! scope="col" style="width:24em;" | Details
|-
! scope="row"| ''8: 46''<br />{{small|(with Amir Sulaiman)}}
|
* Released: September 3, 2021
* Label: [[Third Man Records|Third Man]]
* Format: LP, digital download, streaming
|}

=== Other charted songs ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of songs, with selected chart positions, showing year charted and album name
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year
! scope="col" colspan="7"| Peak chart positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album
|-
!style="width:3em; font-size:90%"| [[Billboard Hot 100|US]]<br /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/travis-scott/chart-history/hsi/|title=Travis Scott Chart History: Billboard Hot 100|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=August 8, 2023}}</ref>
!style="width:3em; font-size:90%"| [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|US<br />R&B<br />/HH]]<br /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/travis-scott/chart-history/bsi/|title=Travis Scott Chart History: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 8, 2023}}</ref>
!style="width:3em; font-size:90%"| [[Hot Rap Songs|US Rap]]<br /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/travis-scott/chart-history/rap/|title=Travis Scott Chart History: Hot Rap Songs|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 8, 2023}}</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[ARIA Charts|AUS]]<br /><ref>{{cite magazine|title=The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 7 August 2023|magazine=The ARIA Report|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|issue=1744|pages=3–4|date=August 7, 2023}}</ref>
!style="width:3em; font-size:90%"|[[Canadian Hot 100|CAN]]<br /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/travis-scott/chart-history/can/|title=Travis Scott Chart History: Canadian Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 8, 2023}}</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|FRA]]<br /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://lescharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Dave+Chappelle|title=Discographie Dave Chappelle|website=Lescharts.com|access-date=August 7, 2023}}</ref>
!style="width:3em; font-size:90%"|[[Billboard Global 200|WW]]<br /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/travis-scott/chart-history/glo/|title=Travis Scott Chart History: Global 200|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 8, 2023}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| "Parasail"<br />{{small|([[Travis Scott]] featuring [[Yung Lean]] and Dave Chappelle)}}
| 2023
| 54 || 23 || 22 || 91 || 46 || 92 || 55
| ''[[Utopia (Travis Scott album)|Utopia]]''
|}

== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|d=Q40321|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|s=no|wikt=no|mw=no|species=no|m=no}}
* {{IMDb name|id=0152638}}
* [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0607/07/acd.01.html "Transcripts: Interview with Dave Chappelle"]. ''[[Anderson Cooper 360]]'', July 7, 2006. [[CNN]].
* {{Cite news |title=Dave Chapelle [sic] |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5540951 |work=[[Fresh Air]] |publisher=[[NPR]] |date=July 7, 2006}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170714202807/http://www.believermag.com/issues/201310/?read=article_ghansah "If He Hollers Let Him Go"]. ''[[The Believer (magazine)|The Believer]]'', October 2013. ''[[Rachel Kaadzi Ghansah]]''.

{{Dave Chappelle|state=collapsed}}
{{navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Dave Chappelle|Awards for Dave Chappelle]]
|list =
{{Black Reel Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series}}
{{EmmyAward ComedyGuestActor}}
{{EmmyAward VarietySpecialWriting}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album}}
{{Mark Twain Prize for American Humor}}
{{NAACP Image Award – President's Award}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chappelle, Dave}}
[[Category:Dave Chappelle| ]]
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:20th-century American comedians]]
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[[Category:Primetime Emmy Award winners]]
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[[Category:Third Man Records artists]]