Eddie Griffin

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Eddie Griffin ranks number sixty-two on Comedy Central’s list of the 100 Greatest Standups of All-Time. Although Griffin’s first love as a kid was dancing, it was clear he was destined for a career in comedy after being voted high school class clown for three straight years. Griffin’s cousin dared him to go on stage for three minutes at a Kansas City comedy club – where Griffin subsequently performed off-the-cuff for forty-five minutes – and the rest is history.

After moving to Los Angeles, Griffin immediately became a regular at the famous Comedy Store and was soon tagged to open for Andrew Dice Clay on a twenty-two-city tour. TV specials followed, including Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam (1992) and HBO Comedy Half Hour Special (1995), among many others. Griffin then branched out into acting and appeared in hit comedies like The Last Boy Scout and Coneheads before landing a lead role in the successful TV show Malcom & Eddie.

Griffin’s comedy albums Message in the Hat (1993) and Message (1999) are comedic staples. Griffin is an NAACP Image Award winner for Best Actor in a Comedic Series, has performed and worked with the likes of Eddie Murphy, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg, and continues to be one of the most influential comedians on the stage today.