Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of African American comedy in America, from the earliest minstrel shows to the latest HBO special. Featuring interviews with cultural critics and loads of comedic clips, this program features appearances by a who's-who of black comedians including Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg and many more.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Franklyn AjayeSelf | Self |
 Angela BassettNarrator (voice) | Narrator (voice) |
 Bill BellamySelf | Self |
 Todd BoydSelf | Self |
 Jeff ClanaganSelf | Self |
 Bill CosbySelf | Self |
 Stanley CrouchSelf | Self |
 Elijah CummingsSelf | Self |
 Tommy DavidsonSelf | Self |
 Michael Eric DysonSelf | Self |
| WWalter FauntroySelf | Self |
| SShang ForbesSelf | Self |
 Marla GibbsSelf | Self |
 Louis Gossett Jr.Self | Self |
 Dick GregorySelf | Self |
 Eddie GriffinSelf | Self |
 Steve HarveySelf | Self |
 D.L. HughleySelf | Self |
| SSheila Jackson LeeSelf | Self |
| EEddie LevertHimself | Himself |
 Faizon LoveSelf | Self |
| KKweisi MfumeSelf | Self |
 Kel MitchellSelf | Self |
 Mo'NiqueSelf | Self |
 Paul MooneySelf | Self |
 Garrett MorrisSelf | Self |
 Charlie MurphySelf | Self |
 Niecy NashSelf | Self |
 Reynaldo ReySelf | Self |
 Chris RockSelf | Self |