Why haven't recent comedians become famous actors?

[daboywonder2002]

Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Jamie Foxx, Martin Lawrence, Kevin Hart(?). It wasn't that long ago where being a comedian made you a shoe in for movie roles. Most even became movie stars with leading roles. I know that most comedians today use social media and make their own content. But it just seems like Kevin Hart was the last comedian to really grind and become a movie star. Dc Young fly, Desi Banks, Druski all have a huge following. The one reason I can think of is the 80s and 90s actors had more range. Chris Rock in New Jack city. Martin Lawrence in bad boys. (He was funny but he showed he could do action as well).

 

[I love Latina women]

they lack the talent

 

[Jaguar93]

Different times comedies aren’t even big in theaters anymore. They’re on streaming services now.

 

[jdubnyce]

Theyre not funny

 

[Sonny Bonds]

What Black comedies have the studios made in the last few years? It’s not a genre they see as profitable anymore.

And they tried elevating non-Black YouTubers in the 2010s and it didn’t work out for them

 

[Jaguar93]

What Black comedies have the studios made in the last few years? It’s not a genre they see as profitable anymore.

And they tried elevating non-Black YouTubers in the 2010s and it didn’t work out for them

I think the blackening in 2022

 

[Ed MOTHERFUCKING G]

Different times comedies aren’t even big in theaters anymore. They’re on streaming services now.

This. Traditional box office comedies aren't flourishing now. Streaming specials, TV and streaming (shows and movies) are their path.

 

[daboywonder2002]

What Black comedies have the studios made in the last few years? It’s not a genre they see as profitable anymore.

And they tried elevating non-Black YouTubers in the 2010s and it didn’t work out for them

Yea but you shouldn't even need a black comedy to show case your skills. Rush hour wasn't a black comedy. Chris tucker found a way to shine throughout. Mike epps in resident evil. Or you can look at black comedians that shined in other genres. Chris Rock- Pookie. Jamie Foxx- Any given sunday, Ray, Malcom X. Although Jamie is in a league of his own as an actor. Bad boys was an action comedy movie where Martin showed his range.

 

[Sonny Bonds]

Different times comedies aren’t even big in theaters anymore. They’re on streaming services now.

This is what I meant and also that they’ve got a bigger hurdle being Black in Hollywood.

Those days of Apatow, Seth Rogan, or Vince Vaughan movies doing numbers are gone.

Yea but you shouldn't even need a black comedy to show case your skills. Rush hour wasn't a black comedy. Chris tucker found a way to shine throughout. Mike epps in resident evil. Or you can look at black comedians that shined in other genres. Chris Rock- Pookie. Jamie Foxx- Any given sunday, Ray, Malcom X. Although Jamie is in a league of his own as an actor. Bad boys was an action comedy movie where Martin showed his range.

Those guys didn’t come from YouTube/social media. I don’t think Hollywood sees online success as a gateway to film/television.

They’ve given a few online personalities chances over the years and I don’t think it’s ever worked out well for them.

 

[Dillah810]

Comedians these days aren't even seeking Hollywood opportunities. Back in the day, getting a sitcom or movie was the end game of stand-up. Now comedians can make good money only doing stand up so they don't see TV and movies as the only way to make a decent living.

 

[Cynic]

If Jerrod Carmichael didnt insist on being a weirdo - he could have done something

 

[Optimus Prime]

Who's the young Black comedian ready to replace Kevin Hart?
It was either Hart or Rock that said it can only be one at a time.
Replacing Hart means you selling out football stadiums and got a bunch of successful comedy specials under your belt.

 

[JamesJabdi]

Hollywood not making original movies no more....its all big budget sequels or superhero movies.

When Chris tucker came on the scene he got Rush Hour. When Eddie came on the scene he got Beverly hills cop. When Martin came on the scene he got Bad Boys...these movies made them superstars and were orginal ideas.....hollywood ain't doing that shyt no more. They ain't giving dc young fly or these other cats NADA.....there also aint too many comedians around...they making skits on tiktok.

 

[Primetime]

There was a time most notably from the late 90s through 2010s where we had no young black actors and instead rappers and comedians were fast tracked for Hollywood movie roles. Since the streaming wars tho, it's been a 180 and we actually have a respectable pool of young brehs (granted, a number are outsourced from abroad) with traditional acting chops and pedigree.

Factor the grander industry shift where IPs determine profit more-so than celebrities... and there's not as strong a reason to merge lanes by bringing a musician or comedian to be an actor.

 

[MR. SNIFLES]

MAKING CONTENT IS EASIER. THEY OWN THEIR CONTENT ALSO. SOME OF THEM SEE NO REASON TO BRANCH OUT.