Applauded by awards and critics alike, Chris Rock is one of our generation’s strongest comedic voices. The Brooklyn-raised comedian who has garnered three Emmy Awards, three Grammy Awards and honored in 2006 with HBO’s esteemed “Comedian Award,” at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival has his birthday today!

Rock was born in South Carolina and had a tough childhood as he was the "black kid" amongst the whites. He had to drop out of school and later worked menial jobs at various fast-food restaurants. Rock began doing stand-up comedy in 1984 in New York City's Catch a Rising Star. He slowly rose up the ranks of the comedy circuit in addition to earning bit roles in the film I'm Gonna Git You Sucka and the TV series Miami Vice. Upon seeing his act at a nightclub, Eddie Murphy befriended and mentored the aspiring comic. Murphy gave Rock his first film role in Beverly Hills Cop II.

Rock became a cast member of the popular sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live in 1990. He and other new cast members Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider and David Spade became known as the Bad Boys of SNL. It was not until the success of his stand-up act in the late 1990s that Rock began receiving major parts in films. These include roles in Dogma, Beverly Hills Ninja, Lethal Weapon 4, Nurse Betty, The Longest Yard, Bad Company, and a starring role in Down to Earth. 

He also turned producer and director with Head of State and I Think I Love My Wife. His first music video was for his song "Your Mother's Got a Big Head" from his album Born Suspect. 

Rock has been married to Malaak Compton-Rock since November 23, 1996.

As much entertaining Chris Rock himself is, his life is also equally amusing. 

Fridaymoviez wishes Chris Rock a Very Happy Birthday and hopes that he always spreads cheer with his dazzling smile!