Chris Rock believes comedy is the “hardest job in the world.” He pointed out that stand-up comedians must always come up with new jokes instead of performing the same hits. The 61-year-old also said stand-up is different from other creative fields because there is no traditional way to learn the craft.
Chris Rock argues comedians face tougher demands than musicians and other entertainers
While appearing on The Breakfast Club on October 6, he opened up about the topic. Rock, who rose to fame through his stand-up specials and his work on Saturday Night Live, said, “Comedians have the hardest job in the world, okay? Cause we have to always come up with new stuff. I wish I could go do the Bring the Pain tour and do the same joke over and over.”
Rock used a concert as an example to explain the challenge of stand-up comedy. He said that fans often leave their seats when an artist says they are about to perform unfamiliar material. “That’s comedians for an hour,” he said. “I’m going to do nothing but new stuff and blow your mind. That’s what every comedian does, okay?” He added, “Being a comedian is the hardest one of those. It’s the only one they don’t have a school for.”
Rock views comedy clubs as “the gym.” He said, “I’m just working it out. You know, you know, Floyd Mayweather gets knocked down in training because he fights bigger people.” He also rejected claims that he creates jokes specifically for white audiences. “Cooning to me is when you make stuff specifically for white people. I’ve never been that guy. I can’t help it if white people come to the show. If that offends you, go see somebody else.”
Rock shared his views while promoting Misty Green. The comedy-drama film, written and directed by him, is scheduled to open in theaters across the United States on October 9.
