America’s crankiest comic
Two-time Grammy Award-winning comedian/actor/writer Lewis Black uses his trademark style of comedic yelling and finger pointing to expose the absurdities of life. His comedic brilliance makes people laugh at life’s hypocrisies and the insanity he sees in the world. He has performed throughout the world and the U.S., where he performed at Carnegie Hall and had two successful Broadway runs.
His latest stand-up special, Tragically, I Need You, was released earlier this year and has already surpassed 1.3 million views on YouTube. The brand-new special explores topics including his ways of coping with the pandemic, his frustrations with the evolving world and, of course, his thoughts about the chaos of America these last few years. Adding a unique element to podcasting, Black delivers audience-written rants, which have been submitted from fans around the world on his podcast Rant Cast.
Black is the longest-running contributor on Comedy Central’s THE DAILY SHOW, and his stand-up specials have appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime and Epix. In 2020, he released Thanks for Risking Your Life. In 2015, Black notably voiced the character “Anger” in the Pixar Academy Award-winning film Inside Out. His other notable films include Universal’s Accepted, co-starring Jonah Hill, Blake Lively and Justin Long, as well as Man of The Year opposite Robin Williams, Christopher Walken, Laura Linney and Jeff Goldblum.
The comedian has released eight critically acclaimed comedy albums, including the 2007 Grammy Award-winning The Carnegie Hall Performance. He won his second Grammy in 2011 for his album Stark Raving Black and has had a total of six Grammy nominations. He has published three bestsellers: Nothing’s Sacred (Simon & Schuster, 2005), Me of Little Faith (Riverhead Books, 2008) and I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas (Riverhead Books, 2010).
A published playwright, he’s written over 40 plays and has found his work performed throughout the country, including at the A.C.T. Theatre, the Magic Theatre, The Williamstown Theatre Festival and The Public Theatre.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Black is dedicated to a number of charitable organizations, including the Luv U Project, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and The 52nd Street Project. He’s also deeply committed to supporting our troops. A seasoned USO tour veteran, he’s performed for the troops on three Christmas tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
After 35+ years as a touring stand-up comedian, Lewis Black is parking his tour bus for good next year, marking the end of his legendary world touring career. He will write the next chapter of his career by going back to his roots and focusing on writing a new play, penning a new book, and expanding his podcast, RantCast, to include live recordings. He will also return as the voice of “Anger” in the upcoming Pixar sequel Inside Out 2.