Chris Redd

Black Actors - Male · Black Christmas Movies

Chris Redd is a multifaceted entertainer who has made a name for himself in the realms of comedy, acting, writing, and music. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in the Chicago suburb of Naperville, Redd overcame a childhood stutter through rapping, a skill that would later influence his comedic rhythm and timing.

Redd’s initial pursuit of a rap career eventually led him to discover a passion for sketch comedy, prompting him to study at Jokes & Notes and join the renowned comedy group The Second City. His move to Los Angeles in 2016 marked a significant step in his career, leading to his film debut in “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” and a role in the Netflix series “Disjointed.”

His talent was further recognized when he joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 2017, where he quickly made his mark and won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for the song “Come Back Barack.” His tenure on SNL saw him promoted to repertory status and become known for his celebrity impressions.

Redd’s stand-up comedy album “But Here We Are” was released by Comedy Central Records, showcasing his range as a comedian. He also co-starred in the television series “Kenan,” balancing roles on both coasts as he worked on SNL in New York and “Kenan” in Los Angeles.

His recent work includes the film “Spinning Gold,” where he portrayed Frankie Crocker, and the Lorne Michaels–produced comedy series “Bust Down,” which he also co-created and executive produced. Additionally, Redd has been involved in stand-up comedy specials, further cementing his status as a prominent voice in comedy.

Off the screen, Redd has been active in social issues, raising funds to cover medical costs for racial justice protestors and calling for an independent investigation into allegations of institutional racism at The Second City.

Redd’s personal life made headlines in October 2022 when he was assaulted outside a comedy club in New York, an incident that led to his hospitalization.

Chris Redd’s career trajectory from a hopeful rapper to an Emmy-winning comedian and actor is a testament to his versatility and dedication to his craft. With a range of projects in various stages of production and release, Redd’s influence in comedy and entertainment continues to grow.