Eddie Griffin

Born on July 15, 1968 in Kansas City, MO, Griffin opened a dance studio at the age of 15, and following a brief teenage marriage and stints in both the US Navy and jail, found himself back choreographing before accepting a bet to take the stage at a comedy club, an effort that won him $50 and eventually stardom. The aspiring comedian headed for Los Angeles, where he went on to secure a show at the legendary Comedy Store, and impressed patrons with his perceptions and impersonations. His take on Andrew Dice Clay became particularly well-known and landed Griffin the opening slot on the Diceman's national tour and a part in his concert film "Dice Rules" (1991).

The comedian also toured with Robert Townsend and The Dells in a 1991 music and comedy revue to promote Townsend's film "The Five Heartbeats." He would work again with Townsend with a guest spot on his short-lived Fox TV series "Townsend Television" and as co-star of his urban superhero comedy "The Meteor Man" (both 1993). Griffin landed more TV work, appearing on the network's "Roc" as a intimidating hustler in 1993. The following year, he headlined his own CableACE award nominated special, "HBO Comedy Half-Hour: Eddie Griffin." Also in 1994, he proved his acting skills with a memorable performance as Rat in the gripping inner-city set drama "Jason's Lyric," starring Allen Payne. Griffin reunited with Payne in 1995's "The Walking Dead," both playing African-American soldiers in this Vietnam War drama.