The Comedian Who Walked Away From $50 Million

Following the release of his late 2021 special “The Closer,” the American stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle has been heavily criticized by the trans community. But even if you don’t agree if everything Chappelle says, you have to admit the man has character. After all, he decided to walk away from $50 million at the height of his TV fame.

Chappelle refused a $50-milion check to continue to work on the sketch show “Chappelle’s Show” for feeling like his comedy was being misunderstood and reinforcing the same racial stereotypes he so desperately wanted to fight against. Years later, he made $60 million by signing a three-stand-up-specials deal with Netflix.