Chris Rock

Comedian and actor Chris Rock poses for a photo, Jan. 21, 2005, in Burbank, Calif. Rock is known for his acerbic, off-the-cuff style, which he honed during a three-year run on "Saturday Night Live," on the club circuit and in hit cable specials.

Rock attends a press conference announcing his addition to the cast of "Saturday Night Live," Sept. 19, 1990. "SNL" alumni Eddie Murphy met Rock at a New York comedy club in the 1980s, and helped the Brooklyn teenager catch his first breaks in the buisness.

Rock and the late comedian Chris Farley, right, attend a press conference promoting the new cast of "Saturday Night Live," Sept. 19, 1990.

The cast of "Saturday Night Live" pose on the show's set in New York, Sept. 22, 1992. From left, front row, are: Chris Farley, Al Franken and Melanie Hutsell. In middle row, from left, are: Rock, Julia Sweeney, Dana Carvey and Rob Schneider. In back row, from left, are: Adam Sandler, David Spade, Ellen Cleghorne, Kevin Nealon, Phil Hartman and Tim Meadows.

Rock attends an event at Planet Hollywood, March 10, 1993.

Rock gestures during a news conference announcing the nominations for the 1997 MTV Music awards, July 22, 1997, in New York. Rock has hosted the show in 1997, 1999 and 2003.

Rock holds his Emmy Award for writing for a variety or music program, at the 49th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, Sept. 14, 1997, in Pasadena, Calif. His "Chris Rock: Bring the Pain" also won for outstanding variety music or comedy special.

Rock accepts the entertainment host award during the 19th Annual Cable Ace Awards, in Los Angeles, Nov. 15, 1997.

Rock, left, accepts a GQ "Men of the Year" Award as Prince, who presented the award, looks on, at New York's Radio City Music Hall, Oct. 21, 1998. Rock was given GQ's television comedian award.

Rock jokes around with Will Smith, left, prior to the world premiere of "The Matrix," March 24, 1999, in Los Angeles.

Rock speaks after receiving an Essence Award during the taping of the 1999 Essence Awards in New York, April 30, 1999. The awards honor outstanding African-Americans.

Rock poses with singer Ricky Martin, left, outside New York's Lincoln Center after the pair announced the nominations for the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, July 28, 1999. The 16th annual event was held at the venue Sept. 9, 1999.

Rock accepts the Emmy Award for writing in a variety or music show, given for his self-titled HBO show, in Los Angeles, Sept. 12, 1999.

Rock, right, Greg Kinnear, left, and Renee Zellweger, center, pose during a photo call for their film "Nurse Betty," at the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 12, 2000.

Rock wears a Baltimore Orioles jersey with Cal Ripken Jr.'s number while filming a scene with the Orioles mascot for the movie "Head of State," Aug. 24, 2002, at Camden Yards in Baltimore. Rock plays unlikely presidential candidate Mays Gilliam in the film, which topped the box office on its March 2003 opening weekend.

Rock, right, holds his daughter Lola as his wife, Malaak, poses at left, after Rock received the 2,218th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, March 12, 2003, in Los Angeles. The couple married in 1996 and welcomed a second daughter, Zahra, in 2004.

Rock performs his "Black Ambition Tour" at Foxwoods Resort Casino, Feb. 7, 2004, in Mashantucke, Conn. Rock was also celebrating his 39th birthday that night.

Rock and Jack Nicholson, left, watch the New Jersey Nets play the Los Angeles Lakers, Jan. 28, 2005, in Los Angeles.

Rock talks to Gil Cates, producer of the 77th Academy Awards, left, before the Oscar nominees luncheon, Feb. 7, 2005, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Rock was to host the awards broadcast Feb. 27.

Rock greets Oscar nominee Jamie Foxx, left, before the Oscar nominees luncheon, Feb. 7, 2005, in Beverly Hills, Calif.