What Happened to Chris Rock?
Chris Rock remains a prominent figure in comedy and entertainment, continuing to tour, release acclaimed specials, and take on new acting and directing projects. Following the widely publicized 2022 Academy Awards incident, Rock addressed the event in his record-breaking 2023 Netflix special, 'Selective Outrage,' and has since expanded his creative endeavors into animated television and feature films, with new projects slated for 2026.
Quick Answer
Chris Rock has maintained a highly active career in comedy and film since the 2022 Oscars incident. He released a groundbreaking live Netflix special, 'Selective Outrage,' in 2023, where he publicly addressed the slap. More recently, he has been involved in the animated series 'Everybody Still Hates Chris' (2024), is set to direct and star in the A24 film 'Misty Green' (2025), and was spotted filming 'Grown Ups 3' in August 2026. He continues to tour and was romantically linked to DJ Simone Henault in April 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Begins Stand-Up Comedy Career
Chris Rock starts his career in stand-up comedy, quickly gaining recognition for his unique style and sharp wit.
Cast Member on Saturday Night Live
Rock joins the cast of the iconic sketch comedy show 'Saturday Night Live,' further boosting his national profile.
Releases 'Bring the Pain' HBO Special
His second HBO special, 'Bring the Pain,' is released to critical acclaim, earning him two Emmy Awards and solidifying his status as a major comedic voice.
Creates and Narrates 'Everybody Hates Chris'
Rock develops, executive produces, and narrates the semi-autobiographical sitcom 'Everybody Hates Chris,' which becomes a fan favorite.
Writes, Directs, and Stars in 'Top Five'
Rock writes, directs, and stars in the critically acclaimed comedy film 'Top Five,' showcasing his talents behind and in front of the camera.
Divorce from Malaak Compton-Rock Finalized
After filing in 2014, Rock's divorce from Malaak Compton-Rock is finalized, a period he later addressed in his comedy.
Will Smith Slap at Academy Awards
During the 94th Academy Awards, Chris Rock is slapped by Will Smith on stage after making a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith. The incident becomes a global sensation.
Netflix Live Special 'Selective Outrage'
Rock addresses the Oscar slap in his live Netflix special, 'Selective Outrage,' which becomes the platform's first global live-streamed event and earns multiple award nominations.
Stars in 'Rustin'
Chris Rock stars opposite Colman Domingo in the Higher Ground-produced biopic 'Rustin' for Netflix.
Animated Series 'Everybody Still Hates Chris' Premieres
A reimagined animated version of 'Everybody Hates Chris' premieres on Comedy Central, with Rock serving as executive producer and narrator.
Signs with WME
Chris Rock signs with WME for exclusive representation across all areas of his career, including acting, directing, and comedy touring.
Announces A24 Film 'Misty Green' and Other Directorial Projects
Rock is announced to direct and star in the A24 film 'Misty Green,' which he also wrote. He is also attached to direct an MLK biopic and a remake of 'Another Round.'
Romantically Linked to Simone Henault
Chris Rock is photographed kissing and holding hands with DJ and creative producer Simone Henault, sparking rumors of a new romantic relationship.
Praises Druski After BET Awards
Rock texts comedian Druski, calling him the 'Best host ever' after his debut at the 2026 BET Awards, jokingly stating Druski 'officially retired' him.
Filming 'Grown Ups 3'
Chris Rock is spotted filming 'Grown Ups 3' with Adam Sandler in Woodbridge, New Jersey, for a Netflix release.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Christopher Julius Rock, born February 7, 1965, established himself as one of the most influential comedians of his generation, known for his sharp observational humor and commentary on race relations and societal issues. His career spans decades, beginning with stand-up in the 1980s, a stint on 'Saturday Night Live' (1990-1993), and critically acclaimed HBO specials like 'Bring the Pain' (1996) and 'Bigger & Blacker' (1999). Rock also built a significant filmography, starring in and directing movies such as 'Top Five' (2014) and lending his voice to the 'Madagascar' franchise. He also created and narrated the popular sitcom 'Everybody Hates Chris' (2005-2009), based on his childhood.
A pivotal moment in Rock's recent public life occurred on March 27, 2022, when he was slapped by actor Will Smith during the 94th Academy Awards after making a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The incident garnered global attention and led to Smith being banned from Academy events for 10 years. Rock largely remained silent on the matter until his live Netflix special, 'Chris Rock: Selective Outrage,' on March 4, 2023. This special made history as Netflix's first-ever global live-streamed event, where Rock directly addressed the slap, stating it 'still hurts' but emphasizing he was 'not a victim'. The special was a critical and commercial success, earning multiple award nominations.
In the aftermath, Rock's career has shown no signs of slowing. In 2023, he starred opposite Colman Domingo in the Netflix biopic 'Rustin'. The animated series 'Everybody Still Hates Chris,' a reimagined version of his autobiographical comedy, premiered on Comedy Central on September 25, 2024, with Rock serving as executive producer and narrator. He continued his stand-up performances, including appearances at the Netflix Is A Joke Festival in May 2024 and 2026.
Looking ahead, Rock has expanded his directorial ambitions. In March 2025, he signed with WME for exclusive representation across all areas of his career. By September 2025, it was announced that he would direct and star in the A24 film 'Misty Green,' based on his original script. He is also attached to helm an MLK biopic and an English-language remake of the Danish film 'Another Round'. As of August 2026, Rock was spotted filming 'Grown Ups 3' with Adam Sandler for Netflix in New Jersey, indicating a continuation of his successful film collaborations. In his personal life, after his divorce from Malaak Compton-Rock was finalized in 2016, Rock was romantically linked to DJ and creative producer Simone Henault in April 2026. His net worth is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions by 2026, largely due to his lucrative touring and streaming deals.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Chris Rock made different choices?