Celebrity Info
D.L. Hughley, a former high school dropout with ties to gang life, has defied the odds to become one of America’s most beloved comedians and influential voices. His journey, which spans nearly four decades, is nothing short of remarkable. From stand-up comedy to acting, voiceover work, hosting, and even political commentary, Hughley has built a multifaceted career that continues to resonate with audiences across the country. It’s hard to imagine now, but one of the Original Kings of Comedy would go on to become such a vital figure in American pop culture and social discourse.
Born Darryl Lynn Hughley on March 6, 1963, his early years were shaped by a move from Portsmouth, Virginia, to South Central Los Angeles—a neighborhood where many young Black men, including D.L., were drawn into gang life. He became a member of the Bloods, a notorious L.A. street gang, and eventually was expelled from San Pedro High School due to his affiliations. However, his story didn’t end there. In his twenties, he turned his life around, earning his G.E.D. and starting out at The Los Angeles Times. It wasn’t long before he discovered his true passion: stand-up comedy.
Hughley first gained national attention as the host of ComicView (BET, 1992–2008), a popular stand-up showcase that aired on Friday nights. Though he left after the first season, he had already made a name for himself. He then took on a bigger role behind the scenes by producing, writing, and starring in his own sitcom, The Hughleys (ABC, 1998–2002). The show offered a satirical take on his own life, exploring the cultural clash of a Black family adjusting to life in an affluent, predominantly white neighborhood. It was a hit and ran for four seasons.
Around the same time, D.L. joined forces with Steve Harvey, Bernie Mac, and Cedric the Entertainer for the groundbreaking Original Kings of Comedy tour. The tour’s success was captured in the Spike Lee-directed concert film The Original Kings of Comedy (2000), which further solidified Hughley’s status in the comedy world.
He continued to expand his presence on television, guest-starring as the older brother of Donald Faison’s character on Scrubs (NBC, 2001–2010), and taking on a more dramatic role in Aaron Sorkin’s Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (NBC, 2006–2007). Hughley then ventured into the world of comedic news with D.L. Hughley Breaks the News (CNN, 2008–2009), followed by a run as a morning radio host on 98.7 KISS FM with The D.L. Hughley Morning Show.
In 2013, he took to the dance floor as a contestant on the 16th season of Dancing with the Stars (ABC, 2005–), finishing in ninth place. Beyond television and radio, D.L. is also a respected author. He has published three books: I Want You to Shut the F#ck Up: How the Audacity of Dopes Is Ruining America (Crown Archetype Press, 2012), Black Man, White House: An Oral History of the Obama Years (William Morrow, 2017), and How Not to Get Shot: And Other Advice From White People (William Morrow, 2018).
In 2019, D.L. returned to television with his own talk show, The D.L. Hughley Show (TV One, 2019), continuing to blend humor with sharp, insightful commentary on race, politics, and society.
D.L. Hughley has had quite a journey in the entertainment world, with a variety of projects that have left their mark in different ways. Among his many accomplishments, one of his standout works is definitely Dying Laughing, a film that came out in 2016 and really resonated with audiences. It’s often cited as D.L. Hughley’s highest rated movie, largely due to its powerful storytelling and strong performances. On the flip side, not every project has been a hit—Chasing Papi, released back in 2003, tends to be viewed as his lowest rated film. While it had its moments, it didn’t quite connect with critics or viewers the same way. Still, D.L. Hughley’s career remains dynamic, and these titles—both the highs and the lows—reflect the diversity of his work over the years.
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