Katt Williams

Comedian Katt Williams was a veritable firebrand every time he took the stage. His quick wit, manic energy, flamboyant outfits, and unapologetic insights on urban culture earned him comparisons to comic legends like Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy and Dave Chapelle. After making a name for himself in stand-up comedy, Williams became a staple on hit television specials including "Def Comedy Jam" (HBO, 1992- ) and "BET's Comicview" (BET, 1992- ). With his signature permed hair and pimp-esque swagger, Williams provided much of the laughter in films like "Friday After Next" (2002) and Eddie Murphy's "Norbit" (2007). Williams took his career to new heights with his sold-out performances - "Katt Williams: The Pimp Chronicles Pt. 1" (HBO, 2006), its 2007 film sequel "Pimp Chronicles Pt. 2," and "Katt Williams: It's Pimpin' Pimpin'" (2008). But like many celebrated comedians who run amuck, Williams could not escape the seedier trappings of fame and fortune, finding himself briefly jailed for alleged weapons possession, missing high-profile gigs, and entering mental health facilities for erratic behavior. But Williams would seemingly rebound with featured roles in comedies like "Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore" (2010) and with successful live performances like "Katt Williams Pimpadelic" (2009), which reignited his career and proved that there was always a place on stage and in people's hearts for fearless and original comics.