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Chris Rock is coming to town.
The comedian, in a first-ever feat for Netflix, will stream a live stand-up special from Baltimore March 4, the company announced Sunday. The location of the event was not immediately announced.
In a statement, Netflix Vice President of Standup and Comedy Formats Robbie Praw called Rock one of the most iconic and important comedic voices of this generation.
“We’re thrilled the entire world will be able to experience a live Chris Rock comedy event and be a part of Netflix history. This will be an unforgettable moment and we’re so honored that Chris is carrying this torch,” Praw said.
Rock, 57, a former “Saturday Night Live” cast member who has starred in films such as “Madagascar,” “Grown Ups,” and “The Longest Yard,” last taped a Netflix special in 2018. The performer made headlines earlier this year for provoking actor Will Smith during the 2022 Academy Awards and being slapped during the live show. Smith later apologized, and Rock has maintained a loyal following.
The “Everybody Hates Chris” creator is ranked fifth on Rolling Stone’s 2017 list of the top 50 greatest stand-up comedians of all time, ahead of other top-selling acts, such as Steve Martin, Kevin Hart and Eddie Murphy.
This is the latest in a line of high-profile events slated to come through Baltimore next year, including comedians Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan and Trevor Noah, and musicians such as Lizzo, Janet Jackson, Bruce Springsteen and Blink-182. A new live events venue called the Paramount also is underway in South Baltimore with the goal of drawing even more names to the city.
hallie.miller@thebaltimorebanner.com
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Hallie Miller covers housing for The Baltimore Banner. She's previously covered city and regional services, business and health at both The Banner and The Baltimore Sun.
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