I guess some time late last month he flew off to South Africa and checked himself into a mental hospital, where reportedly he’s still residing. I know nothing more, nor did I have any idea he was having emotional and/or psychological problems. His agent says drugs are not a factor, though that could easily be a distortion or outright lie. All I really know of Chapelle is his brilliant comedy, and it saddens me that his show may be in jeopardy. Anybody know more?
Abuse of the cigaweed.
as Howard Stern said, he’s met dave many times, and the most recent time he seemed kind of freaked out at all the attention he was getting. He was always kind of comfortable being the fringe type of comedian who did well, but wasn’t so successful that the spotlight was constantly on him. A few of his comedian friends believe he asked some kind of ridiculous figure (50 million) to do more seasons of chappelle show and expected them to balk at the figure so he wouldn’t have the pressure of doing more of it. They surprised him by accepting the figure, and basically… he just had a breakdown from all the pressure and being under the spotlight. He doesn’t really like all the attention, and he’s afraid of letting everyone down.
Get well soon, Mr. Chappelle.
Also, I hope you get some new material out of this.
I’m CRAZY, bitch!
I can understand that - if you’re getting paid fifty million to be funny, and then you’re insecure about your skills at being funny, that’s going to mess you up pretty badly.
I don’t remember the gentleman’s name, but the guy who did most of the writing for The Goon Show used to check into the hospital between seasons and have the doctors put him in a coma for a few days, so he wouldn’t have to think. I’m not really a fan of his show (though, I do like some of the bits I’ve seen), but I hate to see anyone crack up.
In light of the Runaway Bride brouhaha, it can’t be bad for ratings.
From the Drudge Report:
Here is the link.
That would be Spike Milligan.
Then again, there was a lot of talk about Season 2 right? Didnt Chapelle want more money or something? To me it seems he has made moves similar to someone trying to milk the situation of famousity (?) to the limits.
I heard he’s sharing an apartment with Joe Pesci and Osama bin Laden.
Well, glad to hear he’s not pulling a Margot Kidder, or a Robert Downey Jr. All the same, it’s rather odd behavior. Then again, being a comedy superstar must be a rather odd life.
It’s very odd behavior - but I didn’t flinch when I read this is all a publicity stunt - he’s a weird dude!
“NO, I CAN’T STOP YELLING, 'CAUSE THAT’S HOW I TALK! HAVEN’T YOU SEEN MY MOVIES? ‘JUICE’, THAT WAS A GOOD ONE! DEEP BLUE SEA! THEY ATE ME! A MOTHER (beep)ING SHARK ATE ME! DRINK UP, BITCH!”
What I read in the newspaper today was, he is in S. Africa, but not in an institution, staying with friends. He did, however, see a psychiatrist or counselor of some description for a 40 min visit.
He blames the pressures of fame, and having people constantly tell him he’s a genius, and not being sure who to believe. I can believe it, but not relate, if you know what I mean.
How much money d’you want to bet that the guy has people coming up to him in droves on the street and shouting, “I’m Rick James!”
It’s enough to make anyone a little nervy…
He mentioned this in interviews.
While I hope he gets things together, he’s gonna have to put up with it or get out of the biz.
Good point - but I really can’t figure the dude out. Strange as hell.
I will say, his show is funny as all get-out - and I was psyched for a new season. Little disspointed there…
An update…hmm.
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1061415,00.html
Thank you for that link. That’s about the most level-headed thing I’ve ever read. I’m so glad Dave is recognizing the need to get some time alone and come tor grips with his creative process. I love the fact that he said that when it comes to racial aspect of his material he wants to make sure he’s dancing and not shuffling. Damn I liked that, says a lot about the integrity of his show – and his showmanship.