Why Chris Rock Wasn't The Same After His Father's Death

The death of Chris Rock's father was a loss that impacted the comedian in a major way. In 2014, Rock reflected on his upbringing and shared that a connection through his father gave him his earliest exposure to public speaking, "Yeah, my grandfather, my dad's father was a preacher," Rock said to CBS News. "And I used to spend a lot of time with him. I would watch him write his sermons. I pretty much do what he did." While his grandpa was a preacher, Rock's dad, Julius, was a truck driver, per the New York Post.

In a 1997 chat with The Washington Post, Rock's mother, Rose, recalled that, like Rock, Julius had a sense of humor. "Chris's dad was quite funny, too," Rose said. Later on, when Rock would co-create a hit sitcom based on his upbringing, "Everybody Hates Chris," some of his family members served as inspiration for the series characters. This includes Julius, whose character was played by Terry Crews on the show. Sadly, in real life Julius died at 56 back in 1988 following ulcer surgery. Rock has since opened up about how this death had a deep effect on him.

After the death of his father, Julius, Chris Rock had a shift in perspective. In 2002, the comedian was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey for O, The Oprah Magazine. When he was asked whether he's mostly humorous or serious off stage, Rock said "both," then added that he now "can see the humor in just about any situation" following Julius' passing. "After I lost my dad, I realized that none of us should take things too seriously, because everything except death works itself out. Everything," Rock said. "No matter what happens or how difficult things become, you will eventually feel better."

Furthermore, in a 2014 Rolling Stone chat, Rock was asked about losing his father, which happened when Rock was 23 years old. In response, the "Saturday Night Live" alum detailed that this tragedy led to him becoming less emotional over things that happened in his life. "It's just that when you know people die, it's hard to really get that emotional about anything," Rock said before adding, "And there is something about your dad dying that makes you go, 'What's the point?'" Rock himself has become a father over the years, which is a venture he's loved every second of. 

More than a decade after his father's passing, Chris Rock embarked on parenthood, which is a role the performer thoroughly enjoys. As reported by People, Rock and his ex-wife, Malaak Compton-Rock, share two daughters, Lola and Zahra. Lola was born in 2002, while Zahra was born in 2004. During a 2017 interview with radio personality Angie Martinez, Rock discussed how he is a present parent for his children.

"I'm home. You can call me at any time, I'm there at any time. 89% of being a parent is just attendance," Rock said. He went on to give credit to his late father for setting an example for him. "I had a really great dad, so it's definitely a learned thing," Rock said. "I embrace it. I love it." Rock spoke to Chicago Parent when his daughters were 6 and 4 years old and noted the joys of being a father. "Every day I'm proud to be a dad," Rock said. "Every morning. Every evening. You know, I just live in the moment." In 2020, Rock took to Instagram to express his love for his kids in a Father's Day post. Alongside a photo of himself, Zahra and Lola, Rock wrote, "Nothing makes me happier than my girls."