Katt Williams
A mercurial stand-up genius whose sharp, philosophical, and unapologetically raw comedy dissects society from the perspective of the street-smart outsider.
Born 1971 (age 55)·American comedian and actor·Birthday: September 2·Generation X
Biography
Katt Williams, a small man with a towering, manic presence, exploded onto the comedy scene as a pure product of the Chitlin' Circuit, honing a rapid-fire, physically dynamic style that felt equal parts preacher, pimp, and prophet. Dressed in flamboyant suits with his signature long hair, his act was a masterclass in high-energy social commentary, weaving together absurdist observations on race, politics, and poverty with a uniquely intelligent grit. His breakout came through incendiary stand-up specials like 'The Pimp Chronicles' and scene-stealing film roles, most memorably as the hilariously profound Money Mike in 'Friday After Next'. Williams's career has been a turbulent ride of brilliant highs and very public personal struggles, including legal battles and controversies that he often folds back into his material. This authenticity—the sense that his comedy is forged in real life's fires—is what has cemented his status as a cult hero and a comedian's comedian, revered for his fearless and uncompromising voice.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Katt was born in 1971, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Katt Was Born
The biggest hits of 1971
#1 Movie
Fiddler on the Roof
Best Picture
The French Connection
#1 TV Show
Marcus Welby, M.D.
Katt's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1971Born
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1976Started school
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1984Became a teenager
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1987Could drive
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1989Could vote
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1992Turned 21
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2001Turned 30
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2011Turned 40
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 50
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 55 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Released multiple acclaimed stand-up specials, including 'The Pimp Chronicles, Pt. 1' and 'Katt Williams: Priceless: Afterlife'.
- Starred as the iconic character Money Mike in the hit film 'Friday After Next'.
- Voiced the memorable character A Pimp Named Slickback on the animated series 'The Boondocks'.
- Won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 2018 for his stand-up special 'Great America'.
Did You Know?
He was a child prodigy who graduated high school at age 13 and started college shortly after.
Williams is a skilled horseback rider and has owned several horses.
He has been open about his struggles with homelessness early in his comedy career.
He is known for performing while wearing custom-made, elaborate fur coats and outfits.
“If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.”
