Dave Chappelle is a modern-day comic master with an off-stage life more shocking than even his wildest performances. That's saying quite a lot for a man who portrayed Wayne Brady as a druggie, pimp and cop killer in one of the funniest sketches in television history. Chappelle’s self-titled Comedy Central show gets us laughing and makes a social comment at the same time, like when he played a blind KKK member who didn't know he was black.
In the summer of 2004, it looked like Dave was going to be laughing all the way to the bank with the biggest talent deal in basic cable history. But by April 2005, the mercurial star stopped production on the third season of his show and went AWOL to South Africa for some soul-searching. And now, less than a year later, he’s on the big screen with his new film Block Party -- not to mention his appearance on Oprah and at the Grammys.
Dave Chappelle was born on August 24, 1973 with his Sun in practical Virgo and his Moon in sensitive Cancer. This combination makes him more cautious than caustic, a seeker of safety. So where does he get his unique brand of comic genius? Wild and crazy Uranus creates instability for his lunar need for security. His warm and cuddly Cancer Moon lures the audience in, and then he unexpectedly drops bombs for maximum comic effect. This combination also means he's a man teetering between shock and shyness, and it explains why he walked away when he was at the top of his game.
As Saturn moved through the heavens last March, this planet of restriction challenged Chappelle’s rule-breaking Uranus. Responsibility weighed heavily on his need for independence, making flight his only option. But Dave is back on the scene almost as quickly as he left it. His new movie blends comedy and music, featuring Kanye West, The Fugees, and other hip-hop luminaries. The astrological key to his recovery has been lucky Jupiter in Scorpio, the sign of rebirth, sending good vibes to his Moon. Dave's latest wave of success, though, comes at a critical time. The pressures of Saturn are back. While less intense than during his self-imposed exile, he's likely to feel the strain through April. We’ll find out then whether Dave is back for good or is just dropping by for another entertaining visit.
About the Author
Jeff Jawer is the co-author of Barnes & Noble's "Your Astrology Guide 2006." A professional astrologer since 1973, his articles have appeared in astrology journals and magazines and Web sites around the world. He holds a B.A. in The History and Science of Astrology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and teaches and lectures both in the U.S. and abroad.
