Neal Brennan

Although best known as co-creator and head writer of "Chappelle's Show" (Comedy Central 2003-06), Neal Brennan had a long career writing comedy for both TV and the movies. His career began in the mid-1990s, when he landed a staff-writing gig on the MTV game show "Singled Out" (1995-98). After a few years writing primarily for TV, in 1998 Brenan wrote the stoner comedy "Half Baked" with his longtime friend Dave Chappelle. Although the film received mostly negative reviews, it quickly earned a cult following and went on to become a moderate success at the box office. Brennan reteamed with Chappelle in 2003 for "Chappelle's Show," a sketch comedy show in the vein of "MADtv" (Fox 1995-2009) and "Saturday Night Live" (NBC 1975- ), but with a more pointed satirical edge. The show was a huge hit for the network, but Brennan and his longtime creative partner became estranged after Chappelle unexpectedly departed for Africa while filming the third season, leaving the show's future in doubt. Undeterred, Brennan turned his attention to stand-up comedy, and performed on some of the biggest stages in late night, including "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" (NBC 2009-2014) and "Conan" (TBS 2010- ).