Although in recent weeks, comedian Chris Rock has been making his rounds, around television and radio-interviewing for his most hit movie: Top Five, no one had a clue that at home, things were hitting rock bottom.
The I Think I Love My Wife actor and comedian’s attorney (Robert S. Cohen) released a statement confirming that Rock, 49, and his wife of 19 years Malaak Compton-Rock, 45, are indeed divorcing stating [quote]
“Chris Rock has filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak. “This is a personal matter and Chris requests privacy as he and Malaak work through this process and focus on their family”
[unquote]
On Sunday, Malaak, released a statement, expressing [quote]:
“After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, Chris and I have decided to go our separate ways. Being fortunate enough to lead a life of service by working with those most vulnerable makes me well aware of life’s blessings, even when faced with difficulties. While recognizing that this is a significant change, my children remain at the center of my life and their well-being is my top priority. It is in this spirit that I sincerely ask that their privacy and the privacy of our family be respected during this transition in our lives.”
[unquote]
Starting out as a standup comedian, Rock was discovered by fellow comedian, Eddie Murphy, and made his big-screen debut in Beverly Hills Cop (1987).
Malaak and Chris met at the Essence Awards and have been married since November 23, 1996.
She earned an arts management degree from Howard University and too, is a philanthropist and founder and executive director of a nonprofit called StyleWorks: a full-service salon that provides free services for women leaving welfare and entering the work force.
Having lived in Alpine, New Jersey, together, the two share two daughters: Lola Simone, born June 28, 2002, and a second daughter Zahra Savannah, born May 22, 2004.
In June of 2010, the couple defended claims that Rock father a child out of wedlock and had since, defended their “happy” relationship.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9IK-LSnKYE
In 2007, Chris said this about being married:
“The best part is just having a partner. There is no real worst part. I’m not going to say there’s a worst part. I mean, I’m a comedian – comedians like to work alone. So maybe I’m not the ideal guy to be married to, in that sense.”
As well, more recently (earlier this month), Rock to People (magazine):
“In my normal life, I’m just with my kids most of the time. I’m a writer at heart. Writing is a nerd job. There’s nothing cool about writing. Hemingway, I don’t care who it is.”
Yep. He’s got that right. I, too, am a writer. And we sit in peace and quiet–for many long hours.
About as exciting as it gets for us is (for flow and continuity) is, sadly-sometimes; having ignoring texts and phone calls ’til later, and making sure you get up every hour or so to head to the window sill to do backwards leg lifts to keep your butt from getting flat until you remember to go and buy that dreaded, uncomfortable-looking balance-ball chair that you’ve been threatening to buy for over a year now. Yep. That’s about it. Yey a writers life.
File: Gina Torres, Kerry Washingon
