Edward Rubin Griffin, born on July 15, 1968, is an American stand-up comedian and actor who has carved out a distinctive niche in Hollywood with his high-energy comedy and memorable character roles. Rising from the stand-up circuit, Griffin became a familiar face in the late 1990s and early 2000s, earning recognition for his work in both television and film. Comedy Central ranked him at number 62 on its list of the 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time, a testament to his enduring influence in the world of comedy.

Griffin's early life in Kansas City, Missouri, shaped his comedic voice, and he began performing stand-up in local clubs before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. His big break came when he was cast as Eddie Sherman, one half of the buddy duo in the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie, which aired from 1996 to 2000. The show, co-starring Malcolm-Jamal Warner, showcased Griffin's comedic timing and established him as a television star. This success opened doors in Hollywood, leading to supporting roles in major films. He played Tiberius Jefferson "T.J." Hicks in the comedy Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (1999), starring Rob Schneider, and reprised the role in the 2005 sequel Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo.

Griffin's career reached new heights with his starring role in the 2002 film Undercover Brother, where he played the title character, a parody of 1970s blaxploitation heroes. The film became a cult classic and demonstrated his ability to carry a feature as a leading man. That same year, he delivered a dramatic performance as Lester Matthews in John Q., a film starring Denzel Washington that tackled healthcare inequality. Griffin continued to showcase his versatility with roles in comedies such as Scary Movie 3 (2003), where he played Orpheus, and Norbit (2007), in which he portrayed Pope Sweet Jesus opposite Eddie Murphy. He also lent his voice to the animated series Black Dynamite from 2012 to 2015, voicing the legendary Richard Pryor in a satirical homage to the blaxploitation era.

Beyond his film and television work, Griffin has remained active in stand-up comedy, touring extensively and releasing comedy specials that highlight his raw, unfiltered style. He has also made appearances on shows like The Tonight Show and Def Comedy Jam, keeping his presence alive in the comedy world. While his film career has slowed in recent years, Griffin continues to perform live and take on occasional roles, maintaining his status as a respected figure in entertainment. His journey from a Kansas City stand-up to a Hollywood star reflects a career built on resilience and a relentless commitment to making audiences laugh.