Louis CK, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Ellen DeGeneres: They all had to start somewhere. The hair and fashion alone make these must-watch clips.
Louis CK
Age: 20
When: 1987
What: At the Catch A Rising Star comedy club in his hometown, Boston, CK was in his element; he joked that he knew everyone there. Good thing, seeing as he started off by toying with the audience.
Chris Rock
Age: 21
When: 1988
What: Chris Rock was great from a very early age, already unafraid of making blunt, unapologetic commentary on race and politics. Because he was 21 — and still lived at home — he added in a good dose of masturbation humor.
Sarah Silverman
Age: 22
When: 1992
What: Commence the self-deprecation, Jewish jokes and border-pushing punchlines tightly coiled in everyday anecdotes. Notice the star-laden audience at The Improv.
Dave Chappelle
Age: 19
When: 1993
What: He was the youngest comedian to ever be on Star Search, and already he had a finely-tuned act that blended pop culture, race and frenetic energy. His interaction with Ed McMahon alone had to have caught the attention off the talent scouts.
