Chappelle Plans to Stay in Ohio Town

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May 11, 2002
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Chappelle Plans to Stay in Ohio Town
Monday, September 11, 2006 8:08 AM EDT
The Associated Press


YELLOW SPRINGS, Ohio (AP) — Dave Chappelle is home. The comedian, who abruptly halted his hit television show last year, told the crowd at a blues and jazz festival on Sunday that he enjoys living in the community and doesn't plan to leave.

"I used to be cable's hottest star and now I'm just a Yellow Springs guy," said Chappelle, who introduced musicians and told jokes.

"Turns out you don't need $50 million to live around these parts, just a nice smile and a kind way about you. You guys are the best neighbors ever. ... That's why I came back and that's why I'm staying."

Chappelle, who lives near this southwest Ohio village, walked away from a $50 million deal to continue his "Chappelle's Show" on Comedy Central.

He made a sudden "spiritual retreat" to South Africa on the eve of the show's third season, leaving the series in limbo. He has since returned to performing standup and released the concert documentary "Dave Chappelle's Block Party."

Sunday's festival was sponsored by the African American Cross Cultural Works, an organization that Chappelle's late father, Bill Chappelle, helped found.

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On the Net:

Dave Chappelle: www.davechappelle.com/

African American Cross Cultural Works: www.aacw.org/

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Information from: Dayton Daily News, www.daytondailynews.com