There have been several Dave Chappelle sightings over the past several months and everyone agrees, the usually reclusive funny man is looking quite buff. You may remember Chappelle as a lanky, tall glass of water. However, now it appears that he has been hitting the gym.

Who knows why the the 40-year-old has been pumping iron. Perhaps the speculation is true and he’s getting in tip top shape to join Chris Rock on what would be one of the most sought-after comedy tickets around?

Rumors began circulating last month when Chappelle performed a rare three-night set at the Comedy Cellar in New York City. Chris Rock joined Chappelle on stage and reportedly said, “You should come down to Palm Beach.” Chappelle replied, “After next Tuesday, I’m free for like 11 years.” Since that time, no further reports have surfaced.

However, Chappelle is scheduled to perform at Radio City Music Hall June 18-22. Tickets are still available. It will be the first time in ten years that the comedian is doing a headline performance in New York City. Chappelle typically hops on stage well after midnight, usually unannounced at a club, and does a set without any publicity or fanfare.

You may remember that Chappelle walked away from millions of dollars and his own sketch comedy show, Chappelle’s Show on Comedy Central back in 2005. The comedian explained his decision to leave the show in an exclusive interview with Time in May of 2005, “If you don’t have the right people around you and you’re moving at a million miles an hour you can lose yourself. Everyone around me says, ‘You’re a genius!’; ‘You’re great!’; ‘That’s your voice!’ But I’m not sure that they’re right.”

Hopefully, Chappelle is able to launch a come back and live up to the comedy legacy he created in his sketch show. At the very least, he looks like he’s ready.

Image via Wikimedia Commons