Hannibal Buress, a Chicago native, was named after the legendary Carthaginian general, Hannibal Barca. His journey into the world of comedy began at Southern Illinois University, where he attended a stand-up performance. Although not initially passionate about stand-up, Buress believed he could match or surpass the acts he witnessed. In 2003, Buress dropped out of college and began performing stand-up in Chicago. He frequented not just comedy shows, but also music-oriented open mics, using them as a platform to hone his craft and win audiences. In his early stand-up years, Buress experienced his most challenging gig at a talent show inspired by Harlem's iconic Apollo Theater. There, performers risk being swept off stage by a rowdy crowd's demand. That night, Buress was physically carried off by the Sandman, marking a memorable, albeit rough, start to his comedic career. Despite such setbacks, Buress's laid-back delivery and quirky, absurdist observations set him apart. He describes his humor as "cutesy," emphasizing fun over bite, although he has hinted at potentially evolving to a more personal and angrier style in future specials. Buress gained wider recognition with the comedy special "The Awkward Comedy Show," sharing the spotlight with fellow African-American comedians Baron Vaughn, Eric André, Marina Franklin, and Victor Varnado. In 2008, he relocated to New York City, where on his first night, he performed at two open mics and handed out flyers to get a spot at a third show — only heading to his apartment later that night. His talent in comedy not only earned him a burgeoning stand-up career but also led to writing opportunities. After his first appearance on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," Buress landed a job as a staff writer for "Saturday Night Live" during the 2009-2010 season. While his sketches rarely made it to air due to his lack of sketch writing experience, his humor was undeniable. Tina Fey recognized his talent and subsequently hired him as a writer for her sitcom "30 Rock," where he also appeared as the recurring character of a homeless man. Buress released his debut stand-up comedy album, "My Name is Hannibal," recorded at the now-defunct Lakeshore Theater in Chicago, through Stand Up! Records on July 27, 2010. That same month, he was featured in Variety's "Ten Comics to Watch" list. In a 2011 Esquire interview, Chris Rock praised Buress, calling him "the illegitimate son of Mitch Hedberg" and predicted Buress would become the next big stand-up comedian. Even as his fame grew, Buress remained grounded, hosting a free weekly stand-up comedy show at Brooklyn's The Knitting Factory on Sundays. He recently returned for a final show when the venue closed, reconnecting with the community that helped shape his career.