Who is Dave Chappelle’s Filipina wife, Elaine Chappelle? Netflix’s The Dreamer comedian married his partner in 2001, who was with him even when he was ‘poor’ – and they have 3 kids

Jan 7 , 2024

Dave Chappelle and his wife Elaine, pictured here at the SNL 40th Anniversary Special at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, have been married since 2001. Photo: Corbis via Getty Images

Perhaps you spent your New Year’s Eve out on the town, attending a countdown party, or sleeping to recover from the non-stop socialising over the festive period – or perhaps, you stayed in to watch Dave Chappelle’s latest comedy special The Dreamer, which premiered globally on the last day of 2023.

Elaine Chappelle (left) has stayed by her husband Dave Chappelle’s side through it all. Photo: @ardiefuqua/Instagram

Either way, it’s out there now for the world to watch – Chappelle’s latest run, with the comedian tackling every controversial topic out there (much to the disdain of many of his critics).

But who’s the woman who’s stayed by his side through thick and thin, supporting him for over two decades?

Here’s what we know about Dave Chappelle’s wife, Elaine.

Elaine Chappelle hails from the Philippines

Per Stylecaster, Elaine Mendoza Erfe is a Filipina-American woman who grew up in Brooklyn, New York. She married Chappelle back in 2001.

“She was with me when I was poor,” the comedian once said on The Howard Stern Show.

What does Elaine Chappelle do for a living?

Elaine Chappelle (left) and actor/comedian Dave Chappelle at MGM Grand Garden Arena in May 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Getty Images for Showtime

It’s unclear what Elaine’s job is, but her hubby has taken note of her impressive culinary skills.

Elaine Chappelle (right) with comedian Maija Digiorgio. Photo: @milliondollarmaija/Instagram

“She doesn’t work as a professional chef, [but the kids] regularly eat like kings at home, thanks to her excellent culinary skills,” he said in one interview, per Netline.

She keeps her husband grounded

Dave Chappelle (right) has given shout-outs to his wife Elaine in multiple interviews over the years. Photo: @fkndeliciousness/Instagram

Chappelle’s partner keeps him grounded. “My wife, if it gets real bad, she’ll let me know, like, ‘Oh, you should look into this,’” the comedian said on The Howard Stern Show, referring to the controversies that frequently surround him. “But for the most part, I try not to pay attention to it, because you don’t want to be careful as a comedian. I try to keep my business small enough so it can still be authentic enough.”

Does Dave Chappelle have children?

Dave Chappelle and Elaine Chappelle attend a Golden State Warriors vs New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden in March 2017, in New York City. Photo: Getty Images

Yes, Dave Chappelle has three children. Dave and Elaine welcomed their first son Sulayman in 2001, then had another son Ibrahim two years later, and daughter Sanaa in 2009, per People. The Chappelles are notoriously private about their family life.

Fame and celebrity

Dave Chappelle’s latest comedy special The Dreamer premiered globally on the last day of 2023 – which has left some fans wondering who his wife of over 20 years is
Elaine Chappelle hails from the Philippines and has been married to her comedian beau since 2001; Chappelle previously said his wife was planning to have a career in the culinary industry