Funnyman Chris Rock turned to comedy after years of racial abuse left him living a "hermit" existence.

The 42-year-old was sent to an all-white school in his native New York and was taunted by racist bullies on a daily basis.

The groundbreaking comic - who often uses profane racial references in his stand-up routine - claims the bullying became so bad, he created a humorous fantasy world in his head.

"When I was bussed to a white school, I basically became a hermit," he said.

"It killed part of me. I retreated into myself.

"It helped me become a comedian because it helped me live in my own head. And you know, you can tell by my experiences, I've seen the worst of people, at a young age."

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