Jeff Ross's Best Joke from 'The Roast of Kevin Hart'

The Roastmaster General Takes on Kevin Hart

Jeff Ross, the legendary Roastmaster General, delivered a fiery performance at Netflix's live roast of Kevin Hart, marking the second installment in a series of "GOAT" roasts hosted by Shane Gillis. The event featured a star-studded lineup including Tom Brady, Dwayne Johnson, and Katt Williams, all eager to take shots at Hart.

Dressed in a replica of Eddie Murphy’s red leather outfit from "Delirious," Ross wasted no time in targeting Hart's career choices, upbringing, and even his personal life. One of the most memorable lines came when Ross said, "Your dad was a street hustler and addicted to crack cocaine. So I guess being dependent on the Rock runs in the family."

The roast was not without its challenges. Ross admitted to being caught off guard during the event, as he had to rush to the bathroom while Hart was roasting him. "Imagine literally peeing while I'm hearing the audience laughing at jokes about me. It was one of the most surreal roast moments of my career," he recalled.

The After Party Vibe

The after party was described as an unforgettable experience. Kevin Hart seemed to be on cloud nine, with his wife Eniko enjoying the festivities. "What a way to spend Mother's Day," Ross remarked. He also noted that the only real tension came from Katt Williams, who unexpectedly took aim at Hart. "Kevin definitely looked a little tense, but he asked for the hatchet to be buried, and immediately the tension turned into celebration."

Ross credited Kevin Hart for bringing Katt Williams into the mix. "He's a great comic and a smart producer. He loves to follow the discomfort. If something is making him uncomfortable, it's going to be great TV." Katt Williams made a dramatic entrance with a cape, leaving the audience in stitches.

Jokes That Didn’t Make the Cut

One joke that didn't make it onto the roast was a particularly sharp jab: "Kevin, your dad sold crack, and you literally sell everything except crack. From his comedy to his tequila to his chain of vegan fast food restaurants, Kevin is always looking for new ways to make people throw up."

Ross also shared some highlights from the night, recalling how Sheryl Underwood delivered a standout performance. "I remember at some point flapping on the floor when she was on - that's how hard I was falling out of my chair. She had one of the best sets of the night."

Crossing the Line

Ross acknowledged that the roast was extremely edgy, especially with Tom Brady's early remarks about Hart's personal life. "That's actually how I first approached Tom about it. We were at a party in Las Vegas, and I said, 'Tom, we've got another one percolating.' He said, 'I'm never coming back. Why would I come?' I said, 'Revenge.' His head tilted like a puppy waiting for a treat."

Despite the intensity, Ross emphasized that nothing was off-limits. "Nothing was off limits. I don't think there was a single topic from Kevin's life that didn't get brought up."

The Art of the Roast

Balancing the element of surprise with tight production is a delicate task. Ross praised his partner Casey Patterson for keeping the guest of honor in the dark. "She'll put fake names on dressing room signs, the scripts don't circulate to the entire staff, the crew doesn't read the comics' material."

He also highlighted the importance of the teleprompter operators, calling them "a high-wire act." "You've got all sorts of deliveries - some people are mumbling, some are rushing - and those operators stay right with us the whole time."

Future Roasts and Celebrities

When asked about future roasts, Ross expressed interest in a pop or rock star. "A rapper would be great. I could see Drake getting roasted and being a great one. One of my all-time favorite ideas is Stevie Wonder. I always say 'The Roast of Stevie Wonder: You've got to hear it to believe it.'"