Chappelle isn't joking about staying put in Ohio

Comedian Dave Chappelle — who abruptly walked away from his hit TV show last year — told the crowd at Sunday's African American Blues & Jazz Festival in Yellow Springs, Ohio, that he enjoys living in southwest Ohio and doesn't plan to leave.

"Turns out, you don't need $50 million to live around these parts, just a nice smile and a kind way about you. You guys are the best neighbors ever. ... That's why I came back and that's why I'm staying."

Chappelle, 33, walked away from a $50 million deal to continue his "Chappelle's Show" on Comedy Central. He made what's been described as a "spiritual retreat" to South Africa on the eve of the show's third season, leaving the series in limbo.

The popular funnyman, who grew up in Yellow Springs and still lives in the area with his wife and children, has since hit the road to perform standup and has also released the acclaimed concert/documentary "Dave Chappelle's Block Party."