If the whole world were laughing, comedian D. L. Hughley would be one of the happiest men alive.

“One of the most beautiful things in the world I’ve seen or heard is people laughing, even when there seems to be so little reason for them to laugh,” Hughley said in the January 31, 1997 issue of the Michigan Daily.

Hughley, who will be performing at this year’s Dew the Rec, has not always led a life of humor.

The comic grew up in Los Angeles, and along with the sun, beaches and movie stars, Hughley lived a significant portion of his life under the influence of a far more dangerous aspect of his hometown — gangs.

Joining the L.A. Bloods at age 12, Hughley remained a member until the tragic death of his cousin, who was a member of the Crips, a rival gang.

“It was a tragic thing,” Hughley said. “I’m glad I found my way out.”

When he quit the Bloods at age 18, Hughley tried to discover how he could be a community asset. It wasn’t until his barber dared him to enter a comedy competition that Hughley found his calling.

“When they put that microphone in my hand, I knew stand-up would be my life,” Hughley told the Michigan Daily. “I guess that, in a way, it always has been.”

The opportunity to host BET’s “Comic View” provided Hughley with the break he needed to establish himself in the entertainment business.

The stint on BET led to a variety of HBO specials and appearances on television shows including “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” “Late Night with David Letterman” and “Def Jam’s Comedy All-Stars.”

Hughley now stars as Darryl Hughley in the ABC television show that shares his last name.

The success of “The Hughleys” has not stopped the comedian from touring the country and performing stand-up.

His comedic ability also earned Hughley a role as the voice of the Gadgetmobile in the ill-fated 1999 film “Inspector Gadget.”

Hughley now lives with his wife and three children in the L.A. suburbs, a far cry from the violence-saturated environment of his childhood.

He doesn’t take his success for granted, however.

“I’m truly blessed. I love what I do,” Hughley said. “There’s nothing better.”