Comedian Dave Chappelle attended the Democratic party presidential debate Jan. 21, 2008. His surprise show in Portland, Ore., drew thousands of fans. (Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press)

Comedian Dave Chappelle, who has avoided the limelight since 2005, gave a free show in the early hours of Wednesday morning in Portland, Ore.

News of his potential appearance had spread via Facebook and Twitter, and he was met with thousands of fans in Pioneer Courthouse Square.

The comedian appeared about 1 a.m. and began cracking jokes, but the small sound system he had for the outdoor show proved inadequate for the large crowd.

According to Oregon Live, he explained to fans that he was "not here for the money," and said he was happy to see so many people "stand this close together and not be angry."

Chappelle thanked the crowd and made quips about what people were wearing and the size of the gathering, which he apparently did not expect. "Don't tell a secret in Portland," he said.

There was no explanation of why the Ohio-based comedian was in Portland.

In 2005, Chappelle walked away from a $50-million US deal to renew his popular Dave Chappelle Show on Comedy Central.

Since then he has participated in the concert film Dave Chappelle's Block Party and made appearances at comedy clubs.

With files from The Associated Press