J.B. Smoove

Jerry Angelo Brooks, known professionally as J.B. Smoove, was born on December 16, 1965, in Plymouth, North Carolina. He spent his formative years in Mount Vernon, New York, where he developed an interest in comedy. Prior to his entertainment career, Smoove worked in various capacities, including as a perfume formulator and a door-to-door fire extinguisher salesman. He attended Norfolk State University, studying engineering and graphic design. His professional journey in entertainment commenced in stand-up comedy, leading him to adopt the stage name J.B. Smoove.

Smoove gained prominence with his work on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” joining the cast in its sixth season in 2007 as Leon Black. He also served as a writer and performer on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” from 2003 to 2006, where he was a recipient of the 2007 Writers Guild of America award for Best Comedy/Variety Series. His career progression includes notable roles in films such as “Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2019) and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021) as Julius Dell, and the CBS sitcom “The Millers” (2013–2015). Smoove has also lent his voice to animated series like “Harley Quinn” (2019–2025) and video games like “Grand Theft Auto V” (2013), demonstrating his broad range across various media.

Further milestones include hosting the eighth season of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” in 2014 and appearing in Jerry Seinfeld’s web series “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” in 2016. In 2020, Smoove starred in “Mapleworth Murders” for Quibi, a role for which he earned the 2021 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series. His diverse body of work also encompasses producing, with executive producer credits on his comedy specials “One Course with JB Smoove” (2022–2023) and “JB Smoove: That’s How I Dooz It” (2012). Beyond his artistic endeavors, Smoove is actively involved in community work, serving on the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon, New York.