JB 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 graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1983. Smoove later pursued studies in engineering and graphic design at Norfolk State University. Before his career in entertainment, he held various jobs, including working as a perfume formulator and selling fire extinguishers door-to-door, experiences that he has mentioned influenced his comedic perspective. His early life experiences in both North Carolina and New York provided a diverse background that shaped his distinctive comedic voice.

Smoove began his professional entertainment career in stand-up comedy, where he adopted his stage name. His comedic talents led him to significant roles in television and film. A pivotal point in his career was joining the cast of HBO’s critically acclaimed series “Curb Your Enthusiasm” in its sixth season (2007) as Leon Black, a role for which he received a SAG nomination as part of the ensemble cast in 2018 and an NAACP Image Award nomination in 2012. Before “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Smoove was a writer and performer for NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” from 2003 to 2006, contributing to his recognition with a Writers Guild of America award in 2007 for Best Comedy/Variety Series. His work on “Saturday Night Live” provided a foundation for his versatility as both a writer and performer in the comedy landscape.

His career expanded to include numerous film and television appearances, showcasing his range as an actor. Notable film roles include Mr. Dell in “Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2019) and its sequel “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021), as well as appearances in “Mr. Deeds” (2002), “Date Night” (2010), and “Barbershop: The Next Cut” (2016). In television, he has had recurring roles on “Everybody Hates Chris,” “‘Til Death,” and starred in the CBS sitcom “The Millers” (2013–2015). Smoove has also lent his voice to animated projects such as “Harley Quinn” (as Frank the Plant, 2019–2025) and the video game “Grand Theft Auto V” (as Dr. Ray De Angelo Harris, 2013). His diverse roles demonstrate his adaptability across various genres and platforms, establishing him as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. In 2021, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for his role in “Mapleworth Murders.”