J. B. Smoove
Jerry Angelo Brooks[1][2] (born December 16, 1965),[1] commonly known by his stage name J. B. Smoove, is an American actor, comedian and writer. After beginning his career in 1995 on Def Comedy Jam, he was a writer and performer on NBC's Saturday Night Live (2003–06). He is best known for his starring roles on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm (2007–24) and the CBS sitcom The Millers (2013–15). He also portrayed a fictionalized version of himself on the BET improv-comedy reality television parody Real Husbands of Hollywood (2013–16).[3]
J. B. Smoove
- Actor
- comedian
- writer
1991–present
1
Early life, family and education[edit]
Smoove was born in Plymouth, North Carolina, to Elizabeth and Floyd Brooks.[4] From the time he was three years old, he grew up in Mount Vernon, New York.[2][5][6] He spent a significant amount of time with his mother and extended maternal family in the Plymouth area, which he has said inspired much of his pursuit of comedy and comedy style.[7] He resided in the Levister Towers housing projects in Mount Vernon with his two younger brothers. His father died from diabetes when Smoove was 15 years old.[4]
In 1983, Smoove graduated from Mount Vernon High School.[8] He attended Norfolk State University in Virginia, studying engineering and graphic design.[3]
Smoove worked as a perfume formulator and sold fire extinguishers door-to-door.[9]
Volunteering[edit]
Smoove serves on the board of directors of the Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon, New York. On November 7, 2017, he emceed the Boys and Girls Clubs Future Leaders Gala at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.[24]
Personal life[edit]
In 2007, Smoove married singer Shahidah Omar.[24] They reside in Los Angeles.[4] He has an adult daughter from a previous relationship.
He is a fan of the New York Knicks,[25] New York Yankees and the New York Jets.[26]
In 2019, Smoove played for the "Home" roster during the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at the Bojangles' Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina. The roster was made up of celebrities with Carolina roots.[27]
He has been vegan since 2018.[28]
