Born in Plymouth, North Carolina, and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, J.B. Smoove is an Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian, writer, and producer whose unique brand of comedy has made him one of the most recognizable comedic performers working today. Best known for his breakout role as Leon Black on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, Smoove joined the series in its sixth season and remained a fan favorite through the show’s twelfth and final season. His performance earned an NAACP Image Award nomination and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.

Before becoming a household name on-screen, Smoove was a writer for Saturday Night Live, where he won a 2007 Writers Guild of America Award for Best Comedy/Variety Series. His television credits also include Everybody Hates Chris, The Millers, Fresh Off the Boat, Life in Pieces, The Last O.G., Real Husbands of Hollywood, History of the World: Part II, and Mapleworth Murders, the latter earning him an Emmy Award.

Smoove’s film career spans a wide range of comedies and cult favorites, including Pootie Tang, Mr. Deeds, Date Night, Hall Pass, The Dictator, Top Five, We Bought a Zoo, Barbershop: The Next Cut, Uncle Drew, Search Party, Almost Christmas, and On the Count of Three. He has also become a sought-after voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to projects such as Ice Age 4, The Smurfs 2, American Dad!, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Harley Quinn, and other animated series.

As a stand-up comedian, Smoove has spent more than three decades entertaining audiences worldwide. Known for his energetic storytelling, physical comedy, and improvisational style, he has earned a reputation as a “comedian’s comedian.” His stand-up special How I Dooz It remains a fan favorite, and he has hosted Last Comic Standing as well as multiple Comedy Central specials.

Beyond performing, Smoove is the founder of Alternate Side Productions, a production company focused on television, film, animation, and branded content. He also founded The First Darrin, a creative agency that develops advertising campaigns and content through a comedic lens. A dedicated community advocate, he serves on the board of the Mount Vernon Boys & Girls Club and is a member of the Boys & Girls Club National Alumni Hall of Fame.