Born in Plymouth, North Carolina, and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, J.B. Smoove is an Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian, producer, and writer who continues to entertain audiences all over the world with his unique brand of comedy. His breakout role in “Curb Your Enthusiasm” as Leon Black has firmly planted him as one of the best comedic actors today.
Having joined the cast of “Curb” in its sixth season, JB has remained an integral part of the show since that time, receiving an NAACP Image Award nomination in 2012, and a SAG Nomination in 2018 for his performance. The show recently concluded its twelfth and “final” season.
Aside from “Curb,” JB has had a long and diverse television career. From writing on the iconic series “Saturday Night Live” where he received a 2007 WGA Award in the category of “Best Comedy/Variety Series,” to performing on camera in the sketch comedy show, “Cedric the Entertainer Presents:” JB has always shown a propensity for creating interesting and original characters.
Some of JB’s other television credits include “Everybody Hates Chris,” “The Millers,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” “Life in Pieces,” “The Last O.G.,” the hilarious satire “Real Husbands of Hollywood” on BET+, as well as “History Of The World: Part II” and “Mapleworth Murders,” which earned him an Emmy Award.
Smoove has also racked up an eclectic array of film credits. Some of those films include narrating and starring in the cult classic 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, ON THE COUNT OF THREE, and AMAZON’S MUSICA.
JB’s voice credits span both the big and small screen, lending his memorable voice to animated films such as ICE AGE 4 and THE SMURFS 2, as well as animated series such as “Good Times,” “Woke,” “Fairfax,” “American Dad,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” as well as the beloved “Frank the Plant” character in “Harley Quinn.”
As an accomplished stand-up comic, JB’s mastery of physical comedy and his ability to embody the stories that he tells has earned him the title of a “comedian’s comedian.” Over a 30+ year career, JB has entertained adoring fans in clubs and theaters all over the country and as far away as Australia. JB’s stand-up special “How I Dooz It” is a fan favorite. Smoove has hosted NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” along with a duo of Comedy Central specials – “Russell Simmons Presents: The Ruckus” and “Russell Simmons Presents: Stand-Up At The El Rey.”
JB’s fledgling production company, Alternate Side Productions (ASP), is off and running, having produced the NY Emmy-nominated “One Course with JB Smoove.” The company plans to have a footprint in the TV, Film, Animation, and Branded Content categories in the future.
JB serves as a proud board member of the Mt. Vernon Boys and Girls Club and is a member of the Boys & Girls Club National Alumni Hall of Fame. JB will next be seen as the host of an upcoming game show, Buy It Now, on Amazon.