Early Life and Background
Jerry Angelo Brooks, better known by his stage name J.B. Smoove, was born on December 16, 1965, in Plymouth, North Carolina. He is the eldest son of Floyd Brooks, a lighting installer, and Elizabeth Brooks, who played a significant role in shaping his vibrant sense of humor. At a young age, his family relocated to Mount Vernon, New York, where he spent most of his formative years. Growing up in this environment, Smoove was immersed in hip-hop culture, which later influenced his career choices.
Before pursuing entertainment full-time, Smoove held various jobs, including formulating perfumes and selling fire extinguishers door-to-door. He attended Norfolk State University, studying engineering and graphic design, which honed his creative skills. His early passion for performance emerged through hip-hop dancing, where he adopted the name “J. Smoove” as part of a dance crew. This laid the foundation for his transition into stand-up comedy and acting. This detailed exploration forms the core of any J.B. Smoove Biography.
Rise in Comedy and Early Career
Stand-Up Beginnings
Smoove’s entertainment journey kicked off in the mid-1990s with stand-up comedy. He gained early recognition performing on Def Comedy Jam in 1995, a platform that launched many Black comedians. His unique style quick-witted, profane, and energetic quickly caught attention. He toured comedy clubs on the East Coast and appeared on shows like Premium Blend and The Chris Rock Show.
Breakthrough Roles
In the early 2000s, Smoove moved to Los Angeles and landed recurring roles on MTV’s The Lyricist Lounge Show. His film debut came with the cult classic Pootie Tang (2001), where he narrated and starred alongside Chris Rock. He followed this with a co-starring role in Mr. Deeds (2002) opposite Adam Sandler. Smoove also appeared in the short-lived sketch comedy series Cedric the Entertainer Presents (2002–2003).
Saturday Night Live and Writing Success
Joining SNL
In 2003, Smoove returned to New York and secured a writing position on NBC’s Saturday Night Live (SNL). He contributed for three seasons (2003–2006), occasionally appearing in sketches, such as parodying Jimmy “J.J.” Walker from Good Times. His work earned him a 2007 Writers Guild of America Award for Best Comedy/Variety Series.
Impact on His Career
Though SNL did not renew his contract in 2006, the experience was pivotal. It connected him with comedy giants and sharpened his improvisational skills, preparing him for future iconic roles.
Breakthrough with Curb Your Enthusiasm
Iconic Role as Leon Black
Smoove’s career skyrocketed in 2007 when he joined HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm as Leon Black, Larry David’s foul-mouthed, freeloading housemate. Introduced in season 6, Leon became a fan favorite for his outrageous advice and unfiltered commentary. The role, heavily improvised, showcased Smoove’s natural comedic timing.
Longevity and Recognition
Leon appeared recurringly initially and became a series regular in later seasons. The show ran until 2024, spanning 12 seasons. Smoove received nominations, including a 2012 NAACP Image Award and a 2018 SAG Award as part of the ensemble. He even authored The Book of Leon: Philosophy of a Fool (2017), a parody self-help book in character.
Television and Film Highlights
Other Notable TV Roles
Beyond Curb, Smoove starred in The Millers (2013–2015) on CBS, ‘Til Death (seasons 2–3), and Real Husbands of Hollywood (2013–2016). He hosted stand-up series like Russell Simmons’ Stand-Up at The El Rey and his own special That’s How I Dooz It (2012) on Comedy Central. Smoove also hosted Four Courses with J.B. Smoove on MSG Network for four seasons.
Film and Voice Work
In films, he appeared in Date Night (2010), We Bought a Zoo (2011), The Smurfs 2 (2013, voice), and notably as Julius Dell in Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). His voice roles include Harley Quinn (animated series) and video games like Grand Theft Auto V.
Awards and Achievements
Smoove’s talent earned him significant accolades:
- 2007 Writers Guild of America Award for SNL.
- 2021 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series (for Mapleworth Murders).
- Various nominations for his Curb Your Enthusiasm performances.
His contributions have solidified his status as a versatile comedian and actor.
Personal Life
Smoove married singer and actress Shahidah Omar in 2007. The couple has one daughter, Jerrica Brooks. They reside in Los Angeles, maintaining a supportive partnership that balances his demanding career. Smoove often credits his family for grounding him amid Hollywood’s chaos.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
At 60 years old (as of 2025), J.B. Smoove continues to entertain through stand-up tours, voice work, and potential new projects. His journey from hip-hop dancer to Emmy-winning actor exemplifies perseverance and authenticity. Smoove’s improvisational prowess and infectious energy have influenced a new generation of comedians, making him a staple in American comedy.
