Jerrod Carmichael

Rothaniel Jerrod Carmichael, born on April 6, 1987, is an accomplished American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and filmmaker. Originating from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Carmichael's journey into the world of comedy began with a humble upbringing, often featuring prominently in his stand-up routines. Having an older brother named Joe, Carmichael's comedic roots trace back to his fifth-grade role as the host of a morning news show on his elementary school's local access channel. Graduating from Robert B. Glenn High School in Kernersville, North Carolina, in 2005, Carmichael pursued his dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. At the age of 20, he made a bold move to Los Angeles, despite never having performed comedy before. His comedy debut took place at an open mic night at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood, marking the beginning of a remarkable career. Carmichael's rise through the comedy circuit led him to the "New Faces" showcase at the 2011 Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal. Notably, his breakout role as an actor came in the film "Neighbors" in 2014, followed by his first HBO stand-up comedy special, "Love at the Store" (2014), directed by filmmaker Spike Lee. The comedian's second HBO special, "8" (2017), directed by Bo Burnham, showcased Carmichael's comedic prowess in the Grand Lodge Room of New York's Masonic Hall. He then co-created, co-wrote, produced, and starred in the NBC sitcom "The Carmichael Show" (2015–2017), garnering acclaim for addressing socially relevant topics. Carmichael expanded his creative footprint as an executive producer for the Fox sitcom "Rel" (2018–2019) and directed Drew Michael's unconventional stand-up comedy special in 2018. He also made significant contributions to Tyler, the Creator's album "Igor" (2019), and collaborated with Quentin Tarantino on a film adaptation based on the Django/Zorro crossover comic book series. His directorial ventures include the HBO documentaries "Home Videos" (2019) and "Sermon on the Mount" (2019), both autobiographical in nature. Carmichael's comedy thriller film, "On the Count of Three," released in 2021, further showcased his multifaceted talents. The third HBO special, "Rothaniel" (2022), directed by Burnham, marked a milestone in his career, earning him a Primetime Emmy Award for writing. Notably, Carmichael came out as gay during this special. Beyond his contributions to the entertainment industry, Carmichael hosted Saturday Night Live, and he was chosen to host the 80th Golden Globe Awards. Currently residing in New York City, Carmichael's journey continues to be characterized by authenticity, creative innovation, and a commitment to addressing meaningful societal conversations through his art.