J.B. Smoove, born Jerry Angelo Brooks on December 16, 1965, in Plymouth, North Carolina, is an American comedian, actor, and writer. He began his career in stand-up comedy in the mid-1990s and gained recognition as a writer and performer on NBC's Saturday Night Live from 2003 to 2006. He is best known for his role as Leon Black on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm (2007–2024), where he became famous for his quick-witted and profane character. Smoove has also starred in the CBS sitcom The Millers and appeared as a fictionalized version of himself on BET's Real Husbands of Hollywood. Beyond television, J.B. Smoove has acted in films such as Spider-Man: Far From Home and Spider-Man: No Way Home. He is also known for his voice work in animated projects and has hosted various comedy shows. Throughout his career, he has earned accolades including a Writers Guild of America award and Emmy nominations. He is noted for his distinctive comedic style and has been praised for his dynamic performances alongside Larry David on Curb Your Enthusiasm. Raised in Mount Vernon, New York, Smoove's upbringing and family experiences have influenced his comedic style. He studied engineering and graphic design at Norfolk State University before pursuing entertainment full- time. He is married to Shahidah Omar