J.B. Smoove: A Life In Comedy And Beyond

What Is J.B. Smoove's Net Worth?

Let’s talk about J.B. Smoove, one of the most beloved comedians in the entertainment industry today. With a net worth of $6 million, this tall drink of water from North Carolina has made a name for himself through sheer talent and hard work. His breakout role as Leon Black on Larry David’s iconic HBO sitcom "Curb Your Enthusiasm" skyrocketed him into the spotlight. But here’s the thing—J.B. Smoove wasn’t just an overnight success. Long before "Curb," he was making waves in the comedy world, performing stand-up, writing scripts, and even producing films. His career is proof that persistence pays off, and his journey is one that continues to inspire fans worldwide.

Early Life

Before he became the hilarious J.B. Smoove we know and love, Jerry Angelo Brooks was born on December 18, 1965, in Plymouth, North Carolina. At just three years old, his family moved to Mount Vernon, New York, but he always kept ties to his North Carolina roots, visiting family regularly. It was these family connections, full of colorful personalities, that would later inspire much of his comedy material. J.B. graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1983 and went on to study graphic design and engineering at Norfolk State University in Virginia.

After college, J.B. worked a variety of odd jobs, from selling door-to-door fire extinguishers to repairing soda machines in bars. But it wasn’t until he stepped onto a comedy stage that his true calling became clear. As he puts it, “I found my voice on that stage, and I haven’t looked back since.” That journey led him straight to the top of the comedy world, where he’s been ever since.

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Comedy Career

J.B. Smoove’s career in comedy began in the early 1990s when he started performing stand-up under his now-famous stage name. His big break came when he appeared on Russell Simmons’ "Def Comedy Jam," a show that introduced him to a national audience. From there, the sky was the limit. J.B. landed recurring roles on hit TV shows like "Everybody Hates Chris" and "Saturday Night Live," where he also worked as a writer. His writing on "SNL" earned him a prestigious Writers Guild of America Award in 2007.

But J.B.’s talents weren’t confined to television. He also made a splash in films, including the cult classic "Pootie Tang," where he played the narrator. His role as Leon Black on "Curb Your Enthusiasm" further cemented his status as a comedy legend. And let’s not forget his work in animated series, video games, and even hosting gigs. Whether he’s performing stand-up or writing scripts, J.B. Smoove brings a unique energy to everything he does.

"Curb Your Enthusiasm"

J.B. Smoove’s role as Leon Black on "Curb Your Enthusiasm" is arguably his most iconic. He joined the cast in the show’s sixth season, and his character quickly became a fan favorite. Leon, with his sharp wit and unapologetic demeanor, brought a fresh dynamic to the series. Initially introduced as part of the Black family who moves in with Larry David after a natural disaster, Leon’s character evolved into so much more. J.B.’s impeccable comedic timing and ability to improvise turned Leon into an integral part of the show.

What makes Leon such a standout character is his ability to challenge Larry David in the best possible way. Their interactions are filled with humor and unpredictability, creating some of the most memorable moments in the series. J.B. even took his character to the next level by writing a book in Leon’s voice, titled "The Book of Leon: Philosophy of a Fool." It’s safe to say that without J.B. Smoove, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" wouldn’t be the same.

Outside of "Curb"

While "Curb Your Enthusiasm" is a big part of J.B. Smoove’s career, it’s far from the only thing he’s been up to. Throughout his career, J.B. has worked on numerous other projects. He served as a celebrity judge on a revival of "The Gong Show," hosted by comedian Dave Attell, and was a cast member on "Cedric the Entertainer Presents." In 2010, he hosted a stand-up comedy showcase for Comedy Central called "Russell Simmons Presents: Stand-Up at The El Rey."

J.B. also made his TV stand-up special debut in 2012 with "That’s How I Dooz It" and has appeared in several films, including "Movie 43" and "The Smurfs 2." His voice can be heard in video games like "Call of Duty: Black Ops II" and "Grand Theft Auto V," as well as animated series such as "Harley Quinn," "The Simpsons," and "American Dad!" In 2014, he hosted the eighth season of "Last Comic Standing," and he’s even appeared on "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" with Jerry Seinfeld. Whether he’s playing Santa Claus in a Sia music video or showcasing his culinary skills on shows like "Four Courses with J.B. Smoove," J.B. Smoove continues to entertain audiences in countless ways.

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Personal Life

When he’s not making people laugh, J.B. Smoove leads a fulfilling personal life. He’s been married to singer Shahidah Omar since 2007, and the couple has one daughter. Unlike his "Curb" alter-ego Leon Black, J.B. is a confirmed vegan and health enthusiast. He’s also a dedicated philanthropist, serving on the board of directors for the local Boys & Girls Club in Mount Vernon. In 2019, he played for the "home team" in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game in Charlotte, North Carolina, and in 2020, he was praised by "Page Six" for leaving a $1,200 tip at a New York City restaurant while sticking to the vegan menu. J.B. Smoove truly lives by the motto: “Success is more than just money—it’s about giving back and living a balanced life.”

J.B. Smoove Quote on Money

"There's book smart, there is street smart, there's relationship smart, there's too many different kinds of smarts to know all of them. Everybody doesn't know every kind of smart. There's money smart, there's movie smart, there's computer smart. There's just too many different kinds of smarts for people to know all the smarts."

J.B. Smoove’s words remind us that intelligence comes in many forms, and success isn’t just about one type of knowledge. Whether it’s smarts about money, movies, or relationships, J.B. understands that life is about embracing all kinds of wisdom. And that’s a lesson we can all learn from this incredible entertainer.