As one of the most talked-about figures, J.B. Smoove has built a significant fortune. In this article, we dive deep into the assets and career highlights.
What Is J.B. Smoove's Net Worth?
Smoove began performing stand-up comedy in the early 90s (eventually adopting his now-famous stage name), first catching the attention of the public eye while appearing as part ofRussell Simmons's"Def Comedy Jam." His stand-up work led to recurring roles on such series as "Everybody Hates Chris" and "Saturday Night Live," on which he also worked as a writer. In that capacity on "Saturday Night Live," J.B. received a Writers Guild of America award in 2007 – altogether, he was on "SNL" for three years before moving on to other things. He also earned a permanent spot in the hearts of cult film fans with his role in the 2001 comedy "Pootie Tang" as the narrator. He also had a two-year run on the sitcom "'Til Death."
(Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images for BET)
J.B. Smoove joined the cast of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" during its sixth season, portraying the character Leon Black. He quickly became one of the show's most beloved figures and proceeded to continue to star on the show for another six seasons over 14 years. His character, initially introduced as a part of the Black family, who moved in withLarry Davidfollowing a natural disaster, stood out with his hilarious and unapologetically blunt demeanor. Smoove's impeccable comedic timing and unique ability to improvise transformed Leon into an integral part of the series, leading to his character staying with Larry long after the original storyline concluded.
J.B. Smoove was born Jerry Angelo Brooks on December 18th, 1965, in Plymouth, North Carolina. He moved to Mount Vernon, New York, when he was three years old while continuing to visit Plymouth thanks to his extended family in the area. As the story goes, it was members of that extended family that went on to inspire much of his comedy material. In 1983, J.B. graduated from Mount Vernon High School. He then moved to Virginia to enroll in Norfolk State University, where he studied graphic design and engineering.
J.B. Smoove is an American comedian and actor who has a net worth of $6 million. Thanks to his breakout role asLeon Blackon Larry David's long-running HBO sitcom "Curb Your Enthusiasm," J.B. Smoove has become a highly sought-after comedian with roles in a variety of feature films and television shows as well as stand-up comedy projects, but in fact, he's been a known entity in the comedy world going all the way back to the 1990s.
Smoove's portrayal of Leon is characterized by his sharp wit, confidence, and unforgettable catchphrases, contributing significantly to the show's dynamic and humor. He serves as a sort of unorthodox conscience to Larry, often involved in some of the most memorable and laugh-out-loud moments of the series. His interactions with Larry and the rest of the cast highlight a chemistry that has enriched the show's narrative, making it hard to imagine "Curb Your Enthusiasm" without his presence. In 2017, J.B. even wrote a book in character as Leon, titled "The Book of Leon: Philosophy of a Fool."
After college, but before he found his niche as a stand-up comedian, Smoove took on a variety of odd jobs, including, in his own words: "Selling door-to-door fire extinguishers… In bars, I used to repair those machines that have 10 different buttons on them to spray club soda and seltzer." Eventually, he found himself onstage telling jokes, and it didn't take long for him to distinguish himself in that area.
Ultimately, J.B. Smoove's financial journey is a testament to their success.
Disclaimer: All net worth figures are estimates based on public data.