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J.B. Smoove

J.B. Smoove

Actor, also writer and producer · Born December 16, 1965 (60) · Plymouth, North Carolina, USA

Primetime Emmy winner · Screen Actors Guild Award nominee · 1 other major award body

Jerry Angelo Brooks, known professionally as J. B. Smoove, is an American comedian, actor, and writer. After beginning his career in 1995 on Def Comedy Jam, he was a writer and performer on NBC's Saturday Night Live. He is best known for his starring roles on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm and the CBS sitcom The Millers.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
December 16, 1965 (60)
From
Plymouth, North Carolina, USA
Works as
Actor, also writer and producer
Titles
62 on Motif · 80 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Official site (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 157 days to Oct 28Down 5% in 30 days

What are J.B. Smoove's films like?

Across their 35 Motif titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Self.

Genres

Comedy13 titlesTypical Motif score: 50th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Comedy movies
Documentary3 titlesTypical Motif score: 31st percentile
: browse their Documentary movies
Animation2 titlesTypical Motif score: 42nd percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Animation movies

Their Motif films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Motif score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Bonds
41%
Self
25%
Society
19%
Morality
5%
Ideas
4%
Power
3%
Survival
3%
Family bonds9 titles, browse their movies with this themeRomantic love8 titles, browse their movies with this themeFriendship7 titles, browse their movies with this themeCommunity7 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity8 titles, browse their movies with this themeAmbition5 titles, browse their movies with this themeFame5 titles, browse their movies with this themeLoyalty5 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 22 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Light: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their light movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

Light 19 · Serious 2 · Dark 1

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

A split, not a type: Grounded 14 · Stylized 5 · Heightened 3

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 9 · Charged 9 · Intense 4

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 8 · Shifting 10 · Whiplash 4

Funny: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their funny movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 0 · Some laughs 8 · Funny 14

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 8 · Even-paced 12 · Relentless 2

Casual: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their casual movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 18 · Engaged 4 · Full focus 0

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 21 · Open-ended 1 · Ambiguous 0

Roles they play

13 analyzed roles

Usually the Ally: 6 of 13 analyzed roles.

Ally
6 of 13
Trickster
5 of 13
Mentor
1 of 13
Shadow
1 of 13
Show the 13 roles

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Absurd
17
Joyful
16
Warm
16
Tense
11
Hopeful
5
Other
28

How their films linger

Fun21 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good21 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful10 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteWistful5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 2 with a twist

  • Happy15
  • Bittersweet12
  • Tragic1
  • Ambiguous3
  • Cyclical4

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch J.B. Smoove's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 54 of their 62 Motif titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (15).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for J.B. Smoove's titles on Motif; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Motif score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

80 credits, 62 with a Motif page; 49 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • Groove Tails (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2027)

    as (voice)

  • Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: an Almost History of America(2026)

    Show 1 episode · as Jonesey

    Motif score: 29th percentile of all shows

  • Kite Man: Hell Yeah!(2024)

    Show 1 episode · as Frank the Plant (voice)

    Motif score: 59th percentile of all shows

  • Good Times(2024)

    Show 10 episodes · as Reggie / Beverly Evans (voice)

    Motif score: 5th percentile of all shows

  • Música(2024)

    as Anwar

    Motif score: 64th percentile of all films

  • Office Race(2023)

    as Harry

    Motif score: 17th percentile of all films

  • Back on the Strip(2023)

    as Pastor Amos 'Slim Sexy' Fowler

    Motif score: 10th percentile of all films

  • History of the World: Part II(2023)

    Show 4 episodes · as Luke

    Motif score: 8th percentile of all shows

  • Blockbuster(2022)

    Show 8 episodes · as Percy

    Motif score: 2nd percentile of all shows

  • On the Count of Three(2021)

    as Lyndell

    Motif score: 85th percentile of all films

  • Pivoting(2022)

    Show 1 episode · as The Fig (voice)

    Motif score: 45th percentile of all shows

  • Spider-Man: No Way Home(2021)

    as Mr. Dell

    Motif score: 98th percentile of all films

  • Mr. Mayor(2021)

    Show 1 episode · as Tik Tok Voice (voice)

    Motif score: 22nd percentile of all shows

  • Fairfax(2021)

    Show as Quattro

    Motif score: 9th percentile of all shows

  • Woke(2020)

    Show 16 episodes · as Marker (voice)

    Motif score: 26th percentile of all shows

  • Mapleworth Murders (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2020)

    Show 12 episodes · as Chief Billy Bills

  • Harley Quinn(2019)

    Show 24 episodes · as Baby Frank the Plant (voice) · as Frank the Plant (voice)

    Motif score: 92nd percentile of all shows

  • The Jesus Rolls(2019)

    as The Mechanic

    Motif score: 5th percentile of all films

  • Spider-Man: Far from Home(2019)

    as Mr. Dell

    Motif score: 89th percentile of all films

  • Uncle Drew(2018)

    as Angelo

    Motif score: 40th percentile of all films

  • The Last O.G. (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2018)

    Show 4 episodes · as Carl

  • Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Super Shredder (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2017)

    as Bebop (voice)

  • The Polka King(2017)

    as Ron Edwards

    Motif score: 37th percentile of all films

  • Almost Christmas(2016)

    as Uncle Lonnie

    Motif score: 54th percentile of all films

  • Barbershop: The Next Cut(2016)

    as One-Stop

    Motif score: 44th percentile of all films

  • Uncle Drew: Chapter 4 (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2015)

    as Angelo

  • Half-Shell Heroes: Blast to the Past(2015)

    as Bebop (voice)

    Motif score: 59th percentile of all films

  • Hell and Back(2015)

    as Sal the Demon (voice)

    Motif score: 25th percentile of all films

  • Life in Pieces(2015)

    Show 2 episodes · as Darryl

    Motif score: 90th percentile of all shows

  • Fresh Off the Boat(2015)

    Show 2 episodes · as Barry

    Motif score: 83rd percentile of all shows

  • Top Five(2014)

    as Silk

    Motif score: 61st percentile of all films

  • Search Party(2014)

    as Berk

    Motif score: 24th percentile of all films

  • Transparent(2014)

    Show 1 episode · as Porter

    Motif score: 74th percentile of all shows

  • The Millers(2013)

    Show 34 episodes · as Ray

    Motif score: 13th percentile of all shows

  • Clear History(2013)

    as Jaspar

    Motif score: 58th percentile of all films

  • The Smurfs 2(2013)

    as Hackus (voice)

    Motif score: 19th percentile of all films

  • Dealin' with Idiots(2013)

    Actor

    Motif score: 24th percentile of all films

  • Teen Titans Go!(2013)

    Show 2 episodes · as Black Manta (voice)

    Motif score: 14th percentile of all shows

  • Movie 43(2013)

    as Larry (segment "The Proposition")

    Motif score: 9th percentile of all films

  • A Haunted House(2013)

    as Kisha's Dad

    Motif score: 24th percentile of all films

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles(2012)

    Show 6 episodes · as Bebop (voice) · as Bebop / Ogre #2 / Soldier #2 (voice) · as Zeck / Bebop (voice)

    Motif score: 89th percentile of all shows

  • The Soul Man(2012)

    Show 1 episode · as Terrell

    Motif score: 19th percentile of all shows

  • The Dictator(2012)

    as Funeral Usher

    Motif score: 60th percentile of all films

  • Think Like a Man(2012)

    as Bartender

    Motif score: 64th percentile of all films

  • Bent(2012)

    Show 6 episodes · as Clem

    Motif score: 42nd percentile of all shows

  • JB Smoove: That's How I Dooz It(2012)

    Producer · Writer · as Self

    Motif score: 31st percentile of all films

  • The Sitter(2011)

    as Julio

    Motif score: 25th percentile of all films

  • We Bought a Zoo(2011)

    as Mr. Stevens

    Motif score: 79th percentile of all films

  • New Girl(2011)

    Show 1 episode · as Van Bishop

    Motif score: 84th percentile of all shows

  • Hall Pass(2011)

    as Flats

    Motif score: 30th percentile of all films

  • Epic Rap Battles of History (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2010)

    Show 1 episode · as Frederick Douglass

  • Date Night(2010)

    as Cabbie

    Motif score: 50th percentile of all films

  • Hurricane Season(2009)

    as Sam

    Motif score: 66th percentile of all films

  • The League(2009)

    Show 1 episode · as DeRon

    Motif score: 89th percentile of all shows

  • Glenn Martin DDS(2009)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Motif score: 3rd percentile of all shows

  • Frankenhood (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2009)

    as Leon

  • Castle(2009)

    Show 1 episode · as Norman Jessup

    Motif score: 92nd percentile of all shows

  • The Gong Show with Dave Attell (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2008)

    Show 3 episodes · Actor

  • Carpoolers (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2007)

    Show 1 episode · as Parking Attendant

  • 'Til Death(2006)

    Show 27 episodes · as Kenny Westchester

    Motif score: 27th percentile of all shows

  • Everybody Hates Chris(2005)

    Show 2 episodes · as Manny

    Motif score: 86th percentile of all shows

  • Robot Chicken(2005)

    Show 1 episode · as B. A. Barracus / Satan / Man 1 (voice)

    Motif score: 78th percentile of all shows

  • American Dad!(2005)

    Show 3 episodes · as Airport Security Guard (voice) · as Guy #1 (voice) · as Radio Station Security Guard (voice) · as Tracy Bryant (voice)

    Motif score: 58th percentile of all shows

  • Gas(2004)

    as Ignatius

    Motif score: 21st percentile of all films

  • With or Without You(2003)

    as Darnell

    Motif score: 24th percentile of all films

  • The Watermelon Heist (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2003)

    as Numbers

  • Cedric the Entertainer Presents (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2002)

    Show 22 episodes · Actor

  • Mr. Deeds (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2002)

    as Reuben

  • Pootie Tang(2001)

    as Trucky

    Motif score: 36th percentile of all films

  • Curb Your Enthusiasm(2000)

    Show 56 episodes · as Leon

    Motif score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • Ed (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2000)

    Show 1 episode · as Alvin

  • Tomorrow Night(1998)

    as Mel the Mailman

    Motif score: 54th percentile of all films

  • Ugly Revenge (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1998)

    as City Fellah

  • Lesser Prophets (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1997)

    as Chucky

  • The Chris Rock Show (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1997)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1992)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Law & Order(1990)

    Show 1 episode · as Levon

    Motif score: 82nd percentile of all shows

  • The Simpsons(1989)

    Show 1 episode · as DJ Kwanzaa (voice)

    Motif score: 96th percentile of all shows

  • Saturday Night Live(1975)

    Show 60 episodes · Writer · as Biker (uncredited) · as Denzel Jenkins (uncredited) · as Football Player (uncredited) · as Guy (uncredited) · as J. J. Evans (uncredited) · as Police Officer (uncredited) · as Rapper (uncredited) · as Terrell (uncredited)

    Motif score: 74th percentile of all shows

  • Giving Thanks (not in the Motif catalog yet)

    as Dexter

Career shape

Star power in the 98th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 79 titles, 77 of them dated from 1975 to 2026; peak year 2012.

Biggest box office

Date Night (2010)

$152M worldwide

Highest rated

Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000)

Motif 98th

Film career

MilestoneAward winNomination
19752026

Peak 2012 · steadily prominent in film for years. Top draw in 4 Motif titles. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting78 of 79: 77 only acting, 1 with another role · typical Motif score48thWriting2 of 79: 1 only writing, 1 with another role

By decade

1970s1 · 1 acting · 1 crew1980s1 · acting1990s6 · acting2000s18 · acting2010s37 · 36 acting · 1 crew2020s14 · acting

Billing

usually 10th · top billed in 0% of 25 roles
011621

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Motif score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on Motif, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.

Awards

a Primetime Emmy and 1 other major award from 3 major nominations, 2007–2021.

WinNomination
  1. 2021
    • Primetime Emmy, won · Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series
  2. 2018
    • Screen Actors Guild Award, nominated · Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
  3. 2007
    • Writers Guild Award, won · Comedy/Variety - (Including Talk) Series

Major bodies only: the Oscars, Primetime Emmys, Golden Globes, BAFTAs and Screen Actors Guild Awards are named; Cannes, Venice, the Berlinale, Sundance, the directors', writers' and producers' guilds, the Grammys, Critics Choice and the Independent Spirit Awards count as other major bodies. Festival and regional prizes are not counted. Source: IMDb.

How do J.B. Smoove's films land?

Their typical Motif film has a Motif score in the 39th percentile, the median of all 32; across their 22 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 36th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

36thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 22

Approval · how many liked their films

34thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 22

Reach · how many have seen their films

86thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 22

Motif score across 62 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up16
  • 50th to 74th14
  • 25th to 49th13
  • Below 25th19

Shape of the crowd

26 of their 62 titles are Mixed.

  • Universally Loved7
  • Universally Panned1
  • Divisive1
  • Cult Classic3
  • Crowd Pleaser21
  • Broadly Agreed3
  • Mixed26

Most divisive · actor

Good Times (2024)

96th percentile spread · 46% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Motif 98th · 88% liked

Reviewers score the acting 67/100 in their films, across 17 reviewed titles; fans 80, detractors 44. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on Motif; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Motif score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their Motif titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is J.B. Smoove's work okay for kids?

Across up to 17 Motif titles with content scores, sex & nudity, profanity and alcohol & drugs run heavier than most films.

Their medianMedian of all filmsMiddle 80% of their titles
Violence & Gore12 titles21–69 · median 42 · moderatenear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity17 titles16–65 · median 53 · moderateheavier than most filmsMedian of all films: 31
Profanity12 titles64–91 · median 85 · severeheavier than most filmsMedian of all films: 35
Alcohol & Drugs10 titles37–74 · median 52 · moderateheavier than most filmsMedian of all films: 33
Frightening / Intense8 titles11–59 · median 36 · moderatenear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 39

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted. The band's colour is the severity of their median, named beside it.

Who does J.B. Smoove work with?

People who share at least 2 of J.B. Smoove's Motif titles, grouped by what they did on them; Tiffany Haddish shares the most, 3.

Directors

Actors

Cinematographers and editors

Producers