J. B. Smoove is an American comedian, actor, and writer best known for his role as Leon Black on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

Quick Scoop: Who Is JB Smoove?

  • Full name: Jerry Angelo Brooks, stage name J. B. Smoove.
  • Born: December 16, 1965, in Plymouth, North Carolina; raised in Mount Vernon, New York.
  • Profession: Stand‑up comedian, TV and film actor, and comedy writer.
  • Signature vibe: High‑energy, fast‑talking, highly animated personality with a loose, improvisational style.

If you know Leon from “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” you already know the version of Smoove most fans quote and meme.

Why He’s Famous

  • Breakout TV role: Leon Black on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (joined in season 6 and became a fan‑favorite regular).
  • Other notable TV:
    • “The Millers” (CBS sitcom, 2013–2015).
* “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” playing a heightened version of himself.

* Recurring work on “Everybody Hates Chris.”
  • Film appearances:
    • “Pootie Tang” (cult classic, early key role).
* “Mr. Deeds” with Adam Sandler.

* Marvel’s “Spider‑Man: Far From Home” (supporting role).

In the comedy world, he’s regarded as one of the standout improvisers on TV, especially for how he plays off Larry David on “Curb.”

Career Path in a Nutshell

  1. Early stand‑up
    • Started stand‑up in the early–mid 1990s, including sets at Uptown Comedy Club in Harlem.
 * TV debut on “Def Comedy Jam” in the 1990s.
  1. Sketch and writing work
    • Appeared on MTV’s “The Lyricist Lounge Show,” “The Chris Rock Show,” and “Premium Blend” around the late 1990s/early 2000s.
 * Cast member on “Cedric the Entertainer Presents” (2003).

 * Joined “Saturday Night Live” as a writer and occasional performer (2003–2006).

 * Won a Writers Guild of America award in 2007 for Best Comedy/Variety Series for his work on “SNL.”
  1. “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and beyond
    • Landed “Curb” after going to Los Angeles for a friend’s funeral, auditioning while in town.
 * Became central to the show’s later seasons and earned ensemble award nominations (SAG, NAACP Image).

Recent / Ongoing Buzz

  • “Curb Your Enthusiasm” ran through its later seasons with Smoove still heavily featured and widely praised.
  • Long‑form interviews and podcasts in the 2020s focus on his “Teflon mentality,” work ethic, and how he treats every gig like a big opportunity.
  • Profiles emphasize that even as “Curb” winds down, he’s positioning himself for more projects, saying he still feels “fresh” and able to “do anything.”

Fast Facts Table

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Fact Details
Real name Jerry Angelo Brooks
Stage name J. B. Smoove
Born December 16, 1965, Plymouth, North Carolina; raised in Mount Vernon, NY
Main claim to fame Leon Black on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Background Stand‑up, sketch comedy, TV and film acting, and comedy writing
Awards 2007 WGA award (Comedy/Variety) for “Saturday Night Live” writing; ensemble nominations for “Curb”
**TL;DR:** JB Smoove is a veteran stand‑up comic and character actor, best known as Leon on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” with a long resume in TV, movies, and award‑winning comedy writing.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.