Essential J.B. Smoove Movies and TV Shows You Need to Watch

J.B. Smoove, born Jerry Angelo Brooks, has carved a unique niche in the entertainment industry as a master of improvisational comedy, a sharp-witted writer, and a versatile character actor. While many recognize him instantly as the loquacious and uninhibited Leon Black from HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, his body of work spans decades, covering everything from the writer’s room of Saturday Night Live to the high-stakes blockbusters of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Understanding the career of J.B. Smoove requires looking beyond the punchlines to see a performer who redefined how a "sidekick" can dominate a scene. His high-energy delivery and ability to spin gold out of thin air have made him a favorite among directors like Larry David and Jon Watts. This article explores the essential movies and TV shows that define J.B. Smoove's legacy.

The Leon Black Phenomenon: Curb Your Enthusiasm

If there is a single role that defines J.B. Smoove’s career, it is Leon Black in Curb Your Enthusiasm. Joining the cast in Season 6 (2007), Smoove was initially intended to appear in only a few episodes. However, his chemistry with Larry David was so instantaneous and explosive that he became an indispensable part of the show for the next 17 years.

Leon Black is more than just a character; he is a philosophical entity. Coming from the fictional "Black family" displaced by a hurricane, Leon moves into Larry’s house and simply never leaves. What makes this performance legendary is that Curb Your Enthusiasm is famously outlined rather than scripted. Smoove’s ability to improvise long, convoluted, and hilariously misguided advice—often referred to as "Leon-isms"—added a new dynamic to the show’s later seasons.

In the world of Curb, Leon serves as the ultimate hype man. Whether he is advising Larry on how to handle a social faux pas or explaining the intricacies of "getting into someone's head," Smoove’s delivery is relentless. This role earned him several Screen Actors Guild nominations and cemented his status as a comedic titan.

Television Career: From Sitcoms to Reality Parody

While Leon Black is his most famous role, Smoove has had a prolific career across various television formats. His journey began in the mid-90s on Def Comedy Jam, but he soon moved into scripted and semi-scripted territory.

The Millers (2013–2015)

On the CBS sitcom The Millers, Smoove played Ray, the best friend of the protagonist Nathan Miller (played by Will Arnett). In this more traditional multi-camera setup, Smoove demonstrated that he could work within the constraints of a script while still bringing his signature vibrance to the screen. His comedic timing provided a necessary balance to the family drama central to the series.

Real Husbands of Hollywood (2013–2016, 2022)

In this brilliant parody of the Real Housewives franchise, Smoove played a fictionalized, exaggerated version of himself. Starring alongside Kevin Hart, Nick Cannon, and Nelly, Smoove thrived in the "mockumentary" style. The show allowed him to lean back into his improv roots, engaging in absurd feuds and vanity-driven plotlines that highlighted the ridiculousness of celebrity culture.

Mapleworth Murders (2020)

For his role as Chief Billy Bills in the Quibi (and later Roku) series Mapleworth Murders, Smoove won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series. This project reunited him with fellow SNL alumni Paula Pell and John Lutz, proving that his comedic sensibilities are perfectly suited for the fast-paced world of short-form streaming.

Woke and The Last O.G.

In recent years, Smoove has taken on roles that blend comedy with social commentary. In Woke, he provided the voice for "Marker," an animated object that interacts with the protagonist. In The Last O.G., alongside Tracy Morgan and Tiffany Haddish, he appeared as Carl, continuing his streak of playing memorable supporting characters who steal every scene they inhabit.

Big Screen Success: From Cult Classics to the MCU

J.B. Smoove’s transition to film has been marked by a mix of underground cult favorites and some of the highest-grossing movies in history.

Pootie Tang (2001)

Long before he was a household name, Smoove played Trucky in the Louis C.K.-directed cult classic Pootie Tang. As one of Pootie's closest friends, Smoove acted as a translator for the title character’s unintelligible slang. Even in this early role, the "Smoove style" was evident—fast talking, high confidence, and a unique rhythm that made even the simplest lines memorable.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe: Spider-Man

In Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), Smoove portrayed Julius Dell, Peter Parker’s well-meaning but slightly overwhelmed high school teacher. Pairing him with Martin Starr created a comedic duo that provided much-needed levity during the high-stakes superhero action. As Mr. Dell, Smoove captured the essence of a teacher trying to maintain order during a literal alien invasion and multiversal collapse.

Top Five (2014) and Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016)

In Chris Rock’s critically acclaimed Top Five, Smoove played Silk, showcasing his ability to handle "smart" comedy that deals with fame and identity. Later, in Barbershop: The Next Cut, he joined the legendary ensemble as One-Stop, a character whose name reflects his hustler spirit. These roles solidified his reputation as the "go-to" actor for ensemble comedies.

The Voice of a Generation: Voice Acting and Video Games

One of the most underrated aspects of J.B. Smoove’s career is his voice work. His distinctive rasp and energetic cadence make him instantly recognizable.

Grand Theft Auto V: Chakra Attack

Perhaps his most iconic voice role isn't in a movie or TV show, but in the video game Grand Theft Auto V. Smoove voices Dr. Ray De Angelo Harris, the host of the "Chakra Attack" radio show on West Coast Talk Radio. The character is a hilariously chaotic "spiritual guru" who spends his airtime screaming about spiritual alignment and personal anecdotes. For many gamers, this performance is a highlight of the game's immersive world.

Harley Quinn (2019–Present)

In the animated Harley Quinn series, Smoove voices Frank the Plant, Poison Ivy’s talking, carnivorous plant. Frank is cynical, sarcastic, and often serves as the voice of reason (or chaos) in Ivy’s apartment. The role allows Smoove to play a more deadpan version of his persona, which has been highly praised by fans of the DC Universe.

The Writer’s Room: Saturday Night Live

Before he was in front of the camera, Smoove was a crucial part of the creative engine behind Saturday Night Live. From 2003 to 2006, he served as a staff writer and occasional performer. Writing for SNL is one of the most demanding jobs in comedy, and Smoove excelled, winning a Writers Guild of America Award in 2007 for his contributions.

His time at SNL was pivotal because it taught him how to structure a joke and how to build a character from the ground up. Many of the improvisational skills he later used in Curb Your Enthusiasm were honed during the high-pressure pitch meetings and sketch revisions in Studio 8H.

Complete Filmography: Movies

J.B. Smoove has appeared in a wide variety of films across multiple genres. Below is a detailed list of his cinematic contributions:

Comprehensive Television Credits

Smoove’s television career is equally impressive, featuring a mix of series regular roles, guest appearances, and voice acting.

Series Regular and Recurring Roles

• Def Comedy Jam (1995): Stand-up performer.
• The Lyricist Lounge Show (2000–2001): Various characters.
• Cedric the Entertainer Presents (2002–2003): Various characters.
• Saturday Night Live (2003–2006): Writer and performer.
• Everybody Hates Chris (2007–2008): Manny.
• Curb Your Enthusiasm (2007–2024): Leon Black (Breakout Role).
• 'Til Death (2008–2010): Kenny Westchester.
• Bent (2012): Clem.
• The Millers (2013–2015): Ray.
• Real Husbands of Hollywood (2013–2016): Himself.
• Fresh Off the Boat (2015–2016): Barry.
• Life in Pieces (2016–2017): Darryl.
• The Last O.G. (2020): Carl.
• Woke (2020–2022): Marker (Voice).
• Mapleworth Murders (2020): Chief Billy Bills.
• Fairfax (2021–2022): Quattro (Voice).
• Blockbuster (2022): Percy.

Animated Series (Voice Only)

• American Dad! (2009–2012): Tracy Bryant / Various.
• Black Dynamite (2012–2015): Kurtis.
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014–2017): Bebop / Anton Zeck.
• 3Below: Tales of Arcadia (2018–2019): Phil.
• Harley Quinn (2019–Present): Frank the Plant.
• Teen Titans Go! (2022): Black Manta.

The Art of the Guest Appearance

J.B. Smoove is often the secret weapon of a television episode. His guest appearances are frequently cited as highlights of the series they occur in. For example, his appearance on Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is widely considered one of the funniest episodes of the series, as it showcases the raw, unfiltered interaction between two masters of comedy.

He has also appeared as a guest judge on The Masked Singer and Last Comic Standing, where his critique is often as entertaining as the performances themselves. His ability to adapt to different environments—from a chef's table in Hell's Kitchen to the high-energy set of a game show—demonstrates a professional range that few comedians can match.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was J.B. Smoove's first major role?

While he had been active since the 90s, his "breakout" role was Leon Black on Curb Your Enthusiasm, starting in Season 6 (2007). Before this, he was well-regarded in the industry as a writer for Saturday Night Live.

Did J.B. Smoove write for SNL?

Yes, he was a writer for Saturday Night Live from 2003 to 2006. He also performed in several sketches during his tenure.

Who does J.B. Smoove play in the Spider-Man movies?

He plays Mr. Julius Dell, one of Peter Parker's high school teachers who accompanies the students on their trips in Spider-Man: Far From Home and Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Is J.B. Smoove in any video games?

Yes, most notably he voices the spiritual guru Dr. Ray De Angelo Harris on the "Chakra Attack" radio station in Grand Theft Auto V.

Has J.B. Smoove won any awards?

Yes, he won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2021 for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for Mapleworth Murders. He also won a Writers Guild of America Award in 2007 for his work on SNL.

What is J.B. Smoove's comedy style?

He is best known for his high-energy, fast-talking, and heavily improvisational style. He often plays characters who are incredibly confident, even when they are completely wrong.

Summary

J.B. Smoove’s career is a testament to the power of personality and the skill of improvisation. From his early days as a stand-up and a writer to his current status as a television icon and blockbuster actor, he has consistently brought a unique energy to every project. Whether he is giving Larry David terrible advice as Leon Black, chasing Peter Parker across Europe as Mr. Dell, or ranting about chakras in a video game, Smoove remains one of the most compelling and hilarious figures in modern entertainment. His extensive list of movies and TV shows reflects a career built on hard work, sharp writing, and an unparalleled ability to make audiences laugh without ever missing a beat.