Jay Pharoah is a dynamic actor and stand-up comedian renowned for his exceptional ability to deliver spot-on celebrity impressions. Best recognized for his tenure as a cast member on NBC's iconic sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live," Pharoah became a household name through his hilarious portrayals of figures such as President Barack Obama, Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Stephen A. Smith, Kanye West, and Chris Tucker. He also entertained audiences with his recurring character of school principal Daniel Frye.
Pharoah's journey into comedy began at a young age when he honed his talents at local comedy clubs, quickly positioning himself as a promising comedic force. His early training paved the way for a successful touring career, bringing his stand-up acts to audiences across the U.K., U.S., and Montreal. Beyond the stage, Pharoah has ventured into digital platforms, releasing music video parodies through Above Average, including fan favorites like "Bad Kisser," a humorous twist on Usher's "Good Kisser," and "Problems." His parody "I Am a Dog," inspired by Kanye West, achieved viral status with over a million views in just the first week of release.
Demonstrating his versatility, Pharoah collaborated with First Lady Michelle Obama on a viral project titled "Go to College," a rap video that highlighted the importance of higher education. His comedic talents were further showcased in his debut stand-up comedy special, "Jay Pharoah: Can I Be Me?", which premiered on Showtime in 2015.
Pharoah's comedic prowess extends to the big screen, where he has appeared in a variety of films. His credits include roles in "Get a Job" alongside Bryan Cranston and Miles Teller, "Ride Along" with Kevin Hart and Ice Cube, and "Top Five," directed by Chris Rock. Each project further cemented Pharoah's reputation as a versatile performer capable of delivering both comedic and memorable performances.