Jerrod Carmichael is an acclaimed comedian, actor, writer, and director known for his groundbreaking work that is reshaping the landscape of comedy. Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Carmichael has made a significant impact across stand-up, television, and film with his distinctive voice and perspective.
In recent years, Jerrod released "Rothaniel," a deeply personal and introspective HBO special directed by Bo Burnham. The special combines elements of conversation, confession, and traditional stand-up, offering audiences a profound coming-out narrative. Critics praised "Rothaniel" as a vulnerable and virtuoso performance, highlighting its intimacy and the unique atmosphere it creates, akin to a great live comedy experience where the audience feels closely connected to the performer.
Carmichael made his directorial debut with the film "On the Count of Three," which premiered at Sundance in 2021 and received extensive critical acclaim upon its worldwide release in May 2022. The film explores the poignant and heavy themes of friendship and existential crisis, as it tells the story of two best friends, Val and Kevin, on the final day of their lives. Critics lauded the film for its daring approach and its balance of dark humor and heartfelt moments.
Jerrod is also known for his two-part HBO special "Sermon on the Mount" and "Home Videos," released in 2019, where he returns to North Carolina for intimate conversations with the women in his family, discussing topics such as sex, confidence, beauty standards, and feminism.
In addition to his stand-up and directorial ventures, Jerrod has been involved in numerous successful television projects. He served as an executive producer on the critically acclaimed Hulu series "Ramy," and also produced the FOX series "Rel," starring Lil Rel Howery and Sinbad. Furthermore, Carmichael starred in, wrote, and produced the NBC series "The Carmichael Show." The sitcom, which follows the life of a comedian navigating life with his opinionated family and girlfriend, received praise for its sharp writing and insightful social commentary.
Carmichael's stand-up specials continue to resonate with audiences, including his 2017 HBO special "8," directed by Bo Burnham, and his 2014 debut special "Love at the Store," directed by Spike Lee.
On the big screen, Jerrod showcased his acting talents in Michael Bay's "Transformers: The Last Knight," alongside a star-studded cast that included Mark Wahlberg, Josh Duhamel, and Anthony Hopkins. He also appeared in James Franco’s 2017 film, "The Disaster Artist."
Currently, Jerrod is working on a new Western drama adventure and the "Django Unchained" sequel, "Django/Zorro," further diversifying his creative portfolio and continuing to push the boundaries of storytelling in comedy and beyond.