Milton Howery, known widely by his stage name "Lil Rel," was born and raised on the west side of Chicago. He earned his nickname, which eventually became his stage persona, while playing basketball with his cousin Darrell's friends in the neighborhood. From a young age, Howery was no stranger to the stage, participating regularly in church and school plays. His knack for humor and storytelling blossomed during his high school years, where he performed his material for the first time, making his peers erupt with laughter. This initial success ignited his passion for stand-up comedy. However, the journey to secure stage time was challenging as he was underage. Determined to pursue his calling, Lil Rel ingeniously circumvented age restrictions by arriving early at The Lion Den in Chicago, hoping that the management would overlook his youth and give him a chance to perform. Lil Rel's breakthrough came in 2012 when he was recognized as one of Variety's "Comics to Watch" at Montreal's prestigious Just For Laughs Festival. This accolade opened the door to more significant opportunities, including his first "Half Hour" special on Comedy Central in June 2013. His comedic prowess was further showcased when he became a semi-finalist on NBC's Last Comic Standing. Over the years, he built an impressive resume with appearances on popular showcases such as ComicView, P Diddy's Bad Boys of Comedy, and Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam. In September 2015, Lil Rel released his first hour-long special, "RELevant," which was executive produced by comedy titan Kevin Hart. The special, filmed at Chicago's Vic Theater, marked a triumphant homecoming for Rel and debuted on Comedy Central, later becoming available on Netflix. Lil Rel Howery's talents are not confined to stand-up alone. He made a significant impact in the film industry with his standout role as Rod Williams in Jordan Peele's critically acclaimed horror film "Get Out." In the movie, Rod, a TSA Agent, serves as the comedic yet perceptive friend who senses trouble as the protagonist visits his girlfriend's mysterious family. Moreover, Howery showcased his comedic acting abilities on the small screen as part of the ensemble cast of NBC's "The Carmichael Show." Alongside fellow comedians Jerrod Carmichael, David Alan Grier, and Tiffany Haddish, the series is celebrated for its humorous yet thoughtful exploration of complex social issues, ranging from gentrification to racial profiling. Lil Rel Howery continues to captivate audiences with his dynamic performances, both on stage and screen, shining as a distinctive voice in contemporary comedy.