Mike Epps was born in Indiana, where he spent his formative years alternately living with his grandparents in Gary and his mother in Indianapolis. From a young age, Epps showed a knack for comedy, though his mischievous tendencies sometimes landed him in trouble. As a teenager, he found himself in juvenile detention for four months after an incident involving supergluing a classmate's hands together. Despite early setbacks, Epps discovered his passion for stand-up comedy during his late teens. His first taste of stand-up came when he entered a local comedy contest. Although he didn't win, the experience spurred his commitment to the craft. He soon moved to Atlanta, immersing himself in the city's burgeoning African-American comedy circuit and becoming a regular at the Comedy Act Theater. However, it wasn't long before a club owner encouraged him to head to New York, and at 21, Epps made the move. In New York, Epps caught the wave of the Def Comedy Jam phenomenon, which significantly boosted his career. He appeared in two episodes of the groundbreaking series and later joined the Def Comedy Jam tour. His performance at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles led to a major opportunity when Ice Cube cast him in the film "Next Friday." This role marked the beginning of a successful film career for Epps. Throughout the years, Epps expanded his filmography with roles in "How High," "All About the Benjamins," "Resident Evil: Apocalypse," and the film adaptation of "The Honeymooners," where he starred opposite Cedric the Entertainer. Despite his film success, Epps has always remained committed to his roots in stand-up comedy, which he considers therapeutic and essential for honing his material. In addition to his comedy and film work, Epps has been involved in various projects, including a planned biopic about the legendary comedian Richard Pryor, whom Epps met only months before Pryor's death. Although the status of this project remains uncertain, it highlighted Epps's admiration for Pryor, even admitting that he hadn't listened to Pryor's stand-up until he was 22. In 2006, Epps further cemented his place in comedy by hosting a new season of HBO's Def Comedy Jam and filming a one-hour special, "Mike Epps: Inappropriate Behavior," at the San Jose Improv. Despite his success, Epps cherishes performances in intimate venues, such as Manhattan Proper in New York City, where he thrives on the challenge of winning over diverse and edgy audiences. Mike Epps continues to balance his work in film with his passion for stand-up comedy, maintaining a vibrant career that celebrates his comedic talents and dedication to making people laugh.