Jay Pharoah

Jay Pharoah (born October 14, 1987) is an American screen artist best known for his sharp character work across acting, stand-up, voice performance, and music. Also credited as Jared Antonio Farrow and sometimes spelled Jay Pharaoh, he built a reputation for high-energy comedy and spot-on impressions that translate smoothly from stage to screen.

Pharoah reached a wider audience when he joined NBC’s Saturday Night Live cast in 2010, debuting in the show’s 36th season. His time on the long-running series helped cement him as a versatile performer capable of switching between celebrity mimicry, sketch comedy, and original characters.

Beyond television, he has continued expanding his filmography with roles in features such as Spinning Gold (as Cecil Holmes), the horror-comedy The Blackening (as Shawn), and Ride Along (as Runflat). He has also appeared as himself in All Star Comedy Jam: Live from Orlando, highlighting his roots in stand-up.

Pharoah’s voice work adds another dimension to his career, including parts in The Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart and Urkel Saves Santa: The Movie!. With each project, he continues to blend comedic timing with character-driven performance.