Keegan-Michael Key

Keegan-Michael Key (born March 22, 1971, in Southfield, Michigan) is an American actor, comedian, and screen artist celebrated for sharp character work and inventive sketch comedy. Raised in Detroit, he has spoken openly about being adopted, and about his mixed family background—his father is African-American and his mother is European-American—elements that helped shape his perspective as a performer.

Key’s breakout visibility came through ensemble comedy, including a six-season run on MADtv, before he became a household name as the co-creator and star of Comedy Central’s Key & Peele. The series showcased his versatility, from heightened satire to precise impressions, and cemented him as one of modern comedy’s most recognizable faces.

Trained in theatre, Key graduated from Shrine Catholic High School and studied at the University of Detroit Mercy, later earning an MFA from the Pennsylvania State University School of Theatre. That foundation has carried into a busy film and voice career, with credits including Wonka (Chief of Police) and The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Toad, voice), plus roles in Role Models, Migration, Transformers One, and Bad Guys.