Keegan-Michael Key is one of the most versatile and talented comedians in the entertainment industry. He is best known for his sketch comedy show Key & Peele, which he co-created and co-starred with Jordan Peele. He has also appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, and voice roles, showcasing his range and charisma.
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Keegan-Michael Key’s Quick Facts
| Full name | Keegan-Michael Key |
| Date of birth | March 22, 1971 |
| Age | 52 years old |
| Place of birth | Southfield, Michigan, U.S. |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American and European |
| Occupation | Actor, comedian, writer, producer |
| Spouse | Elisa Pugliese (m. 2018) |
| Net worth | $12 million |
| Social Account | Instagram: Keegan-Michael Key (@keeganmichaelkey) |
Biography
Keegan-Michael Key is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer. He and Jordan Peele co-created and co-starred in Comedy Central’s sketch series Key & Peele (2012–2015) for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award.
Born
Keegan-Michael Key was born on March 22, 1971, in Southfield, Michigan. He was the son of an African-American father, Leroy McDuffie, and a white mother, Carrie Herr. He was adopted as a child by a couple from Detroit, Michael Key and Patricia Walsh, who were both social workers. Like his birth parents, his adoptive parents were also a black man and a white woman. Through his biological father, Key had two half-brothers, one of whom was comic book writer Dwayne McDuffie. Key discovered the existence of his half-siblings only after they had both died.
Height
Keegan-Michael Key stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall. He has a slim build and weighs around 165 lbs (75 kg). He has dark brown hair and eyes.
Education
Keegan-Michael Key attended Shrine Catholic High School in Royal Oak, Michigan, where he graduated in 1989. He then went to the University of Detroit Mercy as an undergraduate, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater in 1993. He was also a brother of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. He continued his education at Pennsylvania State University, where he obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree in theater in 1996.
Keegan-Michael Key’s Net Worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Keegan-Michael Key has an estimated net worth of $12 million as of 2021. He has earned his wealth from his successful career as an actor, comedian, writer, and producer. He has starred in several movies and TV shows, such as Keanu (2016), The Predator (2018), The Prom (2020), Mad TV (2004-2009), Fargo (2014), Parks and Recreation (2013-2015), Friends from College (2017-2019), Schmigadoon! (2021-present), and many more.
He has also voiced characters in animated films and series, such as The Lego Movie (2014), Hotel Transylvania franchise (2015-2022), Toy Story 4 (2019), The Lion King (2019), Pinocchio (2022), The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), and others. He has also created and produced his own projects, such as Key & Peele (2012-2015), which won him a Primetime Emmy Award in 2016 for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series.
Background
He was adopted at a young age by a couple from Detroit, Michael Key and Patricia Walsh, who were both social workers. Like his birth parents, his adoptive parents were also a black man and a white woman. Through his biological father, Key had two half-brothers, one of whom was comic book writer Dwayne McDuffie.
Early Life
Keegan-Michael Key grew up in Detroit with his adoptive parents and siblings. He was interested in comedy and acting from a young age. He performed in school plays and joined the improv group Second City Detroit. He also worked as a theater teacher at the University of Detroit Mercy. He moved to Chicago in 1997 to pursue his career in comedy.
Career Beginnings
Keegan-Michael Key started his career as a member of the improv group The Second City Chicago, where he met Jordan Peele. He also performed at ImprovOlympic and ComedySportz Chicago. He made his TV debut in 1999 on the show ER. He then appeared in several other shows, such as Get the Hook-Up (2003), I’m with Her (2003-2004), Reno 911 (2004-2009), Gary Unmarried (2008-2009), and others.
Television Personality
Keegan-Michael Key rose to fame when he joined the cast of the FOX sketch comedy show Mad TV in 2004. He stayed on the show until 2009, creating memorable characters such as Coach Hines, Eugene Struthers, and Barack Obama. He also wrote for the show and won a Peabody Award in 2009 for his work. He also hosted The Planet’s Funniest Animals on Animal Planet from 2005 to 2008.
In 2012, he co-created and co-starred with Jordan Peele in their own sketch comedy show Key & Peele on Comedy Central. The show was a huge hit, receiving critical acclaim and popular recognition. It featured sketches that parodied various aspects of American culture, politics, and society, often with a racial and social commentary. Some of the most famous sketches include Substitute Teacher, East/West College Bowl, Obama and Luther, Meegan and Andre, and Continental Breakfast.
The show ran for five seasons until 2015, earning 12 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and winning one for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series in 2016. Key and Peele also appeared at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 2015, where Key played Luther, Obama’s anger translator.
After Key & Peele ended, Keegan-Michael Key continued to appear in various TV shows, such as Playing House (2014-2017), Fargo (2014), Parks and Recreation (2013-2015), Bob’s Burgers (2013-2020), Archer (2014-2020), BoJack Horseman (2015-2020), Friends from College (2017-2019), Reboot (2022), Schmigadoon! (2021-present), and others. He also hosted Game On! on CBS in 2020 and Brain Games on National Geographic in 2020.
Achievements
Keegan-Michael Key has received many awards and nominations for his work in TV, film, and theater. He has won a Primetime Emmy Award, a Peabody Award, an American Comedy Award, a Webby Award, a Streamy Award, and a Writers Guild of America Award. He has also been nominated for a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Critics’ Choice Television Award, an NAACP Image Award, a Teen Choice Award, and others.
He has also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021.Keegan-Michael Key has received many awards and nominations for his work in TV, film, and theater. He has won a Primetime Emmy Award, a Peabody Award, an American Comedy Award, a Webby Award, a Streamy Award, and a Writers Guild of America Award.
He has also been nominated for a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Critics’ Choice Television Award, an NAACP Image Award, a Teen Choice Award, and others. He has also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021.
Keegan-Michael Key’s Personal Life
Keegan-Michael Key is an American actor, writer, and producer. He was born in Southfield, Michigan and raised in Detroit. His father is African-American and his mother is European-American. He was adopted as a child.
Family
Keegan-Michael Key was born to an interracial couple who gave him up for adoption. He was adopted by another interracial couple who raised him as their own. He has two adoptive siblings, a brother and a sister. He also had two biological half-brothers who died before he knew them.
Dating, Relationship
Keegan-Michael Key married Cynthia Blaise, a dialect coach and former actress, in 1998. They separated in 2015 and divorced in 2017. He then married Elisa Pugliese, an actress and producer, in 2018. They live together in New York City.
5 Most Interesting Facts about Keegan-Michael Key:
- He is allergic to dogs.
- He is fluent in German.
- He is an avid fan of the Detroit Lions football team.
- He is a distant cousin of rapper D12.
- He is the godfather of Jordan Peele’s son.
Impact and Legacy
Keegan-Michael Key is one of the most influential and respected comedians of his generation. He has created and performed some of the most hilarious and insightful sketches that reflect the diversity and complexity of American society. He has also proven his versatility and talent as an actor in various genres and mediums. He has inspired many aspiring comedians and actors with his passion and creativity. He has also used his platform to advocate for social justice and equality.
Legal Issues
Keegan-Michael Key has not been involved in any major legal issues or controversies. However, he was sued by his ex-wife Cynthia Blaise in 2017 for spousal support after their divorce. She claimed that she suffered from physical and mental health issues due to the stress of their marriage breakdown. She also accused him of hiding his income from her during their separation. The case was settled out of court in 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nationality is Keegan-Michael Key?
Keegan-Michael Key is bi-racial, half African-American and half white. He is 50% West African and 49.9% Western European, mostly Belgian.
Who is Keegan-Michael Key’s wife?
Keegan-Michael Key’s wife is Elle Key, a Hollywood producer and director. They got married in 2018 and she has been very supportive of his career goals and aspirations.
How much is Keegan-Michael Key worth?
Keegan-Michael Key’s net worth is estimated to be $12 million as of 2023. He has earned his wealth from his successful roles in shows like Key & Peele, The Predator, Schmigadoon!, and many more.
What is Keegan-Michael Key doing right now?
Keegan-Michael Key is currently working on several projects, such as voicing Kamari in The Lion King, hosting Brain Games on National Geographic, and starring in Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey on Netflix.
Conclusion
Keegan-Michael Key is a successful and versatile actor, comedian, writer, and producer. He is famous for his sketch comedy show Key & Peele and his roles in various films and TV shows. He has won many awards and recognition for his work. He has also faced some difficulties in his life, such as being adopted, divorced, and accused of plagiarism. He is now happily married to Elle Key and working on several exciting projects. He is also a supporter of education and charity causes. Keegan-Michael Key is an admirable and talented performer who inspires many people.
