49 Facts About Lil Rel Howery

Early Life and Education

Lil Rel Howery, born Milton Howery Jr., hails from Chicago, Illinois. Growing up in the Windy City, he developed a passion for comedy and acting at a young age. His love for entertaining led him to pursue a degree in theatre arts at Bloom High School.

Stand-Up Comedy Career

Before making his mark in Hollywood, Lil Rel Howery honed his comedic skills as a stand-up comedian. He performed at various comedy clubs in Chicago, gradually building a reputation for his unique blend of humor and storytelling.

Breakthrough Role in “Get Out”

A career-changing moment came for Lil Rel Howery when he portrayed the character of Rod Williams in the critically acclaimed horror film “Get Out” (2017). His hilarious performance introduced him to a wider audience and garnered him widespread praise.

Collaboration with Jordan Peele

Following the success of “Get Out,” Lil Rel Howery continued his collaboration with director Jordan Peele in the horror-comedy film “Us” (2019). He played the role of Gabe Wilson in this highly anticipated thriller.

Lead Role in “Uncle Drew”

Lil Rel Howery showcased his versatility as an actor in the sports comedy film “Uncle Drew” (2018). He starred alongside NBA star Kyrie Irving and brought his comedic charm to the role of Dax, a streetball coach.

Hosting “Rel”

In 2018, Lil Rel Howery ventured into the world of television as the star and executive producer of the sitcom “Rel.” The show, loosely based on his own life experiences, gave him the opportunity to showcase his comedic talents on the small screen.

Stand-Up Special: “Live in Crenshaw”

Lil Rel Howery released his first stand-up special, “Live in Crenshaw,” in Filmed in Los Angeles, the special captures his unique comedic style and offers a hilarious insight into his life and observations.

Cameo in “Bird Box”

Fans of the post-apocalyptic thriller “Bird Box” (2018) may have spotted Lil Rel Howery in a memorable cameo appearance. His comic relief brought a light-hearted touch to the otherwise intense and suspenseful film.

Voice Acting in “The Angry Birds Movie 2”

Lil Rel Howery lent his voice to the character of Alex, a purple bird, in the animated comedy “The Angry Birds Movie 2” (2019). His comedic timing and delivery added an extra layer of humor to the film.

Love for Basketball

In addition to his successful career in entertainment, Lil Rel Howery is a passionate basketball fan. He often incorporates his love for the sport into his stand-up routines and has even made appearances on various sports talk shows.

Web Series: “The Carmichael Show”

Lil Rel Howery gained recognition for his role as Bobby Carmichael in the sitcom “The Carmichael Show” (2015-2017). This critically acclaimed series provided him with the platform to showcase his comedic prowess alongside an ensemble cast.

Collaboration with Kevin Hart

Lil Rel Howery has collaborated with fellow comedian and actor Kevin Hart on multiple projects. Their on-screen chemistry can be seen in films like “Night School” (2018) and “Fatherhood” (2021).

Social Media Presence

Lil Rel Howery actively engages with his fans through various social media platforms. His wit and humor shine through his posts, making him a favorite among his followers.

Guest Appearances

Lil Rel Howery has made guest appearances on numerous television shows, including “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and “Saturday Night Live.”

Music Video Cameos

Aside from his acting endeavors, Lil Rel Howery has appeared in several music videos, adding his comedic touch to the visual storytelling. His cameos include videos by artists such as Kanye West and DJ Khaled.

Film Producer

In addition to acting, Lil Rel Howery has taken on the role of film producer. He produced the comedy film “Bad Trip” (2020), which features pranks and hidden camera antics.

Connection to “The Big Sick”

Lil Rel Howery had a small but memorable role in the highly acclaimed romantic comedy-drama film “The Big Sick” (2017). His performance added a comedic touch to the heartfelt storyline.

Inspirations and Influences

Lil Rel Howery draws inspiration from a variety of comedic influences, including Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and Dave Chappelle. Their unique styles have shaped his own approach to comedy.

Comedy Special: “Relevant”

In 2015, Lil Rel Howery released his comedy special titled “Relevant,” which showcases his comedic prowess and storytelling abilities. The special received positive reviews and further solidified his presence in the comedy scene.

Voice Acting in “Tom and Jerry”

In 2021, Lil Rel Howery lent his voice to the character of a pigeon named “Spike” in the live-action/animated hybrid film “Tom and Jerry.” His distinctive voice brought life and humor to the beloved cartoon character.

Love for Chicago

Throughout his career, Lil Rel Howery has proudly represented his hometown of Chicago. His love for the city is often evident in his comedy, as he incorporates anecdotes and experiences from growing up in the Windy City.

Collaboration with Tiffany Haddish

Lil Rel Howery shares a great working relationship with actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish. Their chemistry can be seen in films like “Night School” (2018) and the upcoming “Here Today” (2021).

Awards and Nominations

Lil Rel Howery’s talent and contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with several awards and nominations, including a Critic’s Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Podcast: “Lil Rel Howery Live from Crenshaw”

Adding another dimension to his career, Lil Rel Howery hosts his own podcast, titled “Lil Rel Howery Live from Crenshaw.” The podcast features conversations with fellow comedians and explores various topics with his signature humor.

Affection for Improvisation

Lil Rel Howery is known for his improvisational skills, which allow him to adapt and react spontaneously during performances. His ability to think on his feet adds an exciting dynamic to his stand-up routines.

Personal Life

Despite sharing glimpses of his life through comedy, Lil Rel Howery keeps his personal life relatively private. He values his close-knit circle of friends and family, which he often credits for his success.

Collaboration with Judd Apatow

Lil Rel Howery has collaborated with renowned filmmaker Judd Apatow on the comedy-drama film “Trainwreck” (2015). His role in the film allowed him to showcase his acting range alongside a star-studded cast.

Hosting the MTV Movie & TV Awards

Lil Rel Howery had the honor of hosting the MTV Movie & TV Awards in His wit and charisma brought a lively energy to the event, making it an unforgettable evening.

Role in “Tag”

Lil Rel Howery joined the ensemble cast of the comedy film “Tag” (2018). The film follows a group of friends who engage in a long-standing, elaborate game of tag, resulting in hilarious and competitive situations.

Advocacy for Mental Health Awareness

Lil Rel Howery has been vocal about his support for mental health awareness. Through his comedy and public platforms, he encourages open discussions and destigmatizes conversations surrounding mental well-being.

Connection to Comedy Central

Lil Rel Howery has appeared in comedy specials and shows on Comedy Central, further solidifying his presence in the comedy world. His infectious energy and comedic timing make him a fan favorite on the network.

Music Collaborations

Beyond his work in film and television, Lil Rel Howery has collaborated with musicians on various projects. His comedic talents have been featured in music videos and live performances, adding an entertaining element to the music scene.

Supporting Role in “Tag” TV Series

Following the success of the film “Tag,” Lil Rel Howery starred in the television adaptation of the same name. He brought his comedic chops to the small screen, reprising his role as one of the lead characters.

Love for Animated Films

Lil Rel Howery has expressed his admiration for animated films, particularly those that incorporate comedy and heartwarming storylines. His own ventures into voice acting in animated projects showcase his appreciation for the genre.

Connection to “Top Five”

Lil Rel Howery had a memorable cameo appearance in the Chris Rock-directed film “Top Five” (2014). His comedic timing added an extra layer of humor to the critically acclaimed comedy.

Role in “The Photograph”

Lil Rel Howery displayed his dramatic acting skills in the romantic drama film “The Photograph” (2020). His portrayal of the character Michael allowed him to showcase his versatility as an actor.

Charity Work

Lil Rel Howery is actively involved in charitable endeavors, supporting various causes close to his heart. His philanthropic efforts include partnerships with organizations focused on education, mental health, and community development.

Collaboration with TBS

Lil Rel Howery ventured into television with the comedy series “The Last O.G.” (2018-2022), produced by TBS. His role in the show allowed him to explore both comedy and drama, earning him critical acclaim.

Role in “Bad Education”

Lil Rel Howery appeared in the critically acclaimed film “Bad Education” (2019), starring Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney. His performance showcased his ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles.

Writing and Producing “Lil Rel Gets in the House”

Leveraging his creative talents, Lil Rel Howery wrote and produced the comedy series “Lil Rel Gets in the House” in The show allowed him to further explore his comedic prowess as both an actor and creator.

Role in “Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam”

Lil Rel Howery’s comedic talents were on full display in the successful comedy tour and television series “Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam.” His performances were met with rave reviews from audiences nationwide.

Television Host: “Animal Crackers”

Lil Rel Howery showcased his versatility as a television host in the game show “Animal Crackers” (2020). His wit and humor made the show an entertaining and engaging experience for viewers of all ages.

Connection to “Insecure”

Lil Rel Howery had a recurring role in the hit television series “Insecure” (2016-2021). His character provided comedic relief and added depth to the critically acclaimed show.

Collaboration with Chris Rock

Lil Rel Howery worked alongside comedy icon Chris Rock in the film “Spiral: From the Book of Saw” (2021). Their dynamic on-screen presence added an exciting element to the suspenseful horror thriller.

Role in “Free Guy”

Lil Rel Howery showcased his comedic talents in the action-comedy film “Free Guy” (2021). His role as Buddy provided comedic relief amidst the high-octane storyline.

Podcast: “Cutting Down with Lil Rel”

Expanding his podcasting repertoire, Lil Rel Howery hosts “Cutting Down with Lil Rel,” where he engages in insightful conversations with fellow entertainers. The podcast offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the entertainment industry.

Stand-Up Comedy Special: “Live in Harlem”

In 2022, Lil Rel Howery released his highly anticipated stand-up comedy special, “Live in Harlem.” Filmed in the iconic Apollo Theater, the special showcases his comedic genius and storytelling abilities.

Collaboration with Issa Rae

Lil Rel Howery shares great chemistry with actress and writer Issa Rae. Their on-screen dynamic can be seen in films like “Little” (2019) and the upcoming “Lovebirds” (2022).

Upcoming Projects

Lil Rel Howery has an exciting lineup of projects on the horizon, including the highly anticipated film “Fatherhood” (2021) alongside Kevin Hart and the comedy series “Our Flag Means Death.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lil Rel Howery’s rise to fame in the world of comedy and acting is no surprise given his remarkable talent and unique comedic timing. With his undeniable charisma and ability to captivate audiences, Lil Rel has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.From his early beginnings in Chicago’s stand-up comedy scene to his breakout roles in popular films such as “Get Out” and “Uncle Drew,” Lil Rel Howery continues to garner praise and accolades for his outstanding performances. Not only has he showcased his comedic chops, but he has also proven his versatility as an actor, seamlessly transitioning between comedy and drama.With his infectious energy and relatable personality, it’s no wonder why Lil Rel Howery has become a favorite among fans and critics alike. As he continues to take on new projects, we can only expect great things from this talented entertainer. Lil Rel Howery has definitely made a name for himself in the industry and is undoubtedly an artist to watch out for in the coming years.

FAQs

1. How did Lil Rel Howery get his start in comedy?

Lil Rel Howery began his comedy career in the vibrant Chicago stand-up scene, performing at local clubs and honing his craft. His talent and hilarious storytelling quickly caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to opportunities to perform on television and in major comedy festivals.

2. What are some of Lil Rel Howery’s notable film roles?

Lil Rel Howery is best known for his roles in the critically acclaimed horror film “Get Out” and the comedy film “Uncle Drew.” He has also appeared in movies like “Tag,” “Bird Box,” and “Bad Trip,” showcasing his versatility as an actor.

3. Has Lil Rel Howery received any awards or nominations?

Yes, Lil Rel Howery has received several awards and nominations throughout his career. He garnered critical acclaim and nominations for his performance in “Get Out” and was named Best Supporting Actor by the National Board of Review.

4. Does Lil Rel Howery have any upcoming projects?

Yes, Lil Rel Howery continues to be a busy actor with several upcoming projects. He will be starring in the television series “Harlem’s Kitchen” and has been cast in the highly anticipated movie “Free Guy,” set to release in the near future.

5. Is Lil Rel Howery involved in any other ventures aside from acting?

Apart from his acting career, Lil Rel Howery has also ventured into producing and writing. He served as an executive producer for the television series “Rel,” in which he also starred. Additionally, he has written and performed stand-up comedy specials.