50 Facts About Keegan Michael Key

Early Life and Education

Keegan-Michael Key's journey began in Michigan, where his unique background and education shaped his future in comedy and acting.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on March 22, 1971, in Southfield, Michigan, Key came from a biracial family. His biological father, Leroy McDuffie, is black, while his biological mother, Carrie Herr, is caucasian with Polish and Belgian Flemish roots.

2. Adoption: Adopted by Michael Eugene Winfield Key and Patricia Walsh, both social workers, Key's upbringing was influenced by their profession, instilling empathy and cultural awareness.

3. Education: Key attended Shrine Catholic High School in Royal Oak, Michigan, before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater from the University of Detroit Mercy in 1993.

4. Master of Fine Arts: He furthered his education with a Master of Fine Arts degree in theater from Pennsylvania State University in 1996, which played a crucial role in his career development.

Early Career and Improv

Key's early career was marked by his involvement in improvisational theater, which laid the foundation for his comedic talents.

5. Early Career: Key began in improv theater in Detroit, then moved to Chicago, joining the Second City comedy troupe, known for launching many famous comedians.

6. Second City Detroit: In the late 1990s, Key took improv classes at Second City Detroit, honing his comedic skills.

7. Second City Chicago: By 2001, he moved to Second City Chicago’s e.t.c. theater, performing until 2004 and landing minor TV and film roles, including an appearance on ER.

Breakthrough with Mad TV

Key's big break came with Mad TV, where he showcased his versatility and comedic range.

8. Mad TV: Joining Mad TV in 2004, Key worked alongside Jordan Peele, creating a dynamic comedic duo.

9. Characters on Mad TV: One of his famous characters was "Coach Hines," a high school sports coach known for his disruptive antics.

10. Dr. Funkenstein: Key also played "Dr. Funkenstein" in blaxploitation parodies, with Peele as the monster.

11. **Real ********ing Talk: He portrayed various guests, including Rollo Johnson and Stevie Wonder Washington, often going "backstage" as Eugene Struthers, an ecstatic delivery man.

12. Impersonations: Key impersonated celebrities like Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Bill Cosby, and many others, showcasing his versatility.

Key & Peele Success

Key's collaboration with Jordan Peele led to the creation of the critically acclaimed Key & Peele.

13. Key & Peele: Co-created with Peele, the sketch series aired from 2012 to 2015, receiving one Primetime Emmy Award from ten nominations.

14. Peabody Award: In 2013, Key & Peele received a Peabody Award for outstanding public service and achievement in electronic media.

Film and Voice Acting

Key expanded his career into film and voice acting, contributing to various successful projects.

15. Fargo: Key appeared alongside Peele in the first season of Fargo in 2014.

16. Parks and Recreation: He had a recurring role on Parks and Recreation from 2013 to 2015.

17. The Lego Movie: Key voiced Foreman Jim in The Lego Movie (2014).

18. BoJack Horseman: He voiced Sebastian St. Clair in BoJack Horseman (2014–15).

19. Let’s Be Cops: Key played supporting roles in films like Let’s Be Cops (2014).

20. Horrible Bosses 2: He appeared in Horrible Bosses 2 (2014).

21. Pitch Perfect 2: Key had a supporting role in Pitch Perfect 2 (2015).

22. The Star: In 2014, Key voiced Ducky in The Star.

23. Toy Story 4: He voiced Ducky in Toy Story 4 (2019).

24. The Lion King: Key lent his voice to Kamari in The Lion King (2019).

25. Pinocchio: He voiced "Honest John" in Disney’s Pinocchio (2022).

26. The Super Mario Bros. Movie: Key voiced Toad in The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023).

27. Migration: He voiced a scarlet macaw in Migration (2023).

Stage and Hosting

Key's talents also extended to Broadway and hosting various shows.

28. Broadway Debut: In 2017, Key made his Broadway debut in Steve Martin’s comedy Meteor Shower.

29. Saturday Night Live Hosting: Key hosted Saturday Night Live on May 15, 2021, marking a milestone as the first MADtv cast member to host SNL.

30. Brain Games: Key currently hosts Brain Games on National Geographic, renewed for a ninth season in 2020.

Multimedia Projects and Recognition

Key's involvement in multimedia projects and his recognition in the industry highlight his diverse talents.

31. Halo 5: Guardians: Key voiced Benjamin Giraud in the marketing campaign for Halo 5: Guardians.

32. Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People: In April 2014, Key and Peele were listed as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.

33. Planet Ant Theatre: Key co-founded the Planet Ant Theatre in Hamtramck, Michigan.

34. Joseph Jefferson Awards: Key received the 2003 Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Revue for "Curious George Goes to War" and was nominated for other performances.

35. White & Nerdy Music Video: Key and Peele made cameos in 'Weird Al' Yankovic’s "White & Nerdy" music video.

Personal Influences and Legacy

Key's personal influences and legacy in comedy continue to inspire new generations.

36. Penn State Alumni Fellow Award: In 2014, Key received the Alumni Fellow Award from Penn State.

37. Penn State Visit: During his visit to Penn State, Key discussed his career and approach to comedy with several classes.

38. Grounded Approach: Key’s grounded approach to comedy helps him connect with audiences.

39. Recognizability and Fame: As his career grew, Key became more recognizable, handling fame by staying grounded.

40. Shawl Man: During a Q&A session at Penn State, Key joked with a student wearing a shawl, highlighting his humor.

41. Influence of Eddie Murphy: Key cited Eddie Murphy as a major influence on his decision to pursue comedy.

42. Midwestern Sensibility: Key believes his Midwestern upbringing influenced his comedic style.

43. Historical Context: Key’s education at Penn State provided him with a historical context for comedy.

44. Comedic Chemistry with Jordan Peele: Key and Peele’s chemistry was evident from their early days at Second City.

45. Racial Identity and Cultural Stereotypes: Key and Peele’s work often focused on themes of racial identity and cultural stereotypes.

46. President Obama’s Anger Translator: Key played "Luther," President Obama’s Anger Translator, at the 2015 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.

47. Biological and Adoptive Family: Both Key’s biological and adoptive fathers are black, and both his biological and adoptive mothers are white.

48. Legacy and Impact: Key’s legacy in the entertainment industry is significant, inspiring new generations of comedians and actors.

49. Versatility in Comedy: Key’s ability to tackle complex themes with humor has made him a notable figure in contemporary comedy.

50. Diverse Representation: Key’s work has helped pave the way for more diverse representation in comedy and beyond.

Keegan-Michael Key: A Multifaceted Talent

Keegan-Michael Key's journey from improv stages to Hollywood highlights his versatility and dedication. From his early days at Second City to his breakout roles on Mad TV and Key & Peele, Key has consistently showcased his comedic genius. His work spans television, film, and stage, proving his adaptability and range. Notable roles in The Lego Movie, Toy Story 4, and The Lion King underline his voice acting prowess. Hosting Saturday Night Live and Brain Games further demonstrates his broad appeal. Key's commitment to diverse representation and tackling complex themes with humor has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of comedians and actors, making him a significant figure in contemporary comedy.