You know that guy who just walks into a room and the energy shifts? That’s Jerry Angelo Brooks. Most people know him as JB Smoove. He’s the guy who basically hijacked Curb Your Enthusiasm and turned a guest spot into a legendary 17-year run. Honestly, if you haven’t seen him as Leon Black, you’re missing out on the greatest "houseguest who never leaves" in TV history. But here’s the thing: the list of jb smoove movies and shows is way deeper than just Larry David’s sidekick.
He didn’t just wake up funny. JB cut his teeth in the 90s NYC stand-up scene. He was at the Uptown Comedy Club. He was on Def Comedy Jam. He even spent years in the writers' room at Saturday Night Live. Think about that—a guy with that much chaotic energy sitting in a room trying to structure a sketch. It’s wild.
The Curb Effect and Leon Black
Let’s be real. We have to start with Leon. When JB Smoove joined Curb Your Enthusiasm in Season 6, the show changed. Larry David needed a foil who wasn't afraid of him, and Leon Black was that guy. He brought "ruckus" to the suburbs.
What’s crazy is how he got the job. He walked into the audition as Leon. Not as an actor playing a part, but as the character. He told Larry he was going to "bring the ruckus." Larry laughed, and the rest is history. Leon stayed in Larry’s house for the next twelve seasons, eventually becoming the person Larry trusted most. They became the weirdest, most dysfunctional Batman and Robin ever.
Beyond the Mansion
But JB isn’t a one-trick pony. Check out some of these other spots where he showed up and stole the scene:
🔗 Read more: A Simple Favor Blake Lively: Why Emily Nelson Is Still the Ultimate Screen Mystery
- The Millers: He played Ray, the cameraman best friend to Will Arnett. It was a more traditional sitcom, but JB still found ways to sneak in that signature "Smoove-ness."
- Real Husbands of Hollywood: This show was a parody of the Real Housewives franchise. JB played a fictionalized version of himself alongside Kevin Hart and Nick Cannon. It’s meta, it’s ridiculous, and it’s exactly where he thrives.
- Everybody Hates Chris: He had a recurring role as Manny, which was a great showcase for his "fast-talking guy on the corner" energy.
JB Smoove Movies: From Pootie Tang to Marvel
If you look at the jb smoove movies and shows filmography, it’s all over the place in the best way. His first big movie role was Trucky in Pootie Tang (2001). If you haven’t seen it, it’s a cult classic for a reason. It’s bizarre. It’s hilarious. And JB is the narrator, keeping the whole messy story together with his voice.
Then he moved into the big leagues. Did you know he’s in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Yeah, he plays Mr. Dell, the stressed-out teacher in Spider-Man: Far From Home and Spider-Man: No Way Home. Seeing a guy who usually plays "the guy who knows a guy" trying to chaperone high schoolers through a superhero battle is comedy gold. He also popped up in Mr. Deeds with Adam Sandler and Date Night with Steve Carell. The man is everywhere.
The Voice You Can’t Forget
JB’s voice is a literal instrument. It’s raspy, it’s loud, and it’s distinct. That’s why he’s a king in the animation world.
💡 You might also like: The A Wrinkle in Time Cast: Why This Massive Star Power Didn't Save the Movie
- Harley Quinn (The Series): He voices Frank the Plant. Yes, a foul-mouthed, sentient plant. It’s probably the most "JB Smoove" role outside of Leon.
- Woke: He played the voice of a literal marker. A marker that talks to the main character.
- The Smurfs 2: He voiced Hackus.
It’s kind of amazing how he can play a teacher in a billion-dollar Marvel movie and then go voice a weed plant in a cartoon, and it all feels like the same guy.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think JB is just "playing himself." That’s a mistake. Talk to anyone who worked with him at SNL (where he won a Writers Guild Award in 2007) and they’ll tell you he’s a technician. He knows timing. He knows how to "get in and get out" of a joke.
In 2021, he finally got some hardware to prove it. He won an Emmy for Mapleworth Murders. He played Chief Billy Bills. It was a short-form series, but winning an Emmy is no joke. It validated what fans have known for decades: this guy is a pro.
The Future: What’s Next for JB?
Curb might be over, but JB isn't slowing down. He’s still doing stand-up—he’s actually got dates lined up throughout 2026, including a big show in Oklahoma this March. He’s also working on projects through his production company, Alternate Side Productions.
📖 Related: Cuba Gooding Jr OJ: Why the Performance Everyone Hated Was Actually Genius
He recently appeared in the movie Música on Amazon Prime, playing Anwar. It’s a bit of a departure from his usual loud-mouthed roles, showing a little more range. And of course, he’s still the face of Caesars Sportsbook, which means you probably see him every time you turn on a football game.
Actionable Ways to Catch Up
If you want to truly appreciate the breadth of jb smoove movies and shows, don’t just stick to the highlights. Start with Pootie Tang to see his roots. Then, watch the "Loretta" arc in Season 6 of Curb to see his breakout. Finally, check out Mapleworth Murders to see the Emmy-winning performance.
You’ll realize he’s not just a sidekick. He’s a guy who spent thirty years building a toolbox of comedy skills, and he’s just now getting the credit he deserves. Go watch Harley Quinn if you want the unfiltered version. Or just wait for his next stand-up special. Either way, the ruckus isn't stopping anytime soon.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Track his 2026 tour: Check Ticketmaster for his "CenterStage" dates if you want to see the physical comedy in person.
- Stream "Música": See his more recent film work on Prime Video to see how his style is evolving post-Curb.
- Listen to "The Book of Leon": If you miss Leon Black, the audiobook version of his "philosophy" book is basically an extra-long episode of the show.