Lil Rel Howery Bio
Milton “Lil Rel” Howery Jr. is an American stand-up comedian and actor born on December 17, 1979, in Chicago, Illinois. He first rose to wide recognition for playing Rod Williams in Jordan Peele’s horror film Get Out and for his role as Robert Carmichael on the NBC sitcom The Carmichael Show. Howery has built a career that bridges stand-up comedy, television, and film, and he created and starred in the sitcom Rel.
Active in the entertainment industry since 2001, Howery remains a familiar face in comedy, known for blending observational humor with character-driven performances. He has also expanded his reach through stand-up specials, sketch comedy, and supporting film roles, earning a devoted following among fans of comedic storytelling.
Early Life and Background
Howery was born Milton Howery Jr. and grew up on the West Side of Chicago. He is the son of Nancy and Milton Howery Sr. He attended Providence St. Mel School from fifth grade through ninth grade before transferring to Crane High School, where he completed his secondary education.
During his high school years at Crane, Howery wrote jokes and developed a script for a senior talent show. The experience convinced him to pursue comedy as a profession. While playing high school basketball, his style reminded others of his older cousin Darrel, which led to the nickname Lil Rel that has stayed with him throughout his career.
Path to Comedy
After finishing high school, Howery immersed himself in the Chicago comedy scene, working the local stand-up circuit and refining a voice rooted in personal storytelling and family life. The Chicago comedy community gave him an early platform and a steady audience, helping him develop material that later translated to television and film.
His first national television appearance came in January 2007 when he competed on the reality series Last Comic Standing. The same year, he appeared on the HBO program P. Diddy Presents: The Bad Boys of Comedy. These early appearances introduced Howery to broader audiences and set the stage for his transition into scripted television work.
Lil Rel Howery Career
Early Career (2001–2014)
Howery began his professional comedy career in 2001, performing stand-up across Chicago and eventually building a reputation as a reliable and engaging comic on the club circuit. Through the mid-2000s, he worked steadily on stage while pursuing television opportunities that would expand his profile.
In 2012, Howery joined the cast of Fox’s revival of the sketch program In Living Color, performing alongside five other comedians. Although the show was canceled in 2013, the experience connected him to major industry producers. He went on to work as a writer, producer, and cast member on the truTV sketch series Friends of the People, further developing his range as a comedic performer.
Breakthrough (2015–2018)
In 2015, Howery began co-starring as Bobby Carmichael on the NBC sitcom The Carmichael Show, appearing alongside series creator Jerrod Carmichael. The role introduced him to a wide weekly television audience and showcased his ability to balance humor with grounded family dynamics.
In early 2016, Netflix added Howery’s first exclusive solo stand-up special, Kevin Hart Presents: Lil Rel: RELevent, expanding his visibility in the streaming era. In 2017, he delivered a widely praised performance as Rod Williams in Jordan Peele’s horror film Get Out, a role that earned him the MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Comedic Performance.
Building on that success, Howery created and starred in the Fox sitcom Rel, which premiered on September 9, 2018. Loosely based on his own life as a divorced father, the series also featured Jerrod Carmichael and Mike Scully as executive producers. That same year, Howery appeared in the comedy film Free Guy alongside Ryan Reynolds, playing the security guard Buddy.
Notable Works and Milestones
Howery’s signature works include The Carmichael Show, Get Out, and Rel, each of which highlighted a different side of his comedic talents. His MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Comedic Performance marked a major milestone, cementing his reputation as a leading comedic actor of his generation.
Lil Rel Howery Award Nominations
Lil Rel Howery has received recognition from major entertainment awards bodies across his career, with nominations reflecting his range in both television and film. The Carmichael Show and Get Out in particular drew industry attention and helped establish him as a serious comedic talent in Hollywood.
Lil Rel Howery Awards Won
Howery has been honored with awards celebrating his comedic work, most notably the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Comedic Performance for his role in the horror film Get Out. He has also built a respected body of work in stand-up comedy, with specials that have reached wide audiences on major streaming platforms.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| MTV Movie & TV Awards (Best Comedic Performance) | 1 | 2017 |
Lil Rel Howery Family
Howery is the son of Milton Howery Sr. and Nancy Howery. He has spoken about the influence of his Chicago upbringing and his extended family, including the older cousin Darrel whose nickname inspired his stage name. His family experiences have shaped much of his comedic material and the storytelling approach seen in his television work.
Personal Life
Howery married Verina Robinson on November 24, 2008, and the couple later divorced in 2017. They share children together. The personal experiences of family and fatherhood have informed several of his projects, including the Fox sitcom Rel, which drew loosely from his own life. Outside of his professional work, Howery continues to perform stand-up and is recognized as a prominent voice in contemporary American comedy.