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Entertainment • Filmmaker

Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele is an American actor, comedian, writer, director, and producer known for work in sketch comedy and horror films.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jordan Peele is an American actor, comedian, writer, director, and producer known for work in sketch comedy and horror films. He first became widely known through *Key & Peele* and later gained major acclaim for writing and directing *Get Out*, followed by *Us* and *Nope*.

Early life and career

Peele was born on February 21, 1979, in New York City. He began his career in comedy before moving into film and television writing and performing. His early screen work included sketch comedy and appearances on shows such as *MADtv*.

Breakthrough with Key & Peele

Peele became widely known through the Comedy Central sketch series *Key & Peele*, which he co-created and co-starred in with Keegan-Michael Key. The series established him as a prominent comedic performer and writer.

Film directing

Peele made his feature directorial debut with the horror film *Get Out* in 2017. The film earned critical acclaim and major awards attention. He followed it with *Us* (2019) and *Nope* (2022), continuing a style that blends horror, satire, and social themes.

Themes and influence

Sources describe Peele’s work as combining comedy and horror while addressing race relations, popular culture, and social issues. His films are often discussed as examples of socially engaged horror cinema.

Key facts

  • Jordan Peele was born on February 21, 1979, in New York City.
  • He first became known for comedy work, especially as the co-creator and co-star of *Key & Peele*.
  • His solo directorial debut was the horror film *Get Out* (2017), which won him the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
  • He later directed *Us* (2019) and *Nope* (2022).
  • He is also a producer and founded Monkeypaw Productions.
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Canadian context

Jordan Peele’s films and television work have had broad international reach, including strong recognition among Canadian audiences and coverage in Canadian media and film culture.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jordan Peele?
Jordan Peele is an American actor, comedian, writer, director, and producer known for *Key & Peele* and for directing *Get Out*, *Us*, and *Nope*.
When was Jordan Peele born?
He was born on February 21, 1979.
What is Jordan Peele best known for?
He is best known for *Key & Peele* and for directing the horror film *Get Out*, which won him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
What awards has Jordan Peele won?
Sources identify him as an Academy Award and Primetime Emmy Award winner.
What films has Jordan Peele directed?
His directed feature films include *Get Out* (2017), *Us* (2019), and *Nope* (2022).
What is Monkeypaw Productions?
Monkeypaw Productions is Peele’s production company.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Peele
    Supports: Birth date, full name, occupations, awards, and overview of career.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Jordan-Peele
    Supports: Birthplace, occupations, and summary of career and themes.
  3. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm1443502/
    Supports: Production company, award-winning status, and Key & Peele background.
  4. Colorado State Universityhttps://english.colostate.edu/news/black-history-month-jordan-peele/
    Supports: Directorial debut with Get Out and its critical success.
  5. Biography.comhttps://www.biography.com/actors/jordan-peele
    Supports: Career progression, Key & Peele, Get Out, Us, and personal background.
  6. Wikipediahttps://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Peele
    Supports: Filmography and awards context for Get Out, Us, and Nope.