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Entertainment • Actor

Terry Crews

Terry Crews is an American actor, television host, and former professional American football player.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Terry Crews is an American actor, television host, and former professional American football player. He is known for roles in films such as *White Chicks*, *The Longest Yard*, and *The Expendables* series, and for playing Terry Jeffords on *Brooklyn Nine-Nine*. Crews was born in Flint, Michigan, in 1968 and played college and professional football before entering entertainment.

Early life and football career

Terry Crews was born in Flint, Michigan, in 1968. He played American football professionally in the NFL during the 1990s, from 1991 to 1997, before transitioning to acting.

Acting and television career

Crews began acting in 1999. He became widely recognized for television roles including Julius Rock in *Everybody Hates Chris* and Terry Jeffords in *Brooklyn Nine-Nine*. He has also hosted game shows and talent programs, including *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire* and *America's Got Talent*.

Film roles

His film work includes comedies, action films, and ensemble features such as *Friday After Next*, *White Chicks*, *Idiocracy*, *The Longest Yard*, *Blended*, *The Expendables* series, *Sorry to Bother You*, *Deadpool 2*, and *Rumble*.

Public profile

In addition to acting and hosting, Crews has been a prominent public figure in advertising, authorship, and advocacy. His career spans sports, television, and film.

Key facts

  • Crews was born in Flint, Michigan, and played college and professional football before entering entertainment.
  • He played in the NFL during the 1990s and later began acting in 1999.
  • He is widely known for the role of Terry Jeffords on *Brooklyn Nine-Nine*.
  • His film credits include *Friday After Next*, *White Chicks*, *Idiocracy*, *The Longest Yard*, *Blended*, *The Expendables* series, and *Rumble*.
  • He has also worked as a television host, including *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire* and *America's Got Talent*.
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Canadian context

Crews is a familiar figure to Canadian audiences through widely distributed American television series, films, and entertainment programs broadcast and streamed in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Terry Crews?
Terry Crews is an American actor, television host, and former NFL player known for *Brooklyn Nine-Nine*, *Everybody Hates Chris*, and several comedy and action films.
How old is Terry Crews?
He was born on July 30, 1968, so he is 57 years old as of 2026.
What movies has Terry Crews been in?
His films include *Friday After Next*, *White Chicks*, *The 6th Day*, *The Longest Yard*, *Idiocracy*, *Blended*, *The Expendables* series, *Sorry to Bother You*, *Deadpool 2*, and *Rumble*.
Is Terry Crews in Brooklyn Nine-Nine?
Yes. He played Terry Jeffords on *Brooklyn Nine-Nine* from 2013 to 2021.
What happened to Terry Crews?
Terry Crews did not leave public life; he transitioned from football to acting and hosting, and has remained active in television and film. He has also been publicly associated with advocacy and authorship.
What is Terry Crews' net worth?
No single verified net worth figure is provided in the supplied sources, and net worth estimates vary by outlet.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Crews
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupations, years active, notable film and television credits, including Brooklyn Nine-Nine and America’s Got Talent.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0187719/bio/
    Supports: Birth name and birth date.
  3. NBC — https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/terry-crews-nfl-career
    Supports: Background as an NFL player, acting career, and role on Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
  4. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/terry-crews/bio/3000054088/
    Supports: Birth place and professional profile.
  5. Hollywood Walk of Fame — https://walkoffame.com/terry-crews/
    Supports: Career overview including acting, hosting, and notable roles.
  6. Pro Football Reference — https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CrewTe20.htm
    Supports: Birth date, age reference, and football career details.