JB Smoove: From Perfume Store to Comedy Star

JB Smoove’s journey to becoming a fan favorite on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” is a testament to determination. He started off in high school, working at a local perfume shop, which, looking back, he believes laid the groundwork for his creative spirit and unwavering drive—always pushing forward with the mantra “Never Disappoint.”

In an interview, Smoove reflected on his life’s shaping moments, acknowledging the obstacles he faced along the way. Growing up in Mount Vernon, New York, he faced significant hardships, including losing his father at just 15. These experiences, he says, have been pivotal in defining who he is today.

“You are what you consume,” Smoove shared, emphasizing that this extends beyond food to everything we hear, see, and say. Every interaction and experience shapes our worldview, influencing how we perceive life.

One memory that stands out for him is his first real job at the perfume store. Not only did he learn to create scents, but he also developed a deep admiration for the shop owner who mentored him. “I got really into mixing the ingredients,” he recounted. “My sense of smell improved so much that I could identify even the smallest notes in complex scents.”

This creative spark carried him through college, where he initially studied graphic design before discovering his passion for comedy. Smoove took an improvisation class at a comedy club in New York City, which he credits with helping him find his stage identity. “I wanted to figure out how to translate being a funny friend into something that could resonate with an audience,” he said.

After a brief stint as a writer on “Def Comedy Jam,” Smoove landed a job at “Saturday Night Live,” which seemed like the pinnacle of his career at the time. Yet, not long after, he secured his iconic role as Leon Black on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” He recalls being a devoted fan of the show and his determination to eventually join the cast, a goal he believed could become a reality.

As “Curb Your Enthusiasm” comes to an end in 2024, Smoove is already laying the groundwork for his next endeavor.

Partnering with Jarrod Moses, CEO of United Entertainment Group, Smoove aims to dive into the comedy-driven advertising world. Moses met Smoove during the New York Comedy Festival when Smoove was still thriving in stand-up. After collaborating on a campaign a few years back, Moses saw Smoove’s potential to excel in advertising, which encouraged them to create a business plan together.

Looking ahead, Smoove wants to bring fresh humor to brands, believing that creativity can dramatically reshape how advertisements connect with audiences. His goal? To make commercials that stand out, sparking genuine engagement and memorable moments for viewers.