Who Is Jordan Peele?

Jordan Peele is an African-American actor, comedian, and filmmaker that continues to bring in awards for his film creations…

Jordan Peele was born in New York City to a white mother and a black father. Navigating through life as a mixed race child was “difficult” according to Peele. He was often torn between the ideals of being too black for the white kids and too white for the black. During his comedic career, with Keegan-Michael Key, he rooted most of his skits and jokes around race. Peele mentioned in an NPR interview, “I think the reason both of us became actors is because we did a fair amount of code switching growing up, and still do.” Jokingly, and possibly literally, Peele holds Obama responsible for his successful acting career because Obama is also mixed race. Jordan Peele is a proud biracial an, and odes his career to his wonderful culture.

Jordan Peele on the Big Screen

Key & Peele

The award winning comedic duo met in Chicago at the improv scene and later worked hand in hand on “Mad Tv.” Peele was able to channel his best work through a scope of racism, being biracial, and and African-American culture. They started their duo series entitled “Key & Peele,” which aired in 2012 on Comedy Central Network. Between 5 seasons and over 50 episodes, they were nominated for 24 awards, and won 2 Emmy Awards at the 68th ceremony and one Peabody Award in 2014. This was only the start of his cinematic career.

Directed By Jordan Peele

Get Out (2017)

In 2017, Jordan wrote and directed his first film titled “Get Out”. The inspiration of this movie followed shortly after the Obama election in 2008. He explains how he felt responsible to show how racism continues to pervade everyone’s lives. He didn’t know how well a horror film on a basis of race would do, but sure enough it was the most profitable film of 2017, bringing in $250 million worldwide and $4.5 domestically. This breakout movie would be highly nominated and win awards such as an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The movie had also allowed for a nomination for Best Director for Mr. Peele. “Get Out” opened many doors for Jordan Peele.

Us (2019)

Following his breakout success with “Get Out” came “Us.” Premiering in 2019, “Us” has already broken barriers as far as horror and black leads are concerned. Nominations are not clear just yet, but with the amazing cast and story line, he is bound to win. This movie was a very perplexing and trivial movie, leaving the audience with questions, some unanswered. Before the release of this movie, Peele tells us that this movie will not be like his previous release. Us embraces the elements of horror with the cynical story line and masked monsters. Again nominations aren’t clear, but this movie is making great success with a opening of $70 million at box office over its opening weekend.

Sources

“For Key And Peele, Biracial Roots Bestow Special Comedic ‘Power’.” NPR, NPR, 31 Dec. 2013, http://www.npr.org/2013/12/31/256605611/for-key-and-peele-biracial-roots-bestow-special-comedic-power.
Kettler, Sara. “Jordan Peele.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 1 Apr. 2019, http://www.biography.com/people/jordan-peele.
Robinson, Tasha. “Get Out Review: a Ruthlessly Smart Racial Send-up That’s Also Terrifying.” The Verge, The Verge, 24 Feb. 2017, http://www.theverge.com/2017/2/24/14724404/jordan-peele-get-out-movie-review-race-horror-film.
“’Us’ Movie: Pro-American, Fiercely Anti-Socialist.” World Tribune Life, 26 Mar. 2019, worldtribune.com/life/us-movie-pro-american-fiercely-anti-socialist/.