You may know JB Smoove as the wild and witty comedian from Curb Your Enthusiasm. And you may have heard the soulful vocals of singer-actress Shahidah Omar in films like Brown Sugar. But together, JB Smoove and his wife Shahidah Omar form one of Hollywood‘s most beloved – and hilarious – power couples.
Let‘s take a deep dive into the lives and love story of JB Smoove and Shahidah Omar:
A Quick Summary: JB Smoove and His Talented Wife
Before we get into the details, here‘s a quick look at JB Smoove, Shahidah Omar, and their 20+ year relationship:
- JB Smoove is a renowned comedian and actor known for Curb Your Enthusiasm and movies like Spiderman: No Way Home
- Shahidah Omar is a successful singer and actress who has released two albums and appeared in films like Brown Sugar
- The couple met in 1997 at a comedy club in NYC when JB was performing and Shahidah was singing
- They married in 2007 after nearly 10 years of dating and now have a daughter named Leyla
- Together they founded a production company called Omar Smoove Productions and have collaborated on projects
- After over two decades together, they remain a loving, supportive couple as both individuals pursue successful entertainment careers
Now let‘s dig deeper into understanding this Hollywood power duo!
Getting to Know the Comedic Brilliance of JB Smoove
To understand JB Smoove‘s rise to fame, it helps to start from his early days…
JB Smoove was born Jerry Brooks in Plymouth, North Carolina in 1974. He had a natural knack for humor from childhood – so much so that his junior high classmates voted him "Most Humorous."
At age 19, Jerry moved to New York City to seriously pursue standup comedy. It was here that he took on the stage name JB Smoove – a modification of childhood nicknames like "Smoove B" and "Smooth Jelly."
JB Smoove‘s Big Break on Curb Your Enthusiasm
After years performing in New York clubs, JB Smoove got his major television break in 2007 when he was cast on HBO‘s Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Smoove played the wild, unpredictable character of Leon Black, a friend that Larry David reluctantly takes in as a house guest. Leon became a fan favorite for his candid remarks and over-the-top antics.
Some of Leon‘s most hilarious moments include:
- Giving Larry dating advice like "You got to nip it in the butt!"
- Passionately belting the national anthem at a baseball game
- Debating the merits of hard shell vs soft shell tacos
JB Smoove starred on Curb Your Enthusiasm for a total of 39 episodes over seasons 6-8. His performance earned him a coveted Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 2008.
Smoove‘s Standup Comedy and Movie Roles
Beyond his fame on Curb, JB Smoove has sustained a thriving career in standup comedy and acting.
His comedy specials like That‘s How I Dooz It showcase his energetic improv style. He‘s brought laughs in films including:
- Hall Pass (2011)
- We Bought a Zoo (2011)
- The Dictator (2012)
- Spiderman: No Way Home (2021)
He‘s also voiced characters in animated movies like The Smurfs (2011) and The Star (2017).
Overall, JB Smoove has accumulated over 100 acting credits across television and film. His net worth is estimated around $5 million. He continues taking on new acting roles, standup comedy tours, and hosting gigs.
Taking the Stage: Shahidah Omar‘s Singing and Acting Talents
While JB Smoove was making a name in comedy, Shahidah Omar was wowing audiences with her musical talents. Here‘s a look at her background:
Early Music Career
Born in 1969 in New York City, Shahidah Omar displayed vocal talent from a young age. She sang in church choirs and school musicals as a child.
In her teens, she began touring professionally with musical groups including:
- Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes
- Teddy Pendergrass
Omar has cited powerful vocalists like Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan as key influences.
Solo Albums and Songs
As a solo artist, Shahidah Omar has released two full-length albums:
- Shahidah (1995)
- Soulful Storm (1999)
Her music blends soul, R&B, and jazz elements into a signature sound. Songs like "This Moment" and "Crazy" became hits.
She‘s been praised for her smoky vocal tone, impressive range, and emotional delivery. Shahidah is recognized as one of the top contemporary soul singers today.
Acting Pursuits
Beyond music, Shahidah has pursued acting over the years. Some of her most prominent roles include:
The Brothers (2001) – Sheila
Brown Sugar (2002) – Loretta the vocalist
One Week (2008) – Darcy
Critics have complimented her natural screen presence and ability to convey complex emotions through acting.
So in addition to two albums, Shahidah Omar has around 15 acting credits under her belt across film and television.
Retracing JB Smoove and Shahidah Omar‘s Fateful First Meeting
JB Smoove and Shahidah Omar‘s sweet love story began with a simple meet-cute in 1997. Here‘s how it unfolded:
One evening, JB Smoove was performing his standup routine at a popular New York comedy club. Meanwhile, Shahidah Omar was scheduled to sing at the same venue later in the night.
After finishing his set, Smoove noticed Omar backstage. Drawn to her right away, he introduced himself.
As Shahidah tells it:
"He came up and said ‘You have a beautiful voice‘ which made me laugh. I said ‘Well you‘re very funny‘ and we both said ‘Thank you.‘ It was one of those moments."
The quick exchange sparked an instant connection. They chatted at the club that night, discovering mutual interests in music, comedy, and movies.
Within two weeks, they knew this was the real thing. As JB Smoove puts it:
Shahidah and I just fit. Within a couple weeks, we knew we‘d be together forever."
So a spontaneous introduction set the stage for a lifelong romance!
From Dating to "I Do" – JB Smoove and Shahidah Omar‘s Road to Marriage
After falling in love in 1997, JB Smoove and Shahidah Omar dated for nearly a decade before making it officially official.
They took the time to grow as a couple while also nurturing their careers. Both were traveling for performances during these years.
But their bond kept strengthening through it all.
Welcoming Daughter Leyla
In 2003, Shahidah gave birth to their daughter Leyla Omar Smoove.
Becoming parents only brought Smoove and Omar closer together. They embraced the joy and responsibilities of raising a child as a team. JB says Leyla was:
…the glue that sealed the deal between me and my wife. Everything changed."
The Big Day: Getting Married
By 2007, JB and Shahidah knew they were ready to tie the knot. They had a beautiful spring wedding attended by close friends and family.
Shahidah walked down the aisle in a stunning Swarovski crystal gown. JB was dressed sharp in an all-white suit and sparkling bow tie.
During the ceremony, they wrote their own heartfelt vows. Images from their wedding day capture pure joy and love.
So after 10 years together, the couple officially became husband and wife!
Inside JB Smoove and Shahidah Omar‘s Family Life
Family is at the center of JB Smoove and Shahidah Omar‘s life together. A look inside their home life reveals a doting, tight-knit family.
Parenting Daughter Leyla
JB and Shahidah cherish their role as parents to Leyla. While guiding her, they also encourage her creativity.
Leyla has followed in their footsteps pursuing an acting career. At age 17, she‘s already been in small films. Her parents give advice about the industry while letting Leyla chart her own path.
Family time might include playing Scrabble, watching movies, or just talking over dinner. These little rituals keep them close.
Navigating "Empty Nest" Phase
Now that Leyla is older, JB and Shahidah are adjusting to their "empty nest" season.
While bittersweet, they are also rediscovering passions like travel. Recent vacations include Italy and Hawaii.
The couple also enjoys quiet nights in, cooking intimate meals together and reminiscing over photos. Their bond remains strong as ever.
The Professional Partnership Between JB Smoove and Shahidah Omar
Beyond their personal life, JB Smoove and Shahidah Omar have developed a thriving professional partnership over the years.
Creating Omar Smoove Productions
In 2013, JB and Shahidah founded their joint production company called Omar Smoove Productions.
Through this company they have:
- Produced several of Smoove‘s standup comedy specials
- Published their co-authored book You Can‘t Stop the Smoove in 2015
- Partnered on music like their song "The Perfect Night"
This creative collaboration allows them to blend their individual talents.
Maintaining Separate Careers
Even as business partners, JB and Shahidah still pursue solo careers. Rather than competition, they motivate each other.
For example, when Smoove landed his role on Spiderman: No Way Home, Shahidah helped him prepare for the acting challenge.
And when Shahidah books singing gigs, JB is there to cheer her on. Their words of support and constructive feedback strengthen their work.
How JB Smoove and Shahidah Omar Keep the Spark Alive
After 20+ years together, JB Smoove and Shahidah Omar still exude love and laughter. What‘s their romance secret? Here are some of the ways they keep the spark burning:
Celebrating Milestones
JB goes all out planning surprises to celebrate special occasions.
On their 10th anniversary, he filled their home with 10,000 red roses. For Shahidah‘s 50th birthday, he organized a flash mob dance.
These grand gestures show his passion and creativity in honoring their relationship.
Little Acts of Love
Beyond the big moments, JB and Shahidah share frequent small acts of love.
This might mean JB leaving a sweet note in her purse. Or Shahidah cooking JB‘s favorite meal after a stressful day.
Smoove also brings home Shahidah‘s favorite snacks like Reese‘s as simple reminders of his adoration.
Double Date Nights
Making time for date nights is another romance priority. Even when busy, they commit to bi-weekly time with just the two of them.
Whether it‘s a fancy dinner out or a comedy show, these double dates allow them to reconnect. Laughing and reminiscing keeps their relationship joyful.
Glimpsing JB Smoove and Shahidah Omar‘s Future
As JB Smoove and Shahidah Omar move through midlife, they‘re excited for the road ahead – both as a couple and individuals. Here‘s a look at what their future holds:
JB‘s Upcoming Projects
JB Smoove has some major projects lined up:
- Taking on dramatic acting roles in upcoming indie films
- Going on a nationwide standup comedy tour in 2024
- Hosting the revival season of BET‘s ComicView comedy competition
He also looks forward to mentoring up-and-coming comedians.
Shahidah‘s Goals
For Shahidah Omar, goals include:
- Releasing a new solo album – her first in over 20 years
- Starring in a new BET television series about a women‘s choir
- Potentially authoring a book sharing her life and career wisdom
She also plans to resume touring her live music show.
Strengthening Their Bond
Omar Smoove Productions is expanding into music management and television production. JB and Shahidah aim to keep growing their company.
Most importantly, they look forward to enjoying each day together – laughing, loving, and supporting each other‘s dreams. Their optimism for the future is guided by their lifelong bond.
Conclusion: Why JB Smoove and Shahidah Omar Are Relationship Goals
When you look at the two-decade love story between JB Smoove and Shahidah Omar, it‘s no wonder they‘re admired as #RelationshipGoals. Here‘s a recap of what makes them so endearing:
- They‘re a real team – as spouses, parents, and creative partners
- Their mutual respect allows them to achieve individually while also being united
- Laughter and romance remain central in their relationship even after 20+ years
- They still gush about each other in interviews as if they just fell in love
- Both prioritize family while also pursing their passions
- At their core, they really seem to just like each other as human beings
JB Smoove sums it up best:
"Our hearts speak the same language. That‘s so important."
So for anyone searching for an example of true love that withstands the test of time, look to JB Smoove and Shahidah Omar. Through the ups and downs, their hearts still beat as one – and that‘s something beautiful.
