Jaboukie Young-White

  1. Home
  2. Wiki

Jaboukie Young-White
Young-White at SXSW 2024
Born (1994-07-24) July 24, 1994 (age 31)
Other namesJaboukie
EducationDePaul University
Occupations
  • Comedian
  • writer
  • actor
  • musician
Years active2013–present
Known for

Jaboukie Young-White (born July 24, 1994[1][2]) is an American comedian, actor, writer and musician.

Young-White first gained recognition at a young age as a comedian, through which he made his television debut as a guest performer on two episodes of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2017–2018). After his film debut in the black comedy Rough Night (2017), he co-wrote the Netflix mockumentary television series American Vandal (2018). His subsequent films included his first leading role in Dating and New York (2021), alongside supporting parts in Someone Great (2019) and C'mon C'mon (2021), and voice roles in Strange World (2022) and Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023).

On television, Young-White played recurring parts on Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens (2020–2021) and Only Murders in the Building (2021–2022).

Early life

[edit]

Young-White was born to Jamaican immigrants and raised in Harvey, Illinois.[1][3] He later attended Marian Catholic High School followed by DePaul University,[4] where he became involved in improv comedy through the collegiate improvisation program "The Titanic Players".[5][6] He ultimately left DePaul in 2016 during his senior year to pursue comedy full-time.[7][8]

Career

[edit]

2010s

[edit]

Young-White performed stand-up for the first time at an open mic night when he was 19; he was hired for his first stand-up gig when he was 21.[7] He continued to perform stand-up at several bars and clubs around Chicago and New York City, and was a finalist at the 2016 NYC Devil Cup Stand Up Festival.[9]

Beginning in late 2016, several of his memes, tweets, and posts went viral.[7][10] He subsequently gained prominence on social media, particularly on Twitter and Instagram, where he grew a large following.[11][non-primary source needed][12][non-primary source needed]

Since 2017, he has performed stand-up twice on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.[13][14]

As of 2018, he wrote for the Netflix television shows Big Mouth and American Vandal.[15] In October of that year, he was hired as a correspondent on The Daily Show;[16] he made his first appearance opposite Trevor Noah on October 11, 2018, and left in 2021.[17][18][19]

In early 2019, Young-White was negotiating to be a lead in an untitled Bo Burnham and Amy York Rubin film alongside Danielle Macdonald.[20]

On Martin Luther King Day (January 20, 2020), Young-White was temporarily banned from Twitter for posting a tweet posing as the FBI and claiming that they were responsible for the activist's assassination.[21]

2020s

[edit]

On March 23, 2020, Twitter again suspended Young-White after he changed his display name and icon to that of the CNN Breaking News account, and tweeting: "BREAKING: Joe Biden is not DEAD. He just getting some dick. We've all been there cnn.com", thus making it appear as though CNN had posted the tweet.[22] His account was restored less than a day later. However, he was subsequently stripped of his verified status.[23]

In 2021, Young-White starred in the film Dating and New York. He also appeared opposite Joaquin Phoenix in the film C'mon C'mon and had a recurring role in the television series Only Murders in the Building.[24] He voiced the lead role of Truman in the animated series Fairfax.[25]

On June 10, 2021, it was announced that Young-White would be teaming up with Issa Rae and her production company Hoorae to develop the book The Gang's All Queer: The Lives of Gay Gang Members by Vanessa R. Panfil into a series for HBO. He will write and executive produce the project.[26]

On July 20, 2021, it was announced that Young-White would be writing the script for an upcoming animated feature inspired by music of the late rapper Juice Wrld.[27]

In 2022, Young-White had a recurring role in Rae's television show Rap Sh!t.[28] He also voice acted in the Disney+ series Baymax! and voiced main character Ethan Clade in the Disney animated feature Strange World.[29][30]

On September 30, 2022, Young-White released his debut single "BBC" via Interscope Records under the moniker "jaboukie."[31] Two more singles, "ROCKWHYLER" and "not_me_tho," were subsequently released.

On August 1, 2023, jaboukie announced his debut album, All who can't hear must feel, which was released on August 25, 2023.[32]

In July 2025, rapper and hip-hop artist Doechii revealed that she was working with Young-White for the script of her upcoming stage show School of Hip Hop that blended live choreography and evocative visuals with cultural commentary and satire.[33][34][35] He will be appearing in Trash Mountain, a new movie written by fellow-comedian Caleb Hearon, according to an October 2025 announcement.[36]

Personal life

[edit]

Young-White is gay, and did not come out to his parents until his 2017 debut on The Tonight Show. He is estranged from his "violently homophobic" father, but remains in contact with his mother who is accepting of his queerness.[37][8] He lives in New York City.[34]

Awards and recognition

[edit]

In 2017, he was featured on Rolling Stone's "25 Under 25: Meet the Young Musicians, Actors, Activists Changing the World" list.[38] The following year, he was included in Vulture's "20 Comedians You Should and Will Know" list.[39] In 2020, Young-White was placed on BET's "Future 40" list, which is a list of "40 of the most inspiring and innovative vanguards who are redefining what it means to be unapologetically young, gifted & black".[40]

Young-White received the 2024 Comedy Connoisseur Award at Variety's annual Power of Comedy event for his broad body of work, including stand up performances and television appearances.[41]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2015 Rooftops and Fire Escapes Party Guy Short
2017 Rough Night Borat
2018 Set It Up Assistant Alex
Ralph Breaks the Internet McNeely Voice only
2019 Someone Great Mikey
Vanilla Garret
2021 Dating and New York Milo
C'mon C'mon Fernando
2022 Strange World Ethan Clade Voice only
2023 Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken Connor
2025 Companion Teddy
The Threesome Greg
TBA The Love Hypothesis Malcolm Post-production[42][43]
Trash Mountain TBA Filming
— Golden — Unreleased

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2017–18 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Himself Stand-up performer, 2 episodes[44]
2018 Influencer Duffer Stone TV movie
American Vandal Writer
2018–21 The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Himself (correspondent) 57 episodes
2019 Crashing Himself Episode: "Jaboukie"
Big Mouth (voice) Episode: "Duke"; also writer
Total Forgiveness Himself Episode: "Stand-up/Diaries"
The Rank Room Himself Episode: "What Is the Worst Tattoo to Get?"
2020 BoJack Horseman (voice) 2 episodes
2020–21 Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens Daniel 3 episodes
2021–22 Only Murders in the Building Sam 5 episodes
Fairfax Truman, Reporter 2, Off-Brian Stan No. 2, Random Female Griever, Shu, EMTIT, Kellen, Extra 3, Sean (voice) 15 episodes
2022 Battle Kitty Warriors, Squires, Cocky Warrior, Erik, Robber 2, Brad, Angelions, Pirates, Ghosts, Glitch Warrior (voice) 7 episodes
Baymax! Mbita (voice) 2 episodes
The Great North Holden (voice) Episode: "Mall-mento Adventure"
2022–23 Rap Sh!t Francois Boom 11 episodes
2023 Bob's Burgers Blue Haired Teen (voice) Episode: "These Boots Are Made for Stalking"
Black Mirror TV Eric Episode: "Joan Is Awful"
2024 Fantasmas Skyler 2 episodes
2025 Abbott Elementary Elijah Episode: "Karaoke"

Web

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2017 Black Tylenol Martin [45]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title EP details
All who can't hear must feel

Singles

[edit]
  • "bbc" (2022)
  • "ROCKWHYLER" (2022)
  • "GONER" (2023)
  • "not_me_tho" (2023)

Music videos

[edit]
Title Year Director Notes
"bbc" 2022 Jaboukie Young-White [46]
"ROCKWHYLER" [47]
"not_me_tho' 2023 Jaboukie Young-White [48]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b NerdyPOC (May 10, 2017). "Jaboukie Young-White, On Online Activism, Black Twitter Not Getting Credit and Mental Health". Medium. Archived from the original on April 26, 2018. Retrieved April 15, 2018.
  2. ^ Young-White, Jaboukie [@jaboukie] (July 24, 2019). "hey it's my birthday today and for it i'm asking u to please donate to @TheOkraProject" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  3. ^ ""Not Offended, Just Bored" — Meet Jaboukie Young-White". Mask Magazine. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
  4. ^ "Marian Catholic senior captures two IHSA state speech championships". nwitimes.com. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  5. ^ "Hall of Fame". The Titanic Players - Official website. Archived from the original on April 27, 2025. Retrieved March 29, 2025.
  6. ^ Lowman, Emma (April 11, 2022). "Jaboukie Young-White and Pat Regan deliver hilarious show to BU students". Pipe Dream. Archived from the original on April 23, 2025. Retrieved March 29, 2025.
  7. ^ a b c Mullane, Pat. "Former DePaul student goes viral, starts career as a comedian". The DePaulia. Archived from the original on August 12, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  8. ^ a b Cuby, Michael (August 29, 2023). "For Once, Jaboukie Young-White Is Not Trolling". Them. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
  9. ^ "Jaboukie Young-White on the Zen of Memes". Vulture. September 16, 2016. Archived from the original on August 14, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  10. ^ "This Guy's Instagram Captions Are Gloriously Extra". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on May 12, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  11. ^ "jaboukie young-white (@jaboukie) | Twitter". Archived from the original on August 11, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2018 – via Twitter.
  12. ^ "jaboukie young-white (@jaboukie) • Instagram photos and videos". Archived from the original on September 10, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2018 – via Instagram.
  13. ^ "Jaboukie Young-White Takes on 'Masc' Queer Men in Hilarious Standup". Out.com. December 15, 2017. Archived from the original on August 12, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
  14. ^ "'The Daily Show' Adds Jaboukie Young-White as Correspondent". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  15. ^ "Donald Glover fan goes viral after posting photo of encounter on Twitter". The Independent. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  16. ^ Evans, Greg (October 11, 2018). "Jaboukie Young-White Joins 'The Daily Show' As Correspondent". Deadline. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  17. ^ "Chicago comedian schools Trevor Noah in his 'Daily Show' debut". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on August 12, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  18. ^ Otterson, Joe (October 11, 2018). "Jaboukie Young-White Joins 'Daily Show With Trevor Noah' as Correspondent". Variety. Archived from the original on August 12, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  19. ^ White, Peter (November 11, 2021). "'The Daily Show': Correspondent Jaboukie Young-White Exits Comedy Central Late-Night Series". Deadline. Archived from the original on November 11, 2021. Retrieved November 11, 2021.
  20. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (February 19, 2019). "Danielle Macdonald, Jaboukie Young-White Set For Paramount Players Pic". Deadline. Archived from the original on June 4, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  21. ^ Pollowitz, Greg (January 21, 2020). "The Daily Show's Jaboukie Young-White gets booted off Twitter for spoofing the official FBI account". Twitchy. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  22. ^ Haasch, Palmer (March 24, 2020). "Twitter suspended Jaboukie over fake CNN tweet about Joe Biden". Insider. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
  23. ^ Moen, Matt (March 24, 2020). "Why #FreeJaboukie Is Trending". Paper. Archived from the original on March 25, 2020. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
  24. ^ "Jaboukie Young-White | Speaking Fee, Booking Agent, & Contact Info | CAA Speakers". www.caa.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  25. ^ Zorrilla, Mónica Marie (September 29, 2021). "Kiersey Clemons, Jaboukie Young-White to Star in Amazon's Adult Animated Comedy 'Fairfax'". Variety. Archived from the original on September 29, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  26. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (June 10, 2021). "Jaboukie Young-White Adapting 'Gang's All Queer' for HBO, Issa Rae". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 11, 2021. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  27. ^ Grobar, Matt (July 20, 2021). "Modern Magic: Adam Rosenberg & Rodney Rothman Launch Company Focused On Event Animation And Live-Action". Deadline. Archived from the original on August 12, 2023. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  28. ^ Petski, Denise (August 6, 2021). "'Rap Sh*t': Issa Rae's HBO Max Series Adds Four To Cast". Deadline. Archived from the original on August 6, 2021. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  29. ^ "Disney+ to Debut Walt Disney Animation Studios' New Series 'Baymax!' on June 29". The Walt Disney Company. May 20, 2022. Archived from the original on September 30, 2022. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  30. ^ Salazar, Andrew J. (September 21, 2022). "Meet Jaboukie Young-White's New Disney Character in 'Strange World'". DiscussingFilm. Archived from the original on October 1, 2022. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  31. ^ "jaboukie Young-White Releases New Song and Video "BBC"". Complex. Archived from the original on September 30, 2022. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  32. ^ jaboukie - All who can't hear must feel (Official Album Trailer), August 2023, retrieved August 10, 2023
  33. ^ Cafolla, Anna (July 21, 2025). "What's in Doechii's Bag? Emergency Heels, Instant Ramen, and Audre Lorde's Wisdom". Vogue. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
  34. ^ a b Run-A-Muck (November 12, 2025). "DRAFTING W/ JABOUKIE". DRAFTING W/ RUN-A-MUCK. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
  35. ^ Ahsan, Ali (July 7, 2025). "Doechii Reinvents the Classroom with 'School of Hip Hop' Concert Visuals - Groovevolt". Retrieved November 26, 2025.
  36. ^ "Midwest natives Caleb Hearon, Jaboukie Young-White to star in new movie set and filmed in Chicago". NBC Chicago. October 28, 2025. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
  37. ^ Jacobs, Matthew (September 10, 2021). "Don't Put Jaboukie Young-White in a Box". The Cut. Archived from the original on May 17, 2025. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
  38. ^ "25 Under 25: Meet the Musicians, Actors, Activists Changing the World". Rolling Stone. July 19, 2017. Archived from the original on April 26, 2018. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  39. ^ Pitchel, Jesse David Fox, Jake Kroeger, Samantha. "20 Comedians You Should and Will Know". Vulture. Archived from the original on August 14, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2018.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  40. ^ "BET Digital celebrates black excellence with new original editorial series". Chicago Defender. February 7, 2020. Archived from the original on February 15, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  41. ^ Earl, William (February 22, 2024). "Variety Returns to SXSW With Power of Comedy Event Featuring Samantha Bee, John Leguizamo, Nick Kroll, Lilly Singh and More". Variety. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
  42. ^ Gomez, Dessi (August 12, 2025). "Everything We Know About 'The Love Hypothesis' Movie So Far". Deadline. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
  43. ^ Vick, Megan. "'The Love Hypothesis' Movie Adds Four More to Cast". Swooon. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
  44. ^ The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (December 13, 2017), Jaboukie Young-White Stand-Up, archived from the original on August 13, 2023, retrieved April 15, 2018
  45. ^ Never Sad (February 28, 2017), Black Tylenol, archived from the original on August 12, 2023, retrieved May 21, 2019
  46. ^ jaboukie - BBC, September 29, 2022, archived from the original on October 7, 2022, retrieved October 7, 2022
  47. ^ jaboukie - ROCKWHYLER (Official Music Video), October 27, 2022, archived from the original on December 9, 2022, retrieved December 9, 2022
  48. ^ jaboukie - not_me_tho (Official Music Video), July 27, 2023, archived from the original on August 11, 2023, retrieved August 10, 2023

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]