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Lil Rel Howery

Early Life and Education

Lil Rel Howery, born Milton Howery Jr. on December 17, 1979, in Chicago, Illinois, is a prominent American stand-up comedian and actor. He attended Providence St. Mel School and later graduated from Crane High School. During high school, he began exploring comedy by writing jokes for a senior talent show. His nickname "Lil Rel" originated from his basketball days—classmates thought he resembled a shorter version of his older cousin Darrell, leading them to call him "Lil Rel."

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Career Beginnings in Stand-Up Comedy

Howery started performing stand-up comedy at the Lion’s Den on Chicago’s East Side, a venue known for nurturing local comedic talent. He made his first televised appearance on NBC's competition series, Last Comic Standing, which marked an early turning point in his career.

Television and Film Success

Lil Rel Howery gained widespread recognition for his role as Robert Carmichael on NBC's The Carmichael Show. His breakout film role came in 2017 when he portrayed TSA officer Rod Williams in Jordan Peele’s critically acclaimed thriller Get Out. For this performance, he won the MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Comedic Performance and received a nomination for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture.

'Rel' and Creative Work

In 2018, Howery created, co-produced, and starred in the television sitcom Rel, inspired loosely by his own life experiences. Although the show was short-lived, it demonstrated his multifaceted talents as both an actor and producer.

Honors and Accolades

Lil Rel Howery has been celebrated for his contributions to comedy. Among his honors is being named the Bernie Mac Comedy King of the Year, a title that connects him to the legacy of another beloved Chicago comedian.

Personal Life

Howery married Verina Robinson on November 24, 2008. The couple had two children before divorcing in 2017. Despite the end of their marriage, Howery remains actively involved in his children's lives.

Current Projects and Whereabouts

As of recent years, Lil Rel Howery continues to act and perform stand-up, appearing in several film and television projects. Beyond Rel, he has maintained a strong presence in Hollywood, with roles in films such as Free Guy and Vacation Friends. He remains based in the United States and continues to be a notable figure in the comedy and entertainment industry.


Quick Facts
Birth Date: 17 Dec, 1979
Age: 40 yrs
Occupations: Comedian
Television actor
Actor
Citizenship: United States of America
Birth Place: Chicago
Gender: Male
Description: American actor
Net Worth 2021: 2 million
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Last Modified: Jun 15 2025
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