35 Interesting Facts about Jordan Peele

Dan August 26, 2023

Jordan Peele, born on February 21, 1979, is an American filmmaker, actor, comedian, and writer who has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. He initially gained prominence as one half of the comedic duo “Key & Peele,” alongside Keegan-Michael Key. The duo’s eponymous sketch comedy show, which ran from 2012 to 2015, garnered widespread acclaim for its incisive social commentary, clever humor, and memorable characters, earning them several Emmy nominations.

Peele’s career took a groundbreaking turn when he transitioned into the world of horror filmmaking. His directorial debut, “Get Out,” released in 2017, was a critical and commercial success. The film brilliantly blended horror with social satire, exploring themes of racism and cultural appropriation in a unique and thought-provoking way. “Get Out” received numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, making Peele the first African American to win in that category.

Following the success of “Get Out,” Peele continued to solidify his position as a prominent filmmaker in the horror genre. His second directorial venture, “Us” (2019), further showcased his ability to create unsettling narratives layered with societal commentary. Jordan Peele’s work is often characterized by his skillful blending of horror elements with themes of race, identity, and societal issues, creating a subgenre of socially conscious horror.

Peele’s impact extends beyond his directorial work. He has also been involved in producing projects that emphasize diverse storytelling, particularly within the horror and thriller genres. Through his innovative approach to filmmaking, Jordan Peele has not only redefined horror but has also prompted important conversations about representation, inequality, and the power of storytelling in modern cinema.

Let’s take a look at these 35 interesting facts about Jordan Peele to know more about him.

1. Jordan Haworth Peele was born on February 21, 1979, in New York City, USA.
2. He is of mixed race heritage: his mother is white and his father is black.
3. Peele attended the Computer School in Manhattan and later graduated from Calhoun School.
4. He also attended Sarah Lawrence College in New York, where he studied film and acted in various student productions.
5. Peele is well-known for his exceptional impersonation of Barack Obama on the sketch comedy show “Key & Peele.”
6. Before “Key & Peele,” he was a cast member on the sketch comedy show “MADtv.”
7. Peele’s comedy duo with Keegan-Michael Key, “Key & Peele,” ran from 2012 to 2015 and received critical acclaim.
8. The duo’s sketch “Substitute Teacher” went viral and became one of their most popular sketches.
9. Peele’s directorial debut was the horror film “Get Out,” released in 2017.
10. He wrote the script for “Get Out” in just two and a half weeks.
11. “Get Out” was a massive critical and commercial success, earning over $255 million worldwide against a budget of $4.5 million.
12. He won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for “Get Out,” becoming the first African American to win in that category.
13. Peele is married to comedian and actress Chelsea Peretti, known for her role on the TV show “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”
14. He founded Monkeypaw Productions, which focuses on creating content that pushes boundaries and explores social issues.
15. Monkeypaw Productions is named after the Twilight Zone episode “The Monkey’s Paw” and pays homage to the show’s creator, Rod Serling.
16. Peele’s second directorial venture was the horror film “Us,” released in 2019, which also received positive reviews.
17. He voiced Bunny in the animated film “Toy Story 4.”
18. Peele has hosted and narrated the reboot of “The Twilight Zone” TV series.
19. He produced the acclaimed horror film “Candyman” (2021), a spiritual sequel to the 1992 film.
20. “Get Out” was inspired by Peele’s personal experiences as well as his fascination with the horror genre.
21. He is a fan of horror and cites classic horror films like “Night of the Living Dead” as influences.
22. Peele’s production company, Monkeypaw Productions, aims to promote diverse voices in filmmaking.
23. He was included in the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world in 2019.
24. Peele was approached to direct a live-action version of “Akira,” but he declined to focus on original projects.
25. He often explores themes of race, identity, and social commentary in his work.
26. Peele is a big fan of comedian Eddie Murphy and has been influenced by his work.
27. He has expressed interest in stepping away from acting to focus more on writing, directing, and producing.
28. Peele’s films often contain Easter eggs and references to his favorite movies and TV shows.
29. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail in crafting his horror narratives.
30. Peele’s “Get Out” was added to the curriculum of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), for its exploration of contemporary racial issues.
31. He has expressed admiration for directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, and Steven Spielberg.
32. Peele’s films are characterized by their mix of horror, thriller, and social commentary.
33. His work has been credited with revitalizing the horror genre and bringing fresh perspectives to it.
34. Peele often uses humor to alleviate tension in his horror films, a skill he honed during his comedy career.
35. He continues to be a significant voice in modern filmmaking, known for his unique blend of entertainment and thought-provoking storytelling.

Jordan Peele stands as a creative force who seamlessly weaves together laughter and terror, while fearlessly delving into the complexities of society. From his groundbreaking comedy sketches to his reimagining of horror, Peele’s journey is one of evolution, innovation, and pushing boundaries. Through his films, he invites audiences to confront uncomfortable truths, sparking conversations about race, identity, and the human experience. With his distinct vision and unwavering commitment to storytelling, Jordan Peele has not only left an indelible mark on cinema but has also challenged the very nature of genre and narrative, inspiring us to reflect on our world long after the credits roll.