stand-up comedian, actress, dancer, internet sensation, author, upcoming in Eddie Murphy Prime Video movie Candy Cane Lane
Anjelah Johnson-Reyes was born and raised in San Jose, California where she grew up with four siblings in a large extended family to which she remains close. She embarked upon her career as a professional cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders at the age of 20 and performed at Super Bowl XXXVII where she was named the “Rookie of the Year.” After one year with the team, she decided to move to Hollywood to pursue acting. She began her stand-up career after taking a class on a whim at a local church and realized that she loved it. Just a few months later, Anjelah found herself an internet sensation and pioneer in viral YouTube videos when her notorious “Nail Salon” bit from a local comedy show was posted and received over 100 million views! Shortly thereafter she was added to the cast on the original MADtv where she trademarked her legendary character, Bon Qui Qui. Similar to the nail salon video, the Bon Qui Qui sketch caught on and have been viewed by over 75 million people.
The multi-hyphenate’s popularity has translated into four successful comedy specials: That’s How We Do It” (Comedy Central), The Homecoming Show (NUVO TV), Not Fancy (Netflix) and Mahalo & Good Night (Epix). She has displayed her acting prowess both on TV and film. Some of her credits include “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Superstore,” “Moms’ Night Out,” and “Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.”
2022 will be a busy year for Anjelah with her first book being published, Who Do I Think I Am: Stories of Chola Wishes and Caviar Dreams (Worthy Books/March 15), a hilarious and touching memoir full of memorable anecdotes on how a Latina dynamo was able to forge ahead and become successful. In addition, she will continue her sold out Who Do I Think I Am comedy tour across the U.S. encompassing over 75 cities across North America. She was front and center competing on Fox’s dance competition show, The Real Dirty Dancing, that debuted in spring 2022. She also did a set as part of the Jane & Lily Live gala as part of the Netflix is a Joke Fest.
Anjelah and her husband, musician Manwell Reyes, live in Los Angeles with their dog, Banzo.