subscribe to newsletter

MIKE EPPS is generating an extraordinary amount of buzz among his peers for being not only one of the funniest comic actors in town, but also for his burgeoning dramatic talent.

He recently produced and starred in The Upshaws as working-class mechanic ‘Bennie’, a show that unexpectedly shot to #1 on Netflix at debut and wrapped as the third longest run for a Netflix original multi-cam comedy. He won a 2024 NAACP Image Award for his role. 

He released his Netflix comedy special MIKE EPPS: INDIANA MIKE in March 2022, in addition to three other Netflix specials: DEF COMEDY JAM 25, MIKE EPPS: ONLY ONE MIKE, and MIKE EPPS: DON'T TAKE IT PERSONAL. His fifth Netflix special, MIKE EPPS: DELUSIONAL, has ranked number 1 on the platform, and his special MIKE EPPS: READY TO SELL OUT ranked 3rd among the Top 10 Stand-Up Comedy Specials of 2024, following only Tom Brady's roast and Kevin Hart. He has signed two more specials with the streaming platform for future release.

 He recently starred in the critically acclaimed movie, On The Come Up! directed by and starring Sanaa Lathan for Paramount Pictures. He also recently appeared on HBO’s Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. 

He has started production on a new renovation show with his wife, Kyra, where they ‘Buy the Block Back’ on HGTV. He executive produced Hulu's Good American Family, a show he developed that stars and is executive produced by Ellen Pompeo, starred in starred in Prime Video's absurdist dark comedy series I'm a Virgo, and in the action comedy Trouble Man!.

In spring 2018 Harper Collins published Epps’s autobiography called Unsuccessful Thug, written by Mike about his life and childhood; growing up in poverty and how comedy saved his life.      He was recently seen in Amazon feature “Troup Zero” starring opposite Viola Davis, Allison Janney, and Jim Gaffigan; and in the A24 film “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” which both premiered  at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.   In his fifth stand up special “Just One Mike” premiered on Netflixs in June  and he was  seen opposite Eddie Murphy in the comedy “Dolemite is my Name.”  

Mike was seen in the HBO-Emmy Winning biopic “Bessie_” _based on Bessie Smith, played by Queen Latifah.  The film chronicles how Smith overcame her tempestuous personal life to become one of the most acclaimed performing and recording artists of the 1920s and ’30s, earning the nickname Empress of the Blues.  Mike plays Richard Morgan, a bootlegger and romantic interest to Bessie Smith.  The film also won a Critics Choice Award for “best mini- series/ movie” as well as a Primetime Emmy for “Television Movie or Limited Series.” Mike was seen in three seasons of the Starz series “Survivor’s Remorse” produced LeBron James and Mike O’Malley which he won a  2016 NAACP Image award for “Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series” for his portrayal as Uncle Julius. He also starred in sitcom Uncle Buck as 'Buck.'

In 2011, he was awarded an NAACP Image Award for “Best Supporting Actor” for his role in the Sony Pictures film, “Jumping the Broom." He continued to receive critical praise for his dramatic turn in 2012 with "Sparkle," opposite Whitney Houston and Jordan Sparks.  In 2016 he further pursued his dramatic side with two important roles: starring opposite Forest Whitaker and Anthony Mackie in the Lionsgate thriller, "Repentance," being released through Lionsgate/Codeblack Entertainment., followed by the independent Nina Simone biopic, “Nina,” starring Zoe Saldana.  In “Nina,” he plays the legendary Richard Pryor, who opened for the singer in the early 60’s.

He has recently entered the tech space with the first interactive game ‘button’ made by Amazon for the Alexa called “Sounds Fun with Mike Epps”    The amazon button features Mike making hilarious sound effects with his voice. The sound effects included in “Sounds Fun” will range from the obvious to the absurd, such as a “lawn mower” or “helicopter” to “Donald Trump getting a haircut.”** ** Every day a new and different sound will be released, making each game a unique experience for the players. Epps will also serve as the game’s judge, providing a comedic mix of friendly encouragement and snarky banter.

In 2015 his “Mike Epps; Don’t Take it Personal” was seen on Netflixs.  In 2009, Mike headlined his hugely successful stand-up special, “Mike Epps: Underrated and Never Faded,” and in 2011 introduced the world to new comedic talent with, “Mike Epps Presents…,” both which aired on Showtime.  He also released his first comedy rap album called “Funny Bidness: Da Album.”  The album featured Snoop Dogg, Kid Rock, and Slim Thug to name a few.  That year also marked the release of his comedy DVD “Funny Bidness.” With his undying love for hip-hop, Mike hosted the BET Hip-Hop Awards from 2009-2012.

Since 2000, Epps steadily climbed his way up the stand-up comedy ranks when he was recognized by a national audience in 1995 for appearing on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam (which, years later,  he would go on to host).  During a performance at LA’s Comedy Store, Epps caught the attention of Ice Cube.  This led to the first of three feature films they would do together: the cult hits “Next Friday,” "Friday after Next," and “All About the Benjamins.” With the fourth film of the Friday series, currently in development.

Other features include the Hangover franchise, “Girls Trip” “Faster,” “Hancock,”  “Lottery Ticket,” “Next Day Air,” “Roll Bounce,” “The Fighting Temptations”, the Resident Evil franchise, “Bait”, “How High,” “Dr.Dolittle 2”, "Talk to Me", and "Guess Who?" . He also recently appeared in Sony film "Madame Web," MGM Snoop Dogg sports comedy "The Underdoggs," and Netflix comedy "You People," directed by Kenya Barris.         
           
Epps has been seen in over 40 cities and 3 continents live doing standup, and has garnered over 11 million followers across social media platforms.

He resides in Indianapolis with his wife and children.