Mike Epps is an American stand-up comedian, actor, producer, writer, and rapper who has a net worth of $5 million as of 2021. He is best known for his roles in films such as “Next Friday”, “All About the Benjamins”, “The Hangover”, and “Sparkle”. He is also the voice of Boog in the “Open Season” franchise and Sid the Sloth in the “Ice Age” series.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Epps was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on November 18, 1970, to Mary Reed and Tommy Epps. He has eight siblings. He developed an interest in comedy at a young age and started performing stand-up as a teenager. He was also involved in gangs and drugs and was arrested several times. He dropped out of high school and served 18 months in jail, which made him focus on his comedy career.
Epps moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he worked at the Comedy Act Theater. He then moved to Brooklyn, New York, where he joined the Def Comedy Jam tour in 1995. He also appeared in two HBO Def Comedy Jam broadcasts, which helped him gain wider recognition. His first film role was in Vin Diesel’s directorial debut, “Strays” (1997). He then auditioned for the role of Day-Day Jones in “Next Friday” (1999), after Ice Cube saw his stand-up performance and invited him to try out. He got the part and became a co-star of Ice Cube in the sequel to the hit comedy “Friday” (1995).
Film and Television Success
Epps continued to work with Ice Cube in films such as “All About the Benjamins” (2002) and “Friday After Next” (2002). He also appeared in other films such as “How High” (2001), “Bait” (2000), “Dr. Dolittle 2” (2001), “The Honeymooners” (2005), “Talk to Me” (2007), and “Hancock” (2008). He won the Gotham Award for Best Ensemble Cast for his role as Milo Hughes in “Talk to Me”
Epps also became a prominent voice actor in animated films and shows. He voiced Sonny the Bear in “Dr. Dolittle 2” and Boog the Bear in the “Open Season” franchise. He also voiced Sid the Sloth in the fourth installment of the “Ice Age” series, “Ice Age: Continental Drift” (2012). He also voiced characters in shows such as “Family Guy”, “Rick and Morty”, and “Robot Chicken”
Epps also created and starred in several one-man shows on Broadway and Netflix, such as “Mike Epps: Underrated & Never Faded” (2009), “Mike Epps: Under Rated… Never Faded & X-Rated” (2010), “Mike Epps Presents: Live from Club Nokia” (2011), and “Mike Epps: Don’t Take It Personal” (2015).
Epps also produced, wrote, and hosted various projects for television. He produced shows such as “That’s Racist with Mike Epps” (2015), “Unsuccessful Thug” (2018), and “The Upshaws” (2021). He wrote episodes for shows such as “The Boondocks” (2005-2014) and “Survivor’s Remorse” (2014-2017). He hosted shows such as “BET Hip Hop Awards” (2009-2010) and “Social Awards 2018”.
Epps also played more dramatic roles in films such as “Sparkle” (2012), where he played Satin Struthers, a drug kingpin who abuses Jordin Sparks’ character; “Repentance” (2013), where he played Ben Carter, a therapist who is kidnapped by a troubled client; and “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” (2019), where he played Bobby, a street preacher who befriends the protagonist
Epps is currently starring as Raymond “Red” Reddington, a former government agent turned criminal mastermind who helps the FBI catch other criminals, in the NBC crime thriller series “The Blacklist”. The show has been a ratings hit and has received positive reviews from critics. Epps has been nominated for two Golden Globe Awards and three Screen Actors Guild Awards for his role
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Epps has been married twice and has five children. His first marriage was to Mechelle McCain, an actress and producer, in 2006. They have two daughters, Mariah and Maddie. They divorced in 2017. His second marriage was to Kyra Robinson, a television producer, in 2019. They have a son, Indiana. Bria and Makayla, two daughters from prior relationships, are also the property of Epps.
Epps is involved in several charitable causes and organizations. He supports the David Lynch Foundation, which promotes transcendental meditation for stress relief and wellness. He also supports the Alzheimer’s Association, which raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research and care. He has taken part in activities including Red Nose Day, Comic Relief USA, Stand Up to Cancer, and Night of Too Many Stars.
FAQs
How much does Mike Epps make per year?
Epps makes an average of $2 million per year from his various projects.
What is Mike Epps’ height?
Epps is 6 feet 1 inch (1.87 meters) tall.
What is Mike Epps’ nationality?
Epps is an American citizen. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana.
