Keegan-Michael Key emerged as one of the most versatile and recognizable comedic talents of his generation, achieving widespread fame through his incisive sketch comedy work and expanding into a prolific career across film, television, and theater. His creative partnership with Jordan Peele on the groundbreaking series Key & Peele cemented his status as a master of character and social satire, leading to numerous accolades and a diverse portfolio of roles that showcase his impressive range.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Key was raised by his mother, Carrie Herr, a social worker. His early interest in performance led him to the University of Detroit Mercy, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and later to Pennsylvania State University for a Master of Fine Arts in theater. His professional break came in 2004 when he joined the cast of the Fox sketch series MADtv, where he spent five seasons honing his craft and where he first worked extensively with future partner Jordan Peele. This collaboration proved foundational, blossoming into the creation of their own Comedy Central show.

Key & Peele, which aired from 2012 to 2015, became a cultural phenomenon. The show's clever, character-driven sketches, such as the emotionally volatile "Luther, Obama's Anger Translator" and the football player name commentaries, earned critical acclaim and a devoted audience. Key received ten Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his work on the series, winning one. The "Luther" character gained particular notoriety when Key performed it live alongside President Barack Obama at the 2015 White House Correspondents' Dinner. Following the show's conclusion, Key and Jordan Peele co-produced and starred in the feature film Keanu.

Key seamlessly transitioned into a busy career in both comedy and drama. He displayed his dramatic chops in the first season of Fargo and showed his comedic timing in recurring roles on Parks and Recreation and Playing House. He has become a sought-after voice actor, contributing to animated hits like The Lego Movie, the Hotel Transylvania franchise, Toy Story 4, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and Disney's live-action The Lion King. On Broadway, he made his debut in Steve Martin's Meteor Shower in 2017. His film work continued with notable parts in Dolemite Is My Name, The Prom, and Wonka. On television, he starred in the musical satire Schmigadoon! and the sitcom Reboot. Key married film producer Elisa Pugliese in 2018, after his previous marriage to dialect coach Cynthia Blaise ended in 2017.