History of Keegan-Michael Key in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 27, 2024

Keegan-Michael Key is a multi-talented American entertainer known for his work as an actor, comedian, producer, and screenwriter. He gained significant recognition for co-creating and starring in the acclaimed sketch comedy series "Key & Peele" with Jordan Peele, earning them a Primetime Emmy Award. Key's comedic prowess is evident in his appearances on "Mad TV," "Playing House," and "Friends from College." He has also showcased his versatility in recurring roles on "Fargo" and "Parks and Recreation" and starring roles in the musical comedy "Schmigadoon!" and the series "Reboot."

March 22, 1971: Keegan-Michael Key's Birth

On March 22, 1971, Keegan-Michael Key, an acclaimed American actor, comedian, producer, and screenwriter, was born.

1993: Keegan-Michael Key Earns Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree

In 1993, Keegan-Michael Key graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater.

1996: Keegan-Michael Key Obtains Master of Fine Arts Degree

Keegan-Michael Key received his Master of Fine Arts degree in theater from Pennsylvania State University in 1996.

1998: Marriage to Cynthia Blaise

Keegan-Michael Key married actress and dialect coach Cynthia Blaise in 1998.

2004: Keegan-Michael Key Joins the Cast of Mad TV

In 2004, Keegan-Michael Key became a cast member on the sketch comedy show 'Mad TV', marking a significant point in his career.

2005: Beginning of "The Planet's Funniest Animals" Hosting

Keegan-Michael Key began hosting Animal Planet's 'The Planet's Funniest Animals' in 2005.

2008: End of "The Planet's Funniest Animals" Hosting

Keegan-Michael Key's time hosting 'The Planet's Funniest Animals' on Animal Planet came to an end in 2008.

2009: Hosting "Big Saturday Night"

Keegan-Michael Key served as the host for GSN's 'Big Saturday Night' in 2009.

July 24, 2010: Appearance on "Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me..."

Keegan-Michael Key participated as a panelist on the NPR comedy quiz show "Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me..." on July 24, 2010.

2012: Premiere of Key & Peele

In 2012, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele debuted their collaborative sketch series, 'Key & Peele', on Comedy Central.

2013: Featured in The New York Times Magazine

Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele were prominently featured in The New York Times Magazine on March 31, 2013, with a cover and full-page photos for the article "Is Giving the Secret to Getting Ahead?"

2014: Debut of "Playing House" and Role in "Fargo"

In 2014, Keegan-Michael Key co-starred in the USA Network comedy series 'Playing House'. That same year, he appeared alongside Jordan Peele in a recurring role as an FBI agent in the FX crime drama 'Fargo'.

November 2015: Separation from Cynthia Blaise

Keegan-Michael Key and his wife, actress and dialect coach Cynthia Blaise, legally separated in November 2015.

2015: End of Key & Peele and White House Correspondents' Dinner Appearance

Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele concluded their sketch series 'Key & Peele' after five seasons. That same year, Key appeared at the White House Correspondents' Dinner as Luther, President Barack Obama's 'Anger Translator', a popular character from their show.

2016: Release of "Keanu"

Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele both produced and starred in the action-comedy film 'Keanu', which was released in 2016.

2017: Divorce from Cynthia Blaise

In 2017, Keegan-Michael Key's divorce from Cynthia Blaise was finalized.

2017: Broadway Debut in "Meteor Shower"

Keegan-Michael Key made his Broadway debut in the Steve Martin comedy 'Meteor Shower' in 2017.

June 8, 2018: Marriage to Elisa Pugliese

Keegan-Michael Key married producer and director Elisa "Elle" Pugliese in New York City on June 8, 2018.

2020: Hosting "Game On!"

Keegan-Michael Key served as the host of the television show 'Game On!' in 2020.

2021: Premiere of "Schmigadoon!" and Hosting "Saturday Night Live"

Keegan-Michael Key starred in the musical comedy series 'Schmigadoon!', which premiered in 2021. He also achieved a milestone by becoming the first 'MADtv' cast member to host 'Saturday Night Live' on May 15, 2021.