Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mike Epps

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 6, 2025

How Mike Epps built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Mike Epps is a well-known American stand-up comedian and actor. He gained prominence for his role as Day-Day Jones in the *Friday* film series (*Next Friday* and *Friday After Next*) and his appearance in *The Hangover* franchise as "Black Doug." Epps also voiced Boog in *Open Season 2*. His filmography includes roles in *Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins*, playing Roscoe's cousin Reggie, and Lloyd Jefferson "L.J." Wayne in *Resident Evil: Apocalypse* and *Resident Evil: Extinction*. More recently, he has starred in sitcoms such as *Uncle Buck* and *The Upshaws*.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1994: Starred in Def Comedy Jam

In 1994, Mike Epps moved to Brooklyn to star in Def Comedy Jam.

1995: Joined Def Comedy Jam Tour

In 1995, Mike Epps began his professional career by joining the Def Comedy Jam tour and starred in two of HBO's Def Comedy Jam broadcasts.

1997: First On-Screen Appearance

In 1997, Mike Epps made his first on-screen appearance in Vin Diesel's second directorial film, Strays.

1999: Cast in Next Friday

In 1999, Mike Epps was cast as Ice Cube's co-star in the sequel, Next Friday.

2001: Voice role in Dr. Dolittle 2 and starred in How High

In 2001, Mike Epps had a voice role in Dr. Dolittle 2 and had a featured role in How High.

2002: Reunited with Ice Cube in All About the Benjamins

In 2002, Mike Epps reunited with Ice Cube in All About the Benjamins and Friday After Next.

2003: Appeared in "Gangsta Nation" music video

In 2003, Mike Epps made a cameo appearance in the "Gangsta Nation" music video by Westside Connection.

2004: Starred in Resident Evil: Apocalypse

In 2004, Mike Epps played Lloyd Jefferson "L.J." Wayne in Resident Evil: Apocalypse.

2006: Signed Philthyphil to Naptown Records

In 2006, Mike Epps signed local artist Philthyphil to his Naptown Records.

2007: Appeared in "A Bay Bay" music video

In 2007, Mike Epps made a cameo appearance in the "A Bay Bay" music video by Hurricane Chris.

2007: Acted in Resident Evil: Extinction

In 2007, Mike Epps played Lloyd Jefferson "L.J." Wayne in the film Resident Evil: Extinction.

2007: Record deal terminated after murder charge

In 2007, Mike Epps's record deal with Philthyphil was terminated after he was charged with first-degree murder.

2008: Hosted G Unit's mixtape and created "Big Girls"

In 2008, Mike Epps hosted G Unit's mixtape Elephant In The Sand and created a song called "Big Girls".

2008: Voiced Boog in Open Season 2

In 2008, Mike Epps voiced Boog in Open Season 2 and starred in Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins.

April 19, 2009: Featured in French Montana's Mac Wit Da Cheese mixtape

On April 19, 2009, Mike Epps was featured in French Montana's Mac Wit Da Cheese mixtape.

October 27, 2009: Released Funny Bidness: Da Album

On October 27, 2009, Mike Epps released his album, Funny Bidness: Da Album.

2009: Acted in The Hangover

In 2009, Mike Epps played "Black Doug" in The Hangover.

2010: Released Under Rated & Never Faded and Hosted BET Hip Hop Awards

In 2010, Mike Epps released a stand-up comedy special, Under Rated & Never Faded, and hosted the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards.

2012: Super Bowl Ambassador

In 2012, Mike Epps served as the "Super Bowl ambassador" in his native Indianapolis.

2012: Starred in Sparkle

In 2012, Mike Epps starred alongside Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston in the remake of Sparkle.

2013: Appeared in The Hangover Part III

In 2013, Mike Epps played "Black Doug" in The Hangover Part III.

2014: Landed Role of Richard Pryor in Biopic

In 2014, Mike Epps landed the role of Richard Pryor in a planned biopic, which has remained in development.

2016: Portrayed Richard Pryor in Nina Simone Biopic and Winning Time

In 2016, Mike Epps portrayed Richard Pryor in the Nina Simone biopic Nina and in an episode of Winning Time.

2016: Starred in Meet the Blacks and Uncle Buck

In 2016, Mike Epps starred in the comedy horror film Meet the Blacks and the sitcom Uncle Buck.

2017: Appeared in "No Effort" and "Bank Account" music videos

In 2017, Mike Epps made cameo appearances in the "No Effort" music video by Tee Grizzley and "Bank Account" by 21 Savage.

2021: Starred in The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2 and The Upshaws

In 2021, Mike Epps starred in The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2 and became a main cast member on The Upshaws.

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