Biography
Jay Reid is an award-winning American comedian, actor, and author who has built a dynamic career entertaining audiences across television, film, live tours, and the Las Vegas Strip. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Reid first honed his craft performing stand-up in local clubs before breaking onto the national stage with his television debut on BET's Coming to the Stage. He gained widespread recognition after winning hit television competition show Who's Got Jokes, which catapulted him into the spotlight and led to his first televised comedy special, L.M.A.O., on the TV One network. His sharp wit, relatable humor, and charismatic stage presence quickly made him a favorite among audiences nationwide. Over the years, Jay has shared stages and toured with some of comedy's most respected names, including Bill Bellamy, Ali Siddiq, Luenell, and Steve Byrne. He also appeared in Showtime's highly anticipated Ladies Night Out Comedy Special produced by Larenz Tate, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and crowd-pleasing performer. On the acting front, Reid made his film debut in the 2008 box-office hit 21, starring Kevin Spacey, proving his ability to move seamlessly between comedy and dramatic roles. In addition to his television and film appearances, Jay spent over five years as a featured performer on major cruise lines such as Carnival, Princess, and Royal Caribbean, entertaining international audiences with his signature style of storytelling and comedy. He continues to grow his reach with streaming specials, including That Don't Go Together on Dry Bar Comedy+, and appearances on OFTV. Beyond the stage and screen, Reid is also a successful producer and entrepreneur. He is the creator and host of Comedy & Cocktails, a premier live comedy experience on the Las Vegas Strip. For over five years, the weekly show has brought together world-class comedians, handcrafted cocktails, and unforgettable entertainment inside the renowned Jimmy Kimmel Comedy Club. In 2024, Jay added "author" to his long list of accomplishments with the release of his best- selling book Laughter Is the Best Medicine: How Stand-Up Comedy Saved My Life. The book chronicles his journey, highlighting how comedy not only became his career but also a source of resilience and personal transformation. With three comedy specials, national television credits, and an ever-growing presence as both a live performer and creative producer, Jay Reid continues to prove why he is one of the most versatile and respected voices in comedy today.
