Sam Jay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sam Jay
|
|
|---|---|
| Born |
Samaria Johnson
January 13, 1982 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
|
| Occupation | Comedian, writer |
| Years active | 2012–present |
| Spouse(s) | Yanise Monet |
Samaria Johnson (born January 13, 1982), known as Sam Jay, is an American comedian and writer. She is famous for writing on Saturday Night Live (from 2017 to 2020). She also has a Netflix comedy special called 3 in the Morning (2020). Sam Jay co-created and co-stars in the HBO comedy series Pause with Sam Jay (2021–2022). She also co-created and co-stars in the Peacock comedy series Bust Down (2022).
Contents
Early Life of Sam Jay
Samaria Johnson was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 13, 1982. She grew up in the Dorchester area of Boston. She started studying communications in college. However, she left college because she was not interested in the subject.
Sam Jay's Comedy Career
Before becoming a comedian, Sam Jay worked in an office. She also managed music artists for several years. In 2012, when she was 29, she performed her first stand-up comedy show.
Writing for Saturday Night Live
In 2017, Sam Jay joined the writing team for Saturday Night Live. This was a big step for her career. She became the first Black lesbian writer in the show's history. She was also the second Black lesbian person to work on the show. The first was performer Danitra Vance, who joined 32 years earlier. Sam Jay helped write the popular "Black Jeopardy" comedy sketch.
Stand-Up Specials and TV Shows
In 2018, Sam Jay performed stand-up comedy on Netflix's The Comedy Lineup. She also had a half-hour stand-up special for Comedy Central Stand-Up Presents. Her first stand-up comedy album was Donna's Daughter (2018). It was only available as audio.
Her first Netflix stand-up comedy special was 3 in the Morning (2020). It was filmed in Atlanta and was very popular. Sam Jay has also appeared on other TV shows. These include Flatbush Misdemeanors (2021–2022) and Take My Wife (2016–2018). She has performed stand-up on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and at the 2017 Just for Laughs Comedy Festival.
Creating Her Own Shows
In September 2020, HBO announced a new comedy show. Sam Jay co-wrote and starred in this show. She worked with producer Prentice Penny to create the series. It was named PAUSE with Sam Jay. The first season started in May 2021. HBO renewed the show for a second season two months later.
Another comedy series, Bust Down, premiered in March 2022. Sam Jay co-created and co-stars in this show on Peacock. In 2024, Sam Jay was one of the comedians who roasted Tom Brady on a Netflix special.
Sam Jay's Comedy Style
People describe Sam Jay's comedy style as very aware and observant. She often talks about things she sees in the world. Her jokes make people think and laugh at the same time.
Comedy Albums
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Donna's Daughter | Comedy Central Records |
| 2020 | 3 in the Morning | Netflix |
Filmography
Film
- 2023: You People
Television
- 2016: Take My Wife (TV series)
- 2017: Comedy Central Presents (TV series)
- 2017–2020: Saturday Night Live (TV series) – writer
- 2018: The Comedy Lineup (TV series) – executive producer, writer
- 2019: Broad City (TV series) – Doorwoman
- 2020: Shrill (TV series) – Fran's Friend
- 2021: Pause with Sam Jay (TV series) – executive producer, writer
- 2021: Flatbush Misdemeanors (TV series) – Georgia
- 2022: Bust Down (TV series) – Sam, also co-creator, executive producer
- 2024: The Roast of Tom Brady (TV special) - herself
Awards and Nominations
- 2018: Emmys, Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series for Saturday Night Live (nominated)
- 2019: Emmys, Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series for Saturday Night Live (nominated)
- 2020: Writers Guild of America, Best Comedy/Variety – Sketch Series for Saturday Night Live (nominated)
See also
In Spanish: Sam Jay para niños
