Sam Jay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sam Jay
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Sam Jay in 2025
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Samaria Johnson
January 13, 1982 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
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| Occupation | Comedian, writer |
| Years active | 2012–present |
| Spouse(s) | Yanise Monet |
Samaria Johnson (born January 13, 1982), known professionally as Sam Jay, is an American comedian and writer. She is famous for her work as a writer on the popular TV show Saturday Night Live (SNL). She also created and starred in her own comedy shows, Pause with Sam Jay and Bust Down. Her Netflix comedy special, 3 in the Morning, was a big hit.
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Early Life and Starting Out
Sam Jay was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 13, 1982. She grew up in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. As a young adult, she started studying communications in college but decided it wasn't the right path for her.
For many years, Jay worked in an office and as a music manager. She discovered her passion for comedy later than some. In 2012, at the age of 29, she performed her first stand-up comedy routine and began her new career.
Comedy and Television Career
Writing for Saturday Night Live
In 2017, Jay's career took a huge leap when she joined the writing team for Saturday Night Live. This was a major achievement, and she became an important voice on the show.
One of her famous works was co-writing a "Black Jeopardy" sketch. This popular sketch featured the actor Chadwick Boseman as his character T'Challa from the movie Black Panther.
Stand-Up Specials and Shows
Jay is known for her funny and honest stand-up comedy. In 2018, she released her first comedy album, Donna's Daughter. That same year, she had her own half-hour special on Comedy Central Stand-Up Presents.
In 2020, her first full-length Netflix special, 3 in the Morning, was released. It was filmed in her hometown of Atlanta and received great reviews from critics.
Creating Her Own TV Series
After her success on SNL, Jay began creating her own television shows. She worked with producer Prentice Penny to make the HBO series PAUSE with Sam Jay, which first aired in 2021.
She also co-created and co-starred in the comedy series Bust Down. The show premiered on the Peacock streaming service in 2022. In 2024, she was one of the comedians featured on The Roast of Tom Brady on Netflix.
Comedy Style
Sam Jay's comedy is often described as observational. This means she makes funny points about everyday life and the world around her. She is also known for being self-aware, which means she often includes jokes about herself and her own experiences.
Notable Works
Comedy Albums
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Donna's Daughter | Comedy Central Records |
| 2020 | 3 in the Morning | Netflix |
| 2023 | Salute me or Shoot me | HBO |
Selected Film and Television
- 2017–2020: Saturday Night Live – Served as a writer for the famous sketch comedy show.
- 2018: The Comedy Lineup – Starred in an episode of this Netflix stand-up series.
- 2020: 3 in the Morning – Her first hour-long stand-up special for Netflix.
- 2021–2022: Pause with Sam Jay – Co-created and starred in this HBO talk and sketch show.
- 2022: Bust Down – Co-created and starred in this comedy series for Peacock.
- 2023: You People – Appeared in this comedy movie.
- 2024: The Roast of Tom Brady – Performed as a roaster on the popular Netflix special.
Awards and Nominations
Jay's writing has been recognized with several major award nominations.
- 2018: Nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series for Saturday Night Live.
- 2019: Nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series for Saturday Night Live.
- 2020: Nominated for a Writers Guild of America Award for Best Comedy/Variety Sketch Series for Saturday Night Live.
See also
In Spanish: Sam Jay para niños
