Deon Cole

Deon Anthony Cole, born on January 9, 1972, is a renowned American comedian, actor and screenwriter. He gained recognition for his role in the sitcom Black-ish from 2014 to 2022, a performance that has earned him nominations for two NAACP Image Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. On June 25, 2020, Cole became the second panelist to win the prestigious Doris Award on the ABC's version of To Tell the Truth. He also stars in the television series 'Average Joe'. Deon Cole's talent extends to late-night talk shows; he has received two Primetime Emmy Awards nominations for co-writing The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien and Conan. Additionally, he was nominated for three Writers Guild of America Awards for 'Conan'.

Born and raised in Roseland, Chicago, Cole received his education at Thornridge High School and later earned an acting degree from Philander Smith College. His career in comedy took off when a friend bet him $50 that he would not perform on a stage one night in Chicago - this very first performance set the base for his successful path in the entertainment industry. His comedy credentials further include a television ad campaign for Old Spice body wash, alongside actress/comedian Gabrielle Dennis. As of now, Cole enjoys a recurring role on the ABC sitcom Black-ish as 'Charlie Telphy'. He has created his own production company, Coled Blooded, to produce the sketch comedy show 'Deon Cole's Black Box'. Cole's stand-up special, Deon Cole: Cole Hearted, was released on Netflix in October 2019.