When Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele first crossed paths, Key described it as an exhilarating moment in his life. The dynamic duo, known as Key & Peele, first began their journey together on Fox’s MADtv in 2004 before launching their own sketch comedy series from 2012 to 2015.
Key, 53, reminisces about the time they spent living together, writing, and discussing comedy. Their shared background at Chicago’s Second City helped them develop a creative language that translated into comedic gold on camera. Key describes their on-screen chemistry as alchemy, a magical combination that left them wondering why it worked so well.
Despite the success of Key & Peele and the various projects they worked on together, such as the action-comedy film Keanu and appearances in Fargo and Toy Story 4, Key reveals that they don’t see each other as often anymore, which he considers a tragedy.
Their lives have taken them in different directions, with Peele focusing on exploring the horror genre while Key delves into more dramatic roles. Their evolution post-Key & Peele success has led them to new platforms that align with their desires and aspirations.
Reflecting on their time together on Key & Peele, Key notes the evolution of their comedic styles, with him transitioning from playing the clown to more serious roles, allowing Peele to shine in comedic parts. The sketch series allowed them to experiment and improvise, leading to the creation of strange and weird sketches that added to their creative evolution.
For fans interested in seeing Key’s latest project, they can catch him in the animated prequel Transformers One, where he voices the character B-127, also known as Bumblebee. The film, featuring other notable voices like Chris Hemsworth and Scarlett Johansson, is currently in theaters.
As Key and Peele continue on their individual paths, their shared history and creative bond serve as the foundation for their ongoing friendship and professional respect. Though they may not collaborate as frequently as before, their impact on the comedy world remains enduring and significant.