Mamadi Doumbouya

The best aspect of my relationship with Jerrod Carmichael is that I never have to bite my tongue around him. When I first met him at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles over a decade ago, I went up to him the moment he got offstage and told him how talented he was. All these years later, I’m glad I’m not the only one who gets to see his greatness. His comedic style stands out because he’s cerebral and puts on these intimate sets, like audiences saw in Rothaniel, where he works to push the culture forward. It’s refreshing.

He’s the same way offstage. When we get together, we talk about things like human behavior and animals. He’s given me some of the sagest advice I’ve ever received. For that and our many years as friends, I’m forever grateful. Jerrod has the talent to become a legendary comedian, but he’s already a legend in my heart.

Haddish is an actor, comedian, and best-selling author

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