Mike Epps (born Michael Elliot Epps; November 18, 1970, in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA) is an American stand‑up comedian, actor, producer and writer whose career spans stand‑up comedy, film and television. Epps first gained national attention as a member of the Def Comedy Jam tour in 1995, later hosting the HBO series and launching a prolific comedy career that would include numerous stand‑up specials and tours.

Epps made his film debut in Strays (1997) and soon broke out with his iconic portrayal of Day‑Day Jones in the cult comedy Next Friday (2000) and its sequel Friday After Next (2002), roles that cemented him as a memorable comedic presence in early‑2000s cinema. Over the years he appeared in a wide range of films, blending comedy and character work, including Bait (2000), How High (2001), All About the Benjamins (2002), The Hangover (2009) and The Hangover Part III (2013). Epps expanded his range with dramatic turns in Sparkle (2012) and as Richard Pryor in Nina (2016), while also lending his voice to animated features such as Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001) and Open Season 2 (2008). He headlined and produced the parody horror comedies Meet the Blacks (2016) and its sequel The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2 (2021).

On television, Epps starred in the single‑season sitcom Uncle Buck (2016) and had recurring roles on series like Survivor’s Remorse and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. Since 2021 he has been a lead cast member and producer of the hit Netflix sitcom The Upshaws, portraying Bennie Upshaw, a role that earned him critical praise and multiple award nominations, including an NAACP Image Award win for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series.

Epps is also known for his stand‑up work, having released multiple specials including Mike Epps: Don’t Take It Personal (2015), Only One Mike (2019), Indiana Mike (2022) and Ready to Sell Out (2024). In January 2026, he returned with his fifth Netflix special, Mike Epps: Delusional, blending sharp humor with personal storytelling and debuting in Netflix’s top 10. His recent film credits include the 2024 sports comedy The Underdoggs and the 2025 action comedy Trouble Man, showcasing his continued presence in both comedy and ensemble feature films.

Throughout his career, Mike Epps has remained a dynamic figure in entertainment, continually evolving his craft across stand‑up, television and film while maintaining his unique voice and connection with audiences worldwide.