Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Jak Knight

Jak Knight (born Jakim Maulana; November 6, 1993 – July 14, 2022) was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and television writer known for his sharp wit and contributions to comedy series. Born in Seattle, Washington, Knight began performing stand-up comedy as a teenager and later relocated to Los Angeles to advance his career. He quickly gained industry recognition, being named a Comedy Central Comic to Watch in 2014 and a New Face at the Just for Laughs festival in 2015. Knight built his reputation through live performances, including opening for prominent comedians such as Dave Chappelle and Hannibal Buress, and he appeared in Netflix's anthology series The Comedy Lineup in 2018. In television, Knight made significant impacts as a writer and performer, co-creating, writing for, and starring in the Peacock comedy series (2022), which depicted the lives of casino workers in . He also served as a writer and consulting producer on Netflix's animated series from 2017 to 2021, voicing the character DeVon across multiple seasons. Additional credits include writing for ABC's (2019–2020) and as a co-executive producer and writer on HBO's Pause with Sam Jay (2021), for which he received a Writers Guild of America nomination. Knight's final project was filming a role in Chelsea Peretti's shortly before his death. Knight died by from a self-inflicted in on July 14, 2022, at the age of 28; his body was discovered in the Boyle Heights neighborhood. His passing prompted tributes from peers, highlighting his talent, kindness, and influence on the comedy community.

Early life

Knight was born Jakim Maulana on November 6, 1993, in , . He grew up in , where he began performing as a teenager. Knight later relocated to to pursue his career in comedy.

Career

Stand-up comedy

Jak Knight began performing in his hometown of as a teenager, with his initial sets occurring shortly after graduating high school in 2011. After just two local open-mic spots, he relocated to at age 18 to immerse himself in the comedy scene. In LA, Knight grinded through multiple open mics nightly—often three or four—while supporting himself with jobs at and ; one early highlight was sneaking into underage and performing after helped him gain entry. His persistence paid off with key recognitions starting in 2014, when he was named a Comic to Watch. In 2015, Knight earned a spot as a New Face at the festival in and performed on the main stage of the Oddball Comedy Festival, headlined by and . He gained wider exposure through television appearances, including sets on 's The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail (2015) and Comedy Up Late (2017), followed by a half-hour special in Netflix's The Comedy Lineup (2018). A standout independent set was his 29-minute performance titled "Dynasty," recorded live at Los Angeles's Dynasty Typewriter in 2019 and later shared on , where it amassed significant views. Knight's performance style featured sharp, observational humor delivered in a loose, relatable manner, frequently incorporating crowd interaction to heighten the intimacy of his shows. His material centered on themes like race, relationships, and urban life, often drawing from personal anecdotes about his upbringing, family dynamics, and cultural nuances in Black American experiences. As his profile grew, Knight became a regular at venues like the Irvine Improv and participated in festivals including the Seattle Comedy Festival. He also toured and collaborated with peers such as , co-hosting comedy showcases, and , curating eclectic live events in the Playlist w/ Jak Knight series that mixed stand-up with musical performances. Coming from outside the dominant LA comedy ecosystem, Knight faced hurdles like age restrictions and limited initial connections but built a national audience through viral YouTube clips and relentless live gigs, which paved the way for expanded opportunities in writing.

Writing and production

Knight began his professional writing career as a staff writer on the Fox animated series Lucas Bros. Moving Company in 2013. He was also a writer and consulting producer on Netflix's animated series Big Mouth from 2017 to 2021. He later served as executive story editor on season 6 of the ABC sitcom Black-ish (2019–2020), writing the episode "University of Dre". He also wrote for the Roku Channel's sketch comedy series Immoral Compass (2020), created by Bill Burr. These early roles established his foundation in television comedy, blending sharp wit with character-driven narratives. Knight expanded his credits as a co-executive and on Pause with , Max's late-night talk series, contributing to all 13 episodes across its 2021–2022 run, for which he received a nomination. In this capacity, he helped shape the show's unfiltered discussions on culture and society, drawing on his comedic perspective to enhance the program's improvisational style. In a significant production milestone, Knight co-created, wrote episodes for, and executive produced the Peacock comedy in 2022, a six-episode series that explored the chaotic lives of four casino workers in middle . The show incorporated autobiographical elements from his stand-up routines, focusing on absurd mishaps amid routine drudgery. He also starred as Jak in the ensemble, bridging his writing and on-screen contributions. Beyond television, Knight ventured into music collaboration by providing spoken-word vocal interludes for Aminé's 2020 album , notably the track "," which reflected on loss and cultural icons through a personal lens. Knight's scripts consistently centered experiences, infusing humor into the mundanities and tensions of daily life while highlighting ensemble interplay, as evident in Bust Down's portrayal of friends grappling with dead-end jobs and fleeting ambitions. His work often stemmed from observations of identity in underrepresented spaces, like the , where he emphasized preserving cultural authenticity amid isolation.

Acting roles

Knight began his acting career with a minor role as an iPhone cameraman in the 2014 episode "Faking a Worldstar Fight" of the LieGuys. He gained prominence in , most notably as the recurring character DeVon, a hormone monster, in the animated series from 2017 to 2022, appearing in 29 episodes. Knight also voiced Stiles in two episodes of the animated series American Dad! in 2021. In live-action, Knight achieved a breakthrough starring as Jak, a casino dealer, in the Peacock ensemble comedy in 2022, which consisted of six episodes. He made a guest appearance as William in the 2022 episode "Your Past, Your Present" of HBO Max's That Damn Michael Che. Posthumously, Knight appeared in the 2023 short film , playing the roles of Simon and Buck. Knight's acting style drew from his stand-up comedy background, infusing roles with sharp timing and authentic portrayals of Black millennial experiences, as seen in his contributions to Bust Down and Big Mouth, where he also served as a writer.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Knight maintained a high degree of privacy regarding his family background, with limited public information available about his parents or siblings despite his Seattle roots. His family requested privacy following his death, reflecting a consistent approach to shielding personal details from public scrutiny. Knight had no confirmed marriages or children, and he largely kept his romantic life out of the spotlight, though he occasionally touched on dating experiences through humorous stand-up routines without revealing specifics. In a 2020 , he alluded to being , mentioning responsibilities like paying for his girlfriend, but provided no further details. He formed close professional and personal friendships within the world, notably with , with whom he collaborated on the HBO Max series Pause with Sam Jay and co-starred as real-life friends in the Peacock Bust Down. Knight also shared a longstanding bond with musician , whom he met at a comedy show in ; the two discussed their shared Pacific Northwest upbringing in a 2020 , highlighting mutual experiences from their youth. From the mid-2010s onward, Knight resided in , immersing himself in the local comedy scene while maintaining a low-key with minimal activity focused on personal matters. He emphasized his professional identity in interviews, avoiding disclosures about to prioritize his .

Death

Jak Knight was found dead on July 14, 2022, on an embankment in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of , , at the age of 28. He was pronounced dead at the scene in the 3400 block of Atlantic Street at 8:33 p.m. local time, having suffered a self-inflicted to the head, with a discovered nearby. On July 19, 2022, the County Medical Examiner-Coroner officially ruled Knight's death a , with no evidence of foul play suspected in the investigation. This determination came amid Knight's rising prominence in comedy, following the March 2022 premiere of the Peacock series , which he co-created, co-wrote, and starred in. Knight's family, through a representative, confirmed his shortly after its discovery and issued a statement requesting privacy during their time of grief. "Knight's loved ones ask that their privacy please be respected during this extremely difficult time," the statement read. Additionally, collaborators from described him as a "brilliant comedic talent and a kind, generous soul," expressing devastation over the loss.

Legacy

Tributes and impact

Following Jak Knight's death, numerous peers in the comedy world expressed profound grief and admiration for his talent and character. , a co-star on , tweeted, "Rest In Peace Jak Knight. Hilarious comedian and a great guy. I can't believe it," highlighting Knight's comedic prowess and personal warmth. shared a brief but heartfelt message on X, stating, "RIP Jak Knight Praying for his friends." Comedian described him as "a brilliant stand-up comic and dope person," emphasizing his skill and likability in a Twitter post. , a close friend and fellow comedian, issued a statement via his representative saying, "Man this is a tough one," reflecting the personal devastation of the loss. Industry figures also paid tribute, underscoring Knight's contributions to collaborative projects. The official Big Mouth account posted, "Remembering our friend Jak Knight (1993-2022)," acknowledging his role as a and voice on the series. For Bust Down on Peacock, co-creator and star expressed, "Crushed by the passing of Jak Knight... He was funny, smart, and kind. This hurts," praising his talent and kindness while noting their years of writing together. Knight's work was recognized for elevating voices in through his writing and performances that centered authentic experiences, particularly in , a series he co-created featuring an all- ensemble exploring life in . He inspired up-and-coming comedians by sharing stages at festivals and offering writing guidance, as noted by peers who recalled his supportive presence in the scene. His obituaries in major outlets cemented this legacy: described him as a "fast-rising talent" whose voice work on brought wide attention to his sharp humor. highlighted his co-creation of as a key achievement in his burgeoning career. The echoed this, portraying him as a multifaceted comedian and writer whose potential was cut short at 28. Knight's cultural significance lies in his contributions to diverse representation during a time of growing emphasis on inclusive in ; his roles in the animated and live-action amplified nuanced Black perspectives in both formats.

Posthumous works

Following Jak Knight's death in July 2022, his only confirmed posthumous on-screen appearance came in the comedy film , written and directed by . Knight portrayed the character Simon in the story about a novice director navigating a chaotic theater production, having completed filming shortly before his passing. The film premiered at the in June 2023 and was released for streaming on on March 8, 2024. The HBO Max animated series , for which Knight provided the voice of the character across multiple seasons, continued airing new episodes posthumously using his pre-recorded lines, with Season 6 debuting in November 2022. However, no new voice work from Knight was added to subsequent seasons. Knight's contributions to music endure as part of rapper Aminé's 2020 album , where he delivered spoken interludes and additional vocals on tracks including "," "Woodlawn," and "Baby 4 U." These segments, often reflective and comedic, highlight Knight's Northwest roots and personal insights, remaining accessible on streaming platforms as a key example of his audio work. Archival compilations of Knight's stand-up routines, such as the 2020 assortment "(Some of) The Best of Jak Knight" featuring bits on relationships and cultural observations, gained renewed viewership in the months after his death amid fan tributes. Similarly, clips from his 2018 appearance in The Comedy Lineup and appearances on shows like This Is Stand-Up saw increased online engagement as audiences revisited his sharp, observational humor. The Peacock series , co-created and starring Knight, had received a season 2 renewal announcement in February 2022 prior to his death, but the project stalled thereafter, with no episodes produced or released and no confirmed posthumous contributions from Knight as of November 2025. No major new stand-up specials or original projects have been announced posthumously, though existing material continues to be highlighted by his estate and collaborators to preserve his comedic voice.

References

  1. [1]
    Jak Knight(1993-2022) - IMDb
    Jak Knight was born on 6 November 1993 in Seattle, Washington, USA. He was a writer and actor, known for Bust Down (2022), Big Mouth (2017) and Pause with ...
  2. [2]
    Jak Knight, Stand-Up Comedian and 'Bust Down' Star, Dies at 28
    Jul 15, 2022 · Jak Knight, the co-creator of 'Bust Down' and producer and actor for 'Pause With Sam Jay,' has died. He was 28.
  3. [3]
    Jak Knight, known for Netflix series 'Big Mouth' and who grew up in ...
    Jul 16, 2022 · Jak Knight, a stand-up comedian, writer and actor who first attracted wide attention as a voice actor and writer on animated Netflix series “Big Mouth,” died ...
  4. [4]
    Jak Knight's Cause of Death Confirmed by LA Medical Examiner
    Jul 19, 2022 · Jak Knight, best known for voicing the character of DeVon in the Netflix animated series “Big Mouth,” died by suicide, according to the Los ...
  5. [5]
    R.I.P. Jak Knight (1993-2022) - The Comic's Comic
    Jul 16, 2022 · But he left Seattle as soon as he could. “I graduated from high school. I did two spots. And then I moved to L.A.”. Not necessarily for a life ...Missing: debut career
  6. [6]
    Jak Knight at Irvine Improv
    ### Summary of Jak Knight's Bio
  7. [7]
    Jak Knight, Stand-Up Comedian, Writer and Actor, Dies at 28
    Jul 15, 2022 · Originally from Seattle, the L.A.-based Knight recently wrapped filming Chelsea Peretti's feature directorial debut, First Time Female Director.Missing: early | Show results with:early
  8. [8]
    Jak Knight Always Cleared the Bar
    Jul 19, 2022 · A few minutes into the 29-minute stand-up video he recorded at Los Angeles's Dynasty Typewriter in 2019, stand-up Jak Knight interrupts the ...
  9. [9]
    langston kerman - The Comedy Bureau
    It's hosted by the fun duo of Langston Kerman and Jak Knight and for their inaugural evening, they've got a tasty, pun intended, line-up of Quinta Brunson, ...
  10. [10]
    Playlist w/ Jak Knight - ‎Apple TV
    Stand-up comedian Jak Knight assembles an eclectic lineup of comics and musicians for a distinctive and fresh taste of the Los Angeles nightlife.Missing: debut early gigs recognitions style themes tours festivals
  11. [11]
    https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2022-07-19/jak-knight-cause-of-death-suicide
  12. [12]
    Jak Knight Dead At 28: Comedian, 'Big Mouth,' 'Black-Ish,' 'Bust Down'
    Jul 15, 2022 · Actor and comedian Jak Knight, who voiced DeVon on Netflix's Big Mouth, wrote for black-ish and co-created Peacock's Bust Down, ...
  13. [13]
    Jak Knight, Star of Bust Down, Passes Away at 28 - EBONY Magazine
    Jul 18, 2022 · The Los Angeles-based comedian began his career as a writer on the 2013 Fox animated series Lucas Bros. Moving Company. He wrote for Bill ...
  14. [14]
    Jak Knight Dies: Stand-Up Comic From Peacock's 'Bust Down' Was 28
    Jul 15, 2022 · A co-executive producer on Pause with Sam Jay for HBO, Knight had recently wrapped filming Chelsea Peretti's feature directorial debut, First ...
  15. [15]
    Aminé - Limbo Lyrics and Tracklist - Genius
    Aug 7, 2020 · Pasqué. Written by Aminé & Pasqué. “Kobe” is the sole interlude on Limbo. It features a brief monologue from Jak Knight, who speaks on how he ...
  16. [16]
    “Perfectly Open-Ended for Absurdity” Chris Redd, Sam Jay ...
    Mar 23, 2022 · “There's so much black shit out that now we can be niche,” said Jak. “I can't believe I'm saying that, but it's awesome to have an absurd black ...
  17. [17]
    Aminé and Jak Knight On Growing Up Black in the Northwest
    Aug 14, 2020 · Aminé linked up with his longtime friend, the writer and comedian Jak Knight, to discuss the trials and tribulations of growing up Black in the Pacific ...Missing: themes | Show results with:themes
  18. [18]
    "LieGuys" Faking a Worldstar Fight (TV Episode 2014) - IMDb
    Ben along with friends Aristotle Georgeson, Rahat Hossain, Neel Nanda, and Jak Knight stage an elaborate fight scenario real life to see if onlookers will ...
  19. [19]
    "That Damn Michael Che" Your Past, Your Present (TV Episode 2022)
    Rating 7.7/10 (48) Michael Che in That Damn Michael Che (2021). Comedy. Che learns surprising facts about his ancestry. Kwame and Devon take inspiration from a Black History ...
  20. [20]
    First Time Female Director (2023) - IMDb
    Rating 4.5/10 (481) Follows a newly minted female director in a local theater in Glendale, California, struggling to fill the shoes of her male predecessor.
  21. [21]
    'Bust Down' offers a comedic take on daily life for mediocre millennials
    Mar 10, 2022 · Peacock's newest comedy series, “Bust Down.” Stars Sam Jay, Langston Kerman, Jak Knight and Chris Redd don't agree on much besides what makes the show “genius.”Missing: review | Show results with:review
  22. [22]
    Peacock's 'Bust Down': TV Review - The Hollywood Reporter
    Mar 9, 2022 · The comedy stars Sam Jay, Chris Redd, Jak Knight and Langston Kerman as four friends working dead-end jobs at a casino in Gary, Indiana.Missing: themes | Show results with:themes
  23. [23]
    Stand-up comedian Jak Knight dead at 28 - Los Angeles Times
    Jul 16, 2022 · Stand-up comedian Jak Knight, who starred in the Netflix animated series “Big Mouth,” has died, his family confirmed to media outlets. He was 28.
  24. [24]
    'Bust Down': Casino crew deals raunchy humor on some heavy topics
    Mar 9, 2022 · Created by and starring real-life friends Chris Redd, Langston Kerman, Sam Jay and Jak Knight, “Bust Down” doesn't spend a whole lot of time in ...
  25. [25]
    Comedian Jak Knight dead at 28, tributes flood social media
    Jul 16, 2022 · Knight hailed from Seattle, but for the past decade he called Los Angeles home as he worked the comedy circuit. The actor is recognized by ...Missing: background relationships
  26. [26]
    Jak Knight interview - British Comedy Guide
    Sep 12, 2018 · An interview with American stand-up Jak Knight, who is coming over to the UK for the first time to perform a run of gigs in London.
  27. [27]
    Death of 28-year-old comedian Jak Knight ruled a suicide
    Jul 19, 2022 · The death of 'Big Mouth' and 'Bust Down' star Jak Knight last week has been ruled a suicide.
  28. [28]
    Comedian Jak Knight's Cause of Death Revealed - People.com
    Jul 18, 2022 · The 28-year-old's cause of death has been ruled a suicide by the coroner. Jak Knight, Black-ish and Big Mouth Writer, Dead ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  29. [29]
    Jak Knight Cause of Death Revealed - The Hollywood Reporter
    Jul 19, 2022 · Jak Knight's cause of death has been ruled a suicide, according to a report from the Los Angeles medical examiner/coroner.
  30. [30]
    https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/07/comedian-jak-knights-death-has-been-ruled-a-suicide
  31. [31]
    https://twitter.com/kumailn/status/1548100642031280129
  32. [32]
    Chance The Rapper on X
    Jul 16, 2022 · Post by Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) on X (formerly Twitter) ... RIP Jak Knight Praying for his friends. 13. 75. 1143. 0.Missing: tribute | Show results with:tribute
  33. [33]
    Big Mouth Writer Jak Knight Dead at 28 as Fellow Comedians Mourn
    Jul 17, 2022 · Jak Knight, a writer, comedian and actor known for his work on Black-ish and Big Mouth, has died. He was 28.Missing: biography - | Show results with:biography -
  34. [34]
    Comedian Jak Knight's Cause of Death Revealed - Yahoo
    Jul 19, 2022 · In the wake of his passing, his fellow comedians mourned his loss. "Man this is a tough one," said Pete Davidson in a statement posted by his ...
  35. [35]
    Remembering our friend Jak Knight (1993-2022) - Instagram
    Nov 6, 2022 · 54K likes, 509 comments - bigmouthnetflix on November 6, 2022: "Remembering our friend Jak Knight (1993-2022)".
  36. [36]
    Jak Knight Death at 28 Mourned by Hollywood Insiders: "Painful Loss"
    Jul 15, 2022 · Jak Knight is such a loss. So talented never a dull moment hanging out with him. The comedy world, his friends and family lost a really good one ...<|separator|>
  37. [37]
    Jak Knight honored by fellow comedians: 'He was a veteran comic ...
    Jul 16, 2022 · Jak Knight's peers and fans are honoring him on Twitter following the heartbreaking news shared on Friday, July 15 that the 28-year-old comedian died this week.
  38. [38]
    Jak Knight, Known for the Netflix Series 'Big Mouth,' Dies at 28
    Jul 16, 2022 · Jak Knight, a stand-up comedian, writer and actor who first ... Knight grew up in Seattle and began doing stand-up comedy as a teenager.Missing: debut career<|separator|>
  39. [39]
    Theater Comes Alive in the First Time Female Director Trailer - Vulture
    Feb 7, 2024 · First Time Female Director, from first time female director Chelsea Peretti, is finally coming out. Picked up by the Roku Channel at the 2023 ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  40. [40]
    Limbo Album Review - Aminé - Pitchfork
    Aug 11, 2020 · On “Kobe,” Aminé's friend, comedian Jak Knight, speaks of Bryant as a benchmark, his death a symbolic end of innocence. To Aminé, the ...Missing: contributions | Show results with:contributions
  41. [41]
    (Some of) The Best of Jak Knight - YouTube
    Aug 8, 2020 · Comments · JAK KNIGHT DYNASTY STAND UP (2019) · Playlist w/ Jak Knight (feat. · Matthew Broussard | Hyperbolic (Full Comedy Special) · Marriage ...Missing: debut early recognitions style themes tours festivals