Keegan-Michael Key Maintains Friendship with Jordan Peele Despite Sparseness
Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, known for their work on the sketch comedy series "Key & Peele," share a close bond, despite not seeing each other often. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Key discussed the nature of their friendship and how they have navigated their busy careers.
Key, 53, acknowledged that while his and Peele's paths have diverged, they still cherish their time together. "Whenever we have an opportunity to see each other, we do," he explained. When his travels lead him to Los Angeles, he often reaches out to Peele first. "I land, and I go, 'Hey buddy, we're in town,' and often we get to have dinner," Key shared.
He described their friendship as one where they easily reconnect. "It's like a good friend's relationship where you pick up where you left off," he added. Looking ahead, Key expressed excitement about reuniting with Peele in 2025.
Key and Peele, 45, first collaborated in the mid-2000s on Fox’s "MADtv." They then created their acclaimed sketch series, which aired from 2012 to 2015. Throughout their careers, the duo have appeared together in various projects. They produced and starred in the 2016 comedy film "Keanu" and acted together in FX's "Fargo." They also voiced paired characters in "Toy Story 4" and "Wendell & Wild," released in 2022.
However, as Key noted in a September 2024 conversation with PEOPLE, personal and professional commitments have limited their ability to see each other recently. "Your lives start to evolve and move in different directions," he commented. Their evolving interests reflect their individual growth; Key prefers dramatic roles, while Peele has explored the horror genre.
Currently, Key is focused on various projects, collaborating with Jim Beam for their "7 Stages of Defeat" care package. Meanwhile, Peele is in the process of directing his fourth film. Both artists are invested in their own creative journeys while maintaining a strong friendship that happily bridges their varied pursuits.
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