Keegan-Michael Key, one half of the iconic comedy duo Key & Peele, recently opened up about how infrequently he sees his former partner, Jordan Peele. In an interview with People published on September 21, Key, 53, expressed a sense of loss over their dwindling interactions, stating, “Which is, to me, a tragedy.” He acknowledged that as their lives have evolved, they have drifted apart.
The pair first collaborated on the groundbreaking Comedy Central sketch series Key & Peele, which debuted in 2012 and concluded in 2015. Since then, their paths have diverged significantly. Peele, now 45, has settled in Los Angeles with his wife, actress Chelsea Peretti, while Key and his wife, producer Elle, call New York City home.
Key elaborated, saying, “Our evolution is tied to our individual desires. Jordan wanted to explore the horror genre, and I was eager to delve into more dramatic roles, as I had trained in that area.” This shift led both comedians to different platforms, allowing them to pursue their distinct artistic ambitions.
The duo’s journey began on Fox’s MADtv in 2004, where they quickly made a name for themselves. Key reminisced about their early days, sharing that they lived together during that time and spent hours discussing their comedy influences. “We shared a creative language; it was true alchemy,” he recalled, highlighting their deep connection and mutual understanding.
Key & Peele achieved remarkable success, amassing two Emmy Awards, including one for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series in 2016, along with a nomination tally that reached 18 over the years. Their chemistry translated beautifully to various projects, including their notable roles in the first season of FX’s Fargo, the action-comedy Keanu, and voice roles in Toy Story 4 and Wendell & Wild.
Currently, Key is lending his voice to the animated film Transformers One, joining a star-studded cast that includes Chris Hemsworth and Scarlett Johansson. Meanwhile, Peele has made waves in the film industry with his critically acclaimed horror films, including Get Out, Us, and Nope. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Peele’s next project, set for release on October 23, 2026, is also expected to be a horror film, further solidifying his mark on the genre.
Peele’s groundbreaking film Get Out earned him the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2017, making him the first African American to achieve this honor.
As Key continues to thrive in his career, the nostalgia for the creative synergy he shared with Peele lingers, illustrating the bittersweet nature of evolving friendships in the world of entertainment.
