If you want to know where Keegan-Michael Key is headed with his career, just look at what he’s doing with his style. “I’ve been trying to subtle-ize,” says the actor, 48, of his wardrobe, “to add some subtlety and maybe even a little bit of inscrutability.” The same is true professionally, with Key pulling back on the outrageous characters he’s played in more than a decade of television sketch comedy on MADtv and Key & Peele and the comic roles he’s had since, in which, he says, “I’m usually the crazy person.” In order to view the video, please allow Manage Cookies
Get the look (above): Polo Ralph Lauren Herringbone Sport Coat ($898, ralphlauren.com); N.Peal Fisherman’s Rib Cashmere Sweater ($970, npeal.com); Todd Snyder Wool Cashmere Herringbone Sutton Suit Trouser ($258, toddsnyder.com); To Boot New York Atkins Dark Brown Suede ($350, toboot.com); Paul Stuart Deerskin Gloves ($350, paulstuart.com) and Tweed Hat ($225, paulstuart.com)
Peter Yang for Men’s Journal Get the look: Unravel Project Tela Pocket Vest ($1,265, nordstrom.com); Paige Everett Shirt ($159, paige.com); Bally Wool Sweater ($495, bally.com); Mavi Marcus Corduroy ($128, mavi.com)
It’s Mark Wahlberg’s World—We’re Just Living in It
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Case in point: He’s in the midst of filming Ryan Murphy’s adaptation of the Broadway musical The Prom, in which he plays a grounded, compassionate high-school principal—who, hello, also happens to be Meryl Streep’s love interest. “I haven’t really gotten my head around that,” Key says. “That means you get to be a wide receiver for Tom Brady! You get to prove theorems with Albert Einstein!” And in January, he’ll take on his most vulnerable role yet: playing himself. He’ll host the celebrity reboot of the game show Brain Games on National Geographic, as well as another hosting job he’s not yet at liberty to share. “I’m trying to be, metaphorically, a little more naked, and the hosting gigs are part of the evolution, because it’s just me talking,” he says. “Just Keegan.”
Peter Yang for Men’s Journal Get the look: David Hart Camel Overcoat ($2,895, davidhartnyc.com); N.Peal Carnaby Half-Zip Cashmere Sweater ($430, npeal.com); Levi’s Vintage Clothing 1947 501 Jeans ($260, levi.com); Johnston & Murphy Cormac Wingtip Zip Boot ($299, johnstonmurphy.com) That Keegan is a city guy who lives in Tribeca, in New York City, with his wife, Elle, a director and producer, and prefers room service to roughing it. He’s a classically trained dramatic actor and a voracious reader, currently immersing himself in neuroplasticity, Formula One racing, and American history.
Peter Yang for Men’s Journal Get the look: Aspesi Price-of-Wales Wool Coat ($1,570, aspesi.com); Belstaff Zip Shoulder Aran Crewneck ($350, belstaff.com); Boss Pants ($398, hugoboss.com); Bruno Magli Alpino Leather Hiking Boot ($550, brunomagli.com); Timex Standard Chronograph ($109, timex.com)
Keegan-Michael Key on His All-Time Favorite Movie and Why He Loves Shinola Watches
Read article
His own history begins in Detroit, born to a white mother and a black father, then adopted by a black father and a white mother. Shy and “angst ridden” as a child, Key came out of his shell when he fell in with the theater kids in high school. After earning a master’s in fine arts, he planned to spend his career on the Shakespeare festival circuit. Instead, Key discovered comedy, stumbling onto the Second City improv group, then joining the cast of MADtv in 2004 for six seasons, then starring with Jordan Peele in their eponymous, Emmy-winning Comedy Central series, producing 298 oft-quoted cinematic sketches over five seasons. (Fans still shout to Key on the street, quoting his Mr. Garvey character—the increasingly agitated substitute teacher who mispronounces the kids’ names, calling Aaron “A-A-ron!” and Denise “Dee-nice.”)
Peter Yang for Men’s Journal The series provided a turning point for Key when he realized he kept falling back on his go-to choice for comedy—and “my go-to choice is anger,” he says. Key began exploring alternate reactions and, yes, “subtle-izing” his work. He learned he could do less physically for the same result—with a turn of the head or just a raised eyebrow—and he’s been refining his choices ever since. “The strategy is to bet on yourself,” he says. “I did it with Key & Peele, so why shouldn’t I do it again?”
Peter Yang for Men’s Journal Get the look: Triple F.A.T. Goose Berkshire Leather Jacket ($800, triplefatgoose.com)
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
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If you want to know where Keegan-Michael Key is headed with his career, just look at what he’s doing with his style. “I’ve been trying to subtle-ize,” says the actor, 48, of his wardrobe, “to add some subtlety and maybe even a little bit of inscrutability.” The same is true professionally, with Key pulling back on the outrageous characters he’s played in more than a decade of television sketch comedy on MADtv and Key & Peele and the comic roles he’s had since, in which, he says, “I’m usually the crazy person.”
In order to view the video, please allow Manage Cookies
Get the look (above): Polo Ralph Lauren Herringbone Sport Coat ($898, ralphlauren.com); N.Peal Fisherman’s Rib Cashmere Sweater ($970, npeal.com); Todd Snyder Wool Cashmere Herringbone Sutton Suit Trouser ($258, toddsnyder.com); To Boot New York Atkins Dark Brown Suede ($350, toboot.com); Paul Stuart Deerskin Gloves ($350, paulstuart.com) and Tweed Hat ($225, paulstuart.com)
Get the look: Unravel Project Tela Pocket Vest ($1,265, nordstrom.com); Paige Everett Shirt ($159, paige.com); Bally Wool Sweater ($495, bally.com); Mavi Marcus Corduroy ($128, mavi.com)
It’s Mark Wahlberg’s World—We’re Just Living in It
Read article
Case in point: He’s in the midst of filming Ryan Murphy’s adaptation of the Broadway musical The Prom, in which he plays a grounded, compassionate high-school principal—who, hello, also happens to be Meryl Streep’s love interest. “I haven’t really gotten my head around that,” Key says. “That means you get to be a wide receiver for Tom Brady! You get to prove theorems with Albert Einstein!” And in January, he’ll take on his most vulnerable role yet: playing himself. He’ll host the celebrity reboot of the game show Brain Games on National Geographic, as well as another hosting job he’s not yet at liberty to share. “I’m trying to be, metaphorically, a little more naked, and the hosting gigs are part of the evolution, because it’s just me talking,” he says. “Just Keegan.”
It’s Mark Wahlberg’s World—We’re Just Living in It
Read article
It’s Mark Wahlberg’s World—We’re Just Living in It
Get the look: David Hart Camel Overcoat ($2,895, davidhartnyc.com); N.Peal Carnaby Half-Zip Cashmere Sweater ($430, npeal.com); Levi’s Vintage Clothing 1947 501 Jeans ($260, levi.com); Johnston & Murphy Cormac Wingtip Zip Boot ($299, johnstonmurphy.com)
That Keegan is a city guy who lives in Tribeca, in New York City, with his wife, Elle, a director and producer, and prefers room service to roughing it. He’s a classically trained dramatic actor and a voracious reader, currently immersing himself in neuroplasticity, Formula One racing, and American history.
Get the look: Aspesi Price-of-Wales Wool Coat ($1,570, aspesi.com); Belstaff Zip Shoulder Aran Crewneck ($350, belstaff.com); Boss Pants ($398, hugoboss.com); Bruno Magli Alpino Leather Hiking Boot ($550, brunomagli.com); Timex Standard Chronograph ($109, timex.com)
Keegan-Michael Key on His All-Time Favorite Movie and Why He Loves Shinola Watches
Read article
His own history begins in Detroit, born to a white mother and a black father, then adopted by a black father and a white mother. Shy and “angst ridden” as a child, Key came out of his shell when he fell in with the theater kids in high school. After earning a master’s in fine arts, he planned to spend his career on the Shakespeare festival circuit. Instead, Key discovered comedy, stumbling onto the Second City improv group, then joining the cast of MADtv in 2004 for six seasons, then starring with Jordan Peele in their eponymous, Emmy-winning Comedy Central series, producing 298 oft-quoted cinematic sketches over five seasons. (Fans still shout to Key on the street, quoting his Mr. Garvey character—the increasingly agitated substitute teacher who mispronounces the kids’ names, calling Aaron “A-A-ron!” and Denise “Dee-nice.”)
Keegan-Michael Key on His All-Time Favorite Movie and Why He Loves Shinola Watches
Read article
Keegan-Michael Key on His All-Time Favorite Movie and Why He Loves Shinola Watches
The series provided a turning point for Key when he realized he kept falling back on his go-to choice for comedy—and “my go-to choice is anger,” he says. Key began exploring alternate reactions and, yes, “subtle-izing” his work. He learned he could do less physically for the same result—with a turn of the head or just a raised eyebrow—and he’s been refining his choices ever since. “The strategy is to bet on yourself,” he says. “I did it with Key & Peele, so why shouldn’t I do it again?”
Get the look: Triple F.A.T. Goose Berkshire Leather Jacket ($800, triplefatgoose.com)
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
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Show Your Support With This UA Black History Month Hoodie
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More News
Grab Some New Under Armour Releases Right Now
Celebrate With The Kansas City Chiefs Color Blocked Fleece 2.0
13 Best Men’s Colognes in 2023
The Best Walking Shoes for Traveling
Show Your Support With This UA Black History Month Hoodie
10 Best Face Washes for Black Men
All Stories
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Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
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The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
More Videos
The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
