Back in 2020 when activism across the globe had seemingly reached an unprecedented height, the Hulu comedy Woke was released. Woke follows the very real story of cartoonist Keith Knight, who is named Keef Knight (Lamorne Morris) in the series. An up-and-coming and on-the-rise illustrator, Keef keeps his work light and comedic, unable to understand why as, a black man, the work he puts out always comes with political connotations.
After being racially profiled and physically harassed by the police, Keef finds his world turned upside down. He begins to hallucinate inanimate objects speaking to him as he begins his journey through life with a new and fresh "woke" perspective. Upon its release, the series proved a hit and was even renewed for a second season. Whilst the series has many strong aspects, the cast is an undeniable standout as they deliver the meaningful messages of the show with grace and comedy. So let’s take a look at the stars behind this socially relevant comedy show.
7 Lamorne Morris As Keef Knight
Coming up first we have the series’ leading man and star Lamorne Morris. Prior to his incredible performance in Woke, Morris was perhaps best known for his role as Winston Bishop in Elizabeth Meriwether’s critically acclaimed comedy New Girl. Other memorable roles of Morris’ include Sean in the Netflix film Desperados where he starred alongside fellow New Girl alum Nasim Pedrad, and Kevin in John Francis Daley’s 2018 film, Game Night. In Woke, Morris portrays the character Keef Knight, based on his real-life counterpart cartoonist Keith Knight. During an interview with Complex, Morris opened up about how the important and heavy-hitting thematics behind the series worked alongside its comedic genre and how he felt that this could influence other creatives.
Morris stated, “We can talk about relevant issues and make it light, make it funny, and make it still, in certain moments, hard-hitting and thought-provoking, where it's not too preachy.” He lated added, “But there are moments that we can lay a heavy hand on it from time to time and then pull your foot off the gas a little bit to let people breathe and go, ‘All right.’ This is definitely something that we should think about. And hopefully, it gives those creatives out there that motivation to make it.”
6 Blake Anderson As Gunther
Coming up next we have another big name in the comedy world with Voltron: Legendary Defender star Blake Anderson. The 38-year-old actor rose to fame due to his involvement in the 2006 sketch comedy troupe Mail Order Comedy, alongside his best buddies and actors Anders Holm, Adam Devine, and Kyle Newacheck. Since then, Anderson, along with his dynamic comedy group, has gone on to create and star in the hit Comedy Central series, Workaholics, which was loosely based on their real lives and ran for a total of 7 seasons before its cancellation in 2017. In Woke, Anderson portrays the character of Gunther, one of Keef’s best friends.
5 Rose McIver As Adrienne
Up next, we have 33-year-old New Zealand native Rose McIver. Prior to her role in Woke, McIver was perhaps best recognized for her leading role in the CW supernatural comedy, iZombie where she portrayed the leading character of Olivia “Liv” Moore. In Woke, McIver portrays the role of Adrienne, one of Keef’s complicated love interests.
4 Sasheer Zamata As Ayana
Coming in next we have another of Keef’s more serious influences in the show with Sasheer Zamata as Ayana. Prior to her starring role in the political comedy series, Zamata was perhaps best known for her involvement as a cast member on Saturday Night Live for 4 seasons from 2014 to 2017. Outside this, fans may recognize the Okinawa-born actress through her role as Jessie Adams in the 2020 Netflix thriller, Spree. Not only a talented actress and comedian, Zamata was also named a celebrity ambassador for the American Civil Rights Union in 2015, through which she continues to work with the Women’s Rights Project.
3 T. Murph As Clovis
Up next, we have T. Murph. Prior to Woke, the comedian operated mainly in stand-up and televised comedy, however in 2012 he acquired his first-ever on-screen acting role as the Lead Barber in the 10th episode of hit comedy series Key & Peele’s second season. Despite his limited acting roles, T. Murph has shown his abilities and skills in the craft through his role as Clovis, another of Keef’s best friends, in Woke.
2 J.B Smoove As Marker
Coming in next we have yet another comedy legend, Curb Your Enthusiasm star J.B Smoove. Smoove’s career kick-started way back in 1995 when he appeared on Def Comedy Jam. Since then, Smoove has made a name for himself in both the comedy industry, working on Saturday Night Live for several years, and the acting industry, appearing in several television shows and even huge blockbuster films such as Spider-Man: Far From Home. In Woke, Smoove voices the character of Marker, a sharpie that Keef goes to for advice when he begins his whacky hallucinations.
1 Marquita Goings As Hype
And finally, we have 26-year-old Marquita Goings. Not only has Goings been a part of several television shows and films such as Cooking Up Christmas, but she is also a professionally trained stunt woman. Her stunt work includes an array of films such as the huge 2016 blockbuster Allegiant. Goings is set to join the second season of Woke as the character of Hype.
According to Deadline, Goings' character is, “A friend of Ayana (Sasheer Zamata) and new love interest for Clovis (T. Murph). Hype knows what she wants and is confident in her views, but is open to new experiences and points of view.”
