Does Jerrod Carmichael Have a Wife? A Look inside the Comedian's Love Life

Acclaimed comedian Jerrod Carmichael protected his personal life until after he publicly came out as a gay man. The revelation came after years of keeping his sexuality a secret. Though his dad accepted it, it caused his once-tight relationship with his mom to unravel.

Jerrod Carmichael carved a noteworthy path through the entertainment industry, becoming well-known as an award-winning comedian, actor, writer, and producer with several credits and a Primetime Emmy under his belt. Recently, he hosted the 80th Golden Globes Awards ceremony.

The North Carolina native took his first breath in Winston-Salem on April 1978. Though he has divulged a few details about his family life, there isn't much known about Carmichael's love life or former flames. Still, he has slipped a few hints about same-sex relations during his comedic specials.

Jerrod Carmichael Came Out as Gay in His Revelatory Comedy Special

The HBO special in question, titled "Rothaniel," was released last year in April. The revelation about his sexuality came after Carmichael had referenced being involved with men as part of his comedic material in previous HBO films.

As he reflected on the emotional turmoil of keeping his sexuality a secret, Carmichael said he thought he'd never come out. He was afraid his loved ones' perception of him would change. However, his change of heart came after his dad's infidelity was revealed to the family. The actor felt like a "liar," as he explained:

"I was left alone feeling like a liar, because I had a secret. One that I kept from my father, my mother, my family, my friends, and you. Professionally, personally. And the secret is that I'm gay."

Initially, Carmichael thought he was bisexual as his writing partner, Arin Fletcher, said he went from talking about how he liked both men and women to explicit stories about sexual encounters with men. Eventually, he told her that he was gay and how important it was to him that he said it.

Though coming out brought some mixed reactions from his family, Carmichael gained a sense of balance and progression. He was still coming to terms with being openly gay when he said he no longer felt like a liar. Carmichael had come to a place where he was more honest and direct about who he was.

Jerrod Carmichael's Coming Out Complicated His Relationship with His Mom

Before he came out, his bond with her was strong. Unfortunately, it became strained after he revealed his sexual identity. During his appearance on "Howard Stern" shortly after "Rothaniel" came out, he opened up about the state of their relationship, saying:

"Me and my mom have a God-sized wall between us. You know, that's the impossible thing to navigate."

Despite the subtle rejection from his mom – much like Sally Field toward her son – a lifelong devout Christian choosing not to acknowledge that her son was gay, Carmichael empathized with her.

He acknowledged that she had to rely on her faith through challenging times in her life, but when it came to reconciling it with having a gay child, she was "lost." Still, it was hurtful, as Carmicheal reflected:

"I want to work with her but talking to her and not acknowledging that part of myself causes a reverberating effect of self-hate that I can't afford right now. So, I added distance."

Carmichael made that statement after his dad had encouraged him to talk to his mother to try and find some common ground. And while he still loved her, Carmichael didn't want to be around her and have to suppress a part of himself. Coming out brought him the happiness and freedom he didn't want to compromise.

Jerrod Carmichael Hinted He Had a White Boyfriend in His Comedy Special

At the time of publication, Carmichael appeared to be single and hadn't been spotted with a potential partner. Much like Hailee Steinfeld or Kyler Murray, he has kept his love life private. Though he hinted at previously dating a white man during "Rothaniel," it's unclear if he spoke of an actual former flame or if it was only part of his comedic set.