Milton "Lil Rel" Howery Jr. is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and host, born December 17, 1979. He grew up on the West Side of Chicago and attended Providence St.
Mel School from fifth to ninth grade, then transferred to Crane High School. He decided to pursue comedy professionally after writing jokes and a script for a senior talent show at Crane. His nickname "Lil Rel" originated in high school, where he reminded people of his older cousin Darrel while playing basketball.