Keegan-Michael Key, recognized for his comedic brilliance in shows such as ‘Mad TV’ and ‘Key & Peele,’ is no stranger to the world of Hollywood. Off-screen, Key leads a joy-filled life with his wife, Elisa Pugliese, now known as Elisa Key.
Who Is Elisa Key?
Elisa Key, born Elisa Pugliese, is an accomplished woman in the entertainment industry. She’s not just a wife to a famous comedian but also an actress, producer, and director. Hailing from The Bronx, New York, Elisa has made contributions to films like ‘School of Rock,’ ‘Boy Meets Girl,’ and ‘Fair Game.’
She also has worked behind the scenes in Hollywood, especially as a producer. She has directed and produced ‘The History of Sketch Comedy,’ an award-winning podcast on Audible that was co-written with her husband, Keegan-Michael. Elisa’s work often involves collaborations with her husband, such as on TV shows like ‘Brain Games‘ and ‘Game On!‘
The Love Story of Keegan-Michael and Elisa
The couple first made their relationship public in January 2017. In the months that followed, they became a familiar sight at red-carpet events, appearing together at the BAFTA Tea Party, the Tony Awards, and the Emmys, among others.
By November of the same year, they took their relationship to the next level. Keegan-Michael Key shared the happy news of their engagement on Twitter, expressing his joy and commitment to his future wife. The following year, in 2018, Key and Pugliese decided to make it official.
They celebrated their love in a small, intimate ceremony at their New York apartment. But the celebration didn’t stop there. On the day following the wedding, they threw a massive party that, in Key’s own words, was like ‘the best prom night ever.’
It’s worth noting that this is not the first marriage for Keegan-Michael Key. The comedian was previously married to Cynthia Blaise, an actor, director, and dialect coach. Their marriage lasted from 1998 until their divorce in 2017.
Elisa’s Personal Life
Elisa is an avid NFL fan. However, she and Keegan-Michael are fans of different NFL teams: she supports the New York Giants, while he supports the Detroit Lions. Her husband trusts Elisa’s fashion sense, so she often helps Keegan-Michael pick out his outfits.
The couple both share a love for comedy, which is a foundation for their relationship. They have a playful, supportive dynamic, often joking together in public interactions. Elisa is supportive of her husband’s career — she often shares Keegan-Michael’s accomplishments on social media platforms like Instagram.
As of now, it appears that Key and Pugliese do not have any children. They haven’t made public statements about plans to expand their family in the future.
In March 2023, the couple turned their ‘The History of Sketch Comedy’ podcast into a book.