Pharoah has been performing stand-up comedy in community theaters and at comedy clubs in Virginia since he was 15. He at one point toured with Corey Holcomb and Charlie Murphy. He became known for his many celebrity impressions, including Barack Obama, Will Smith, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Eddie Murphy, Charlie Murphy, and Denzel Washington.
Pharoah became an Internet phenomenon when his impersonation of Barack Obama became widely seen on YouTube.
In 2010, Pharoah was hired by Saturday Night Live as a featured player for the show’s 36th season. He is currently the youngest member of the cast. He debuted on Saturday Night Live on September 25, 2010 and is regarded by Rob Moynihan of TV Guide as the "breakout player" for that season.
