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NEED TO KNOW
- Comedian Craig Robinson shared a story about getting mixed up with former first lady Michelle Obama’s older brother
- The Chicago-raised stars had a case of mistaken identity due to their identical names
- Michelle Obama’s brother is married to wife Kelly
Craig Robinson has experienced a case of mixed-up identity, thanks to another famous Craig Robinson.
On Thursday, Jan. 22, The Office alum, 54, appeared on Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, where he discussed getting mistaken for former first lady Michelle Obama’s older brother, 63, who shares his same name.
“One time I was dating a girl, and she called me up crying thinking I was [the] married Craig Robinson,” the comedian recalled on the morning show, referencing Obama’s brother, who is married to wife Kelly.
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According to the actor, the mix-up came after a media outlet used his image in a story about the first lady’s brother.
“They had his name and my picture talking about his wife and kids. So yeah, that was a tricky one,” he quipped.
Co-host Jenna Bush Hager pointed out that both Robinsons also hail from Chicago, adding to the confusion.
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As a special treat, Obama’s brother sent his actor double a personal video message while on the show.
“Hi, Craig Robinson, it’s the other Craig Robinson,” he quipped as the Brooklyn Nine-Nine star grinned. “I heard people are getting us mixed up, so why don’t we make the most of it? Let’s have you host the IMO podcast with my sister, Michelle Obama, and I’ll give Broadway a try. I would love to do that. Just let me know if that works.”
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The comedian, who is currently starring in the Broadway show All Out, noted, “I would love to do something with Craig Robinson.”
Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank
As for the non-actor Robinson, the Executive Director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, also co-hosts the IMO podcast alongside his famous sister.
“Some people react like, ‘Oh, you’re doing a podcast with your brother?’ ” former President Barack Obama’s wife recalled on the premiere episode of their podcast.
“But our dynamic is so unique. I think there are plenty of siblings who have great relationships, but I think when we think back to where that came from, I think about the physical closeness that we had,” she added.



