Jharrel Jerome
Known For
Acting, ActorKnown Credits
2Birthday
09-10-1997Place of Birth
The Bronx, New York, USAAlso Known As
JJharrel Jerome
Acting
Debut Movie
Born on October 9, 1997, in the Bronx, New York, Jharrel Jerome is of Dominican descent and grew up in a culturally vibrant community. He attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts before enrolling at Ithaca College. Jerome made his film debut in the Oscar-winning Moonlight (2016), where his portrayal of teenage Kevin garnered widespread recognition and praise.
Personal Life
Jharrel Jerome was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. Encouraged by his mother, he pursued acting from a young age and enrolled at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, a renowned institution for arts education. His professional debut came in the film Moonlight (2016), where he played teenage Kevin, a pivotal character in the story. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, introducing Jerome to a global audience.
Trivia
Despite his rapid rise to fame, Jerome remains grounded and closely connected to his roots. He credits his mother for her unwavering support and often speaks about the importance of authentic representation in the media. In 2019, he was recognized as one of Time magazine’s “Next Generation Leaders.” Jerome is also musically inclined, frequently blending his artistic talents to express himself.
Awards
Jharrel Jerome made history by becoming the youngest actor to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, thanks to his role in When They See Us. His performance was celebrated for its raw emotional intensity and realism. He was also part of the ensemble cast in Moonlight, which received several accolades, including the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Acting Ensemble.
Upcoming Movie
Jerome continues to expand his horizons with exciting new projects. One of his highly anticipated roles is in Night Swim (2025), a supernatural thriller centered around a haunted backyard swimming pool. Fans eagerly await this next chapter in his career, which promises more powerful and nuanced performances.
Jharrel Jerome is not just an actor but a storyteller who seeks to shed light on overlooked narratives, solidifying his legacy as an artist who blends talent with purpose.
| Activism and Advocacy: | Jharrel is a strong advocate for racial and social justice, using his platform to raise awareness about systemic issues and inequality, especially within the entertainment industry. |
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| Rising Star in Hollywood: | Despite his young age, he has quickly become one of the most respected actors of his generation, known for taking on roles that break stereotypes and challenge traditional portrayals of young Black men. |
| Close Relationship with His Family: | Jharrel is very family-oriented and often shares how his upbringing in the Bronx and his supportive family have shaped his career and personal life. |
| Musical Aspirations: | Alongside acting, Jerome is also passionate about music, particularly rap, and has expressed a desire to explore this art form further as part of his career. |
| Inspiring Young Actors: | As one of the youngest Emmy winners, Jerome serves as an inspiration to young actors, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, showing that talent and hard work can lead to major recognition in Hollywood. |