Michael B. Jordan | |
|---|---|
 Jordan in 2025 | |
| Born | Michael Bakari Jordan (1987-02-09)February 9, 1987 (age 39) Santa Ana, California, U.S. |
| Education | Newark Arts High School |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1999–present |
| Awards | Full list |
Michael Bakari Jordan[1] (/bɑːˈkɑːri/bah-KAR-ee; born February 9, 1987)[2] is an American actor, producer, and director.His accolades include aProducers Guild Award and anActor Award, in addition to nominations for anAcademy Award, aGolden Globe Award and twoEmmy Awards. Jordan was named one of the100 most influential people in the world byTime in 2020 and 2023,[3][4]People'sSexiest Man Alive in 2020,[5] andThe New York Times ranked him 15th on its list of the 25 greatest actors of the 21st century.[6]
Jordan initially broke out in television, playingWallace in the first season of theHBO crime drama seriesThe Wire (2002). He starred in theABC soap operaAll My Children (2003–2006) and theNBC sports drama seriesFriday Night Lights (2009–2011). He later starred in and produced theHBO television filmFahrenheit 451 (2018), for which he was nominated for thePrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie.
Jordan's film breakthrough came asOscar Grant inRyan Coogler's biopicFruitvale Station (2013), for which his performance received critical praise. He earned further acclaim for his performances in Coogler's subsequent films, includingCreed (2015),Black Panther (2018), andSinners (2025); the latter earned him a nomination for theAcademy Award for Best Actor.[7][8][9][10] Jordan reprised his role ofDonnie Creed inCreed II (2018) andCreed III (2023), the latter of which also marked his directorial debut. His other films includeChronicle (2012),That Awkward Moment (2014),Fantastic Four (2015), andJust Mercy (2019).
Aside from filmmaking, Jordan is also a co-owner ofPremier League clubAFC Bournemouth.[11]
Michael Bakari Jordan was born on February 9, 1987 inSanta Ana, inOrange County, California,[12] to Donna and Michael A. Jordan. He has an older sister and a younger brother.[13] His family lived in Santa Ana for two years before moving toNewark, New Jersey, where Jordan grew up.[12][14] He attendedNewark Arts High School, where his mother worked as a teacher, and where he also played basketball.[13][15]
Jordan worked as a child model for several companies and brands, includingModell's Sporting Goods andToys "R" Us, before deciding to embark on a career as an actor.[16][17] He launched his career as a professional actor in 1999, when he appeared briefly in single episodes of the television seriesCosby andThe Sopranos.[14] His first principal film role followed in 2001, when he was featured inHardball, which starredKeanu Reeves. In 2002, he gained more attention by playing the small but pivotal role ofWallace in the first season of HBO'sThe Wire.
In March 2003, he joined the cast ofAll My Children, replacingChadwick Boseman, playing Reggie Montgomery, a troubled teenager, until June 2006, when Jordan was released from his contract.[18] Jordan's other credits include guest-starring appearances onCSI: Crime Scene Investigation,[19]Without a Trace, andCold Case. Thereafter, he had a lead role in the independent filmBlackout and starred inThe Assistants onThe-N. In 2008, Jordan appeared in the music video "Did You Wrong" byrhythm and blues artistPleasure P.
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In 2009, Jordan began starring in theNBC dramaFriday Night Lights as quarterback Vince Howard, and lived in an apartment inAustin, where the show was filmed.[20] He played the character for two seasons until the show ended in 2011.[21] In 2009, he guest-starred onBurn Notice in the episode "Hot Spot", playing a high-school football player who got into a fight and is being hunted by a local gangster. In 2010, he was considered one of the 55 faces of the future byNylon in its "Young Hollywood' issue.[22][23]
In 2010, he guest-starred in theLaw & Order: Criminal Intent episode "Inhumane Society", as a boxer involved in aMichael Vick-inspireddog-fighting scandal. That year, he landed a recurring role on the NBC showParenthood playing Alex (Haddie Braverman's love interest).[24] This marked his second collaboration withshowrunnerJason Katims, who was in charge ofFriday Night Lights.BuddyTV ranked him number 80 on its list of "TV's Sexiest Men of 2011".[25] Jordan voiced Jace in theXbox 360 gameGears of War 3.[26] In 2012, Jordan appeared in theGeorge Lucas-produced filmRed Tails,[27] and played lead character Steve Montgomery inChronicle, a film about three teenaged boys who develop superhuman abilities.[28] He also guest-starred in an episode ofHouse's final season, playing a blind patient.[29]
In 2013, Jordan starred as shooting victimOscar Grant inFruitvale Station, directed byRyan Coogler. His performance garnered critical acclaim, withTodd McCarthy ofThe Hollywood Reporter stating that Jordan reminded him of "a youngDenzel Washington".[30] Following his role inFruitvale Station, Jordan was named an "actor to watch" byPeople andVariety.[31][32]Time magazine named him, with Coogler, one of 30 people under 30 who are changing the world, and he was also named one of 2013's breakout stars byEntertainment Weekly andGQ.[33][34][35]
In 2015, he starred asJohnny Storm, the Human Torch, inFantastic Four.[36][37][38] The film was universally panned by critics, holding a 9% approval rating onRotten Tomatoes, and was a bust at the box office.[39] However, later in 2015, Jordan rebounded with critical acclaim when he starred asDonnie Creed, the son of boxerApollo Creed, in the spinoff of theRocky film,Creed, his second collaboration with Coogler, which co-starredSylvester Stallone.[40] Jordan prepared for his role as a boxer inCreed by undertaking one year of rigorous physical training and a stringent, low-fat diet.[41] He did not have a body double during filming, and was "routinely bloodied, bruised, and dizzy" when fighting scenes were being filmed.[41]
In 2016, Jordan featured in the popular sports gameNBA 2K17, portraying Justice Young, a teammate of the player in the game's MyCareer mode. In October 2017, Jordan was announced as being cast in a supporting role as Mark Warren in the upcomingNetflix superhero seriesRaising Dion.[42] In February 2018, Jordan starred as the villainErik Killmonger in theMarvel Cinematic Universe filmBlack Panther; this marked Jordan's third collaboration with Coogler.[43] His performance inBlack Panther received critical acclaim, with Dani Di Placido ofForbes stating that Jordan "steals the show", while Jason Guerrasio ofBusiness Insider wrote that the actor "plays a Killmonger fueled with hate and emptiness – we won't give away why – but he also delivers it with a swagger that's just a joy to watch ... the movie takes off more in story and viewing enjoyment whenever Jordan is on screen."[8][9] In an interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, Jordan shared how his preparation for the role of Killmonger left an impact on him, for which he sought out therapy.[44]
Later in 2018, Jordan starred inFahrenheit 451 withMichael Shannon andSofia Boutella. The television film was distributed onHBO byHBO Films.[45] That same year, Jordan reprised his role as boxer Adonis "Donnie" Creed inCreed II, a sequel toCreed (2015) and the eighth installment in theRocky film series.Creed II was released in the United States byMetro-Goldwyn-Mayer on November 21, 2018. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, and it went on to debut to $35.3 million in its opening weekend (a five-day total of $55.8 million), marking the biggest debut ever for a live-action release over Thanksgiving.[46][47]
He also voiced the character Julian Chase inRooster Teeth's animated seriesGen:Lock, since January 2019, which he also co-produced through his production company, Outlier Society Productions.[48] Jordan portrayed attorneyBryan Stevenson in a legal drama,Just Mercy, which he also co-produced. The film, based on a real-life story, was released in December 2019 to positive reviews.[49][50] Jordan starred inWithout Remorse, based on thebook byTom Clancy, asJohn Kelly, a former Navy SEAL and director of the elite counterterrorism unit Rainbow Six. Originally planned for release on September 18, 2020, it was released on April 30, 2021, due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[51]
Jordan reprised his Marvel role as Erik "Killmonger" Stevens in two episodes of the first season ofWhat If...? (2021), and inBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022),[52][53] and made a cameo appearance inSpace Jam: A New Legacy (2021). He also starred inA Journal for Jordan (2021), directed byDenzel Washington, as a soldier who "kept a journal full of poignant life lessons for their newborn son, Jordan, while deployed overseas."[54] Jordan made hisdirectorial debut withCreed III, a sequel toCreed II, in addition to producing and reprising his starring role as boxer Adonis "Donnie" Creed. It was released on March 3, 2023.[11] He next reteamed with Coogler in the period horror filmSinners (2025), playing twin brothers in adual role performance. He received anAcademy Award nomination for his performance.[55]
Jordan is slated to work with Coogler for the fifth time inWrong Answer, a film based on theAtlanta Public Schools cheating scandal.[41] He is also set to direct, produce, and star in a second remake ofThe Thomas Crown Affair,[56][57] as well as starring in the vampire filmBlood Brothers.[58] His production company Outlier Society signed a first-look deal with Amazon,[59] and is also developingVal-Zod, anHBO Max series featuring a black version of theDC Comics characterSuperman.[60] As of March 2022[update], Jordan was to produce and star in the sequel ofI Am Legend withWill Smith.[61]
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Jordan has resided in Los Angeles since 2006.[62] He grew up in a religious household and considers himself to be spiritual.[63] As of 2018[update], he lived with his parents in aSherman Oaks home that he purchased.[64][65]
Jordan is a fan ofanime, citingNaruto: Shippuden and theDragon Ball franchise as his favorite series.[66][67] Having grown up inNewark, New Jersey, he is a lifelong supporter of theNew York Giants.[68] He is also a supporter ofPremier League clubEverton FC.[69]
Michael B. Jordan considersTom Cruise andWill Smith his career idols, citing their ability to build global careers and become movie stars. Jordan has also sought advice from Smith and Cruise and has received endorsements from Cruise, indicating a mentorship and respect among the three actors.[70][71][72]
Jordan citesRyan Coogler,Steven Spielberg,Martin Scorsese,Alejandro G. Iñárritu,Stanley Kubrick,Alfonso Cuarón,George Lucas, andChristopher Nolan as his influences in film making.[73]
In November 2020, Jordan began dating modelLori Harvey, adoptive daughter of television personalitySteve Harvey.[74] In June 2022, the couple announced they had ended their relationship.[75]
In December 2023, Jordan wrecked hisFerrari 812 Superfast when he crashed it into a parked Kia. He was uninjured and police investigated the incident for street racing.[76][77][78] Another driver who was near the incident said they were "pacing" but insists they were not racing.[79] Jordan was eventually not charged "due to lack of evidence".[80]
In December 2022, Jordan was announced as part-owner of English soccer clubAFC Bournemouth. The club was taken over by the consortium group the Black Knights Football Club, led by fellow American businessmanBill Foley.[81] Jordan led the minority ownership group with Kosmos founder Nullah Sarker.[82][83]
He is also an investor in theAlpine F1 Team alongside fellow actorsRyan Reynolds andRob McElhenney.[84][85]
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| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Black and White | Teen #2 | First credited role | |
| 2001 | Hardball | Jamal | ||
| 2007 | Blackout | C.J. | ||
| 2009 | Pastor Brown | Tariq Brown | ||
| 2012 | Red Tails | Maurice Wilson | ||
| Chronicle | Steve Montgomery | |||
| County | Travis | TV Movie | ||
| Hotel Noir | Leon | |||
| 2013 | Fruitvale Station | Oscar Grant | ||
| Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox | Victor Stone / Cyborg | Voice,direct-to-video | ||
| 2014 | That Awkward Moment | Mikey | ||
| 2015 | Fantastic Four | Johnny Storm / Human Torch | ||
| Creed | Adonis "Donnie" Johnson | |||
| 2016 | Against The Wall | Man | Short | |
| 2018 | Black Panther | Erik Killmonger | ||
| Fahrenheit 451 | Guy Montag | Also executive producer | ||
| Kin | Male Cleaner | Cameo; also executive producer | ||
| Creed II | Adonis "Donnie" Johnson | Also executive producer | ||
| 2019 | Just Mercy | Bryan Stevenson | Also producer | |
| 2021 | Without Remorse | John Kelly / "John Clark" | Also producer | |
| Space Jam: A New Legacy | Himself | Cameo[86] | ||
| A Journal for Jordan | Charles King | Also producer | ||
| 2022 | Legends of the Lane | Himself | Short | |
| Black Panther: Wakanda Forever | Erik Killmonger | Cameo | ||
| 2023 | Creed III | Adonis Creed | Also director and producer | |
| 2025 | Sinners | Elijah "Smoke" Moore / Elias "Stack" Moore | ||
| 2026 | Swapped | TBA | Voice; completed | |
| 2027 | The Thomas Crown Affair | Thomas Crown | Post-production; Also director and producer |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | The Sopranos | Rideland Kid | Episode: "Down Neck" | |
| Cosby | Michael | Episode: "The Vesey Method" | ||
| 2002 | The Wire | Wallace | 12 episodes | |
| 2003–2006 | All My Children | Reggie Porter Montgomery | 59 episodes | |
| 2006 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Morris | Episode: "Poppin' Tags" | |
| Without a Trace | Jesse Lewis | Episode: "The Calm Before" | ||
| 2007 | Cold Case | Michael Carter | Episode: "Wunderkind" | |
| 2009 | Burn Notice | Corey Jensen | Episode: "Hot Spot" | |
| Bones | Perry Wilson | Episode: "The Plain in the Prodigy" | ||
| The Assistants | Nate Warren | 13 episodes | ||
| 2009–2011 | Friday Night Lights | Vince Howard | 26 episodes | |
| 2010 | Law & Order: Criminal Intent | Danny Ford | Episode: "Inhumane Society" | |
| Lie to Me | Key | 2 episodes | ||
| 2010–2011 | Parenthood | Alex | 16 episodes | |
| 2012 | House | Will Westwood | Episode: "Love Is Blind" | |
| 2014 | The Boondocks | Pretty Boy Flizzy | Voice, episode: "Pretty Boy Flizzy" | |
| 2019–2021 | Gen:Lock | Julian Chase / Nemesis / King Demon | Voice, 16 episodes; also executive producer[87] | |
| Raising Dion | Mark Warren | 3 episodes; also executive producer | ||
| 2021 | Love, Death & Robots | Terence[88] | Voice/motion capture; episode: "Life Hutch"[89] | |
| What If...? | Erik Killmonger | Voice, 2 episodes: "What If... Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark?", "What If... the Watcher Broke His Oath?" | ||
| 2022 | America the Beautiful | Narrator | Documentary series | |
| 2023 | Saturday Night Live | Himself; host | Episode: "Michael B. Jordan/Lil Baby" |
| Year | Title | Voice role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Gears of War 3 | Jace Stratton | ||
| 2016 | NBA 2K17 | Justice Young / Himself | Host on MyCareer mode | |
| 2017 | Wilson's Heart | Kurt Mosby | ||
| 2018 | Creed: Rise to Glory | Adonis Creed |
| Year | Title | Performer(s) | Album | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | "Did You Wrong" | Pleasure P | The Introduction of Marcus Cooper | |
| 2017 | "Family Feud" | Jay-Z featuringBeyoncé | 4:44 | [90] |
| 2019 | "Whoa" | Snoh Aalegra | Ugh, Those Feels Again | [91] |
Bakari. It's Swahili, means 'noble promise.'
I was born in Orange County – in Santa Ana. My dad is from California. I was raised on the East Coast. My first two years were in California...
Raised in Newark, Jordan studied drama at the public magnet Newark Arts High School, where his mother is still a teacher, city officials said, and he has been married happily for 10 years to Danisha. Jordan has a sister, Jamila, and a younger brother, Khalid, who attendedHoward University in 2010, where he played football.
