JD McCrary is a talented young actor and singer who has quickly become one of the most sought-after young performers in Hollywood. He is best known for his roles in the films “The Lion King” (2019), “Little” (2020), and “Cheaper by the Dozen” (2022), as well as the television series “Empire” (2015-2016).
McCrary began his career as a child model at the age of three. He quickly transitioned into acting, landing roles in television commercials and guest appearances on television shows. In 2015, he was cast in the recurring role of Young Lucious Lyon on the hit Fox series “Empire.” His performance on the show earned him a NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Youth Actor in a Drama Series.
In 2019, McCrary landed his breakout role as Young Simba in the live-action remake of “The Lion King.” His performance in the film was praised by critics and audiences alike, and he was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Breakout Star.
McCrary has also released several singles, including “I’m Ready” and “Ain’t No Way.” He has toured with artists such as Charlie Puth and Meghan Trainor.
McCrary is a talented and versatile young performer with a bright future ahead of him. He is sure to continue to entertain and inspire audiences for years to come.
Facts about JD McCrary
- Early Start in Showbiz: JD McCrary was born on July 18, 2007, in Los Angeles, California. He began his journey in showbiz at a very young age, showcasing his talent and passion for performing.
- Acting and Singing Talents: McCrary is known for his versatility as both an actor and a singer. He has demonstrated his skills in various projects across different mediums.
- Young Simba in “The Lion King”: One of McCrary’s most notable roles was portraying Young Simba in the 2019 live-action adaptation of Disney’s “The Lion King.” He lent his voice to the iconic character, impressing audiences with his vocal range and capturing the spirit of Simba.
- Music Career: McCrary has also made a name for himself as a recording artist. He has released his own music, showcasing his vocal abilities and unique style. He has collaborated with artists like Jermaine Dupri and Ty Dolla Sign.
- Television Appearances: McCrary has appeared on television shows such as “Little Big Shots” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” where he has showcased his singing and dancing talents.
- Philanthropic Endeavors: Despite his young age, McCrary has been involved in various philanthropic efforts. He has participated in charity events and used his platform to raise awareness about important causes.
- Award Recognitions: McCrary’s talents have not gone unnoticed. He has been nominated for and won several awards, including the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Voice-Over Role for “The Lion King.”
- Musical Influences: McCrary has cited artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Bruno Mars as his musical inspirations. Their impact can be seen in his performances and music style.
Early Life of JD McCrary
Jaydon “JD” McCrary was born on July 18, 2007, in Granada Hills, California. He began singing at a young age, and his parents encouraged him to pursue a career in music. When he was eight years old, he appeared on the television show “Little Big Shots” and performed a cover of Michael Jackson’s song “I Want You Back.” His performance on the show went viral, and he quickly gained a following.
In 2015, McCrary landed his first major role as Young Lucious Lyon on the hit Fox series “Empire.” He appeared in the show for two seasons, and his performance earned him a NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Youth Actor in a Drama Series.
In 2019, McCrary landed his breakout role as Young Simba in the live-action remake of “The Lion King.” His performance in the film was praised by critics and audiences alike, and he was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Breakout Star.
McCrary has also released several singles, including “I’m Ready” and “Ain’t No Way.” He has toured with artists such as Charlie Puth and Meghan Trainor.
McCrary is a talented and versatile young performer with a bright future ahead of him. He is sure to continue to entertain and inspire audiences for years to come.
Here are some of the things that influenced JD McCrary’s early life:
- His love of music: McCrary began singing at a young age, and his parents encouraged him to pursue a career in music.
- His appearance on “Little Big Shots”: When McCrary was eight years old, he appeared on the television show “Little Big Shots” and performed a cover of Michael Jackson’s song “I Want You Back.” His performance on the show went viral, and he quickly gained a following.
- His role on “Empire”: In 2015, McCrary landed his first major role as Young Lucious Lyon on the hit Fox series “Empire.” He appeared in the show for two seasons, and his performance earned him a NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Youth Actor in a Drama Series.
- His role in “The Lion King”: In 2019, McCrary landed his breakout role as Young Simba in the live-action remake of “The Lion King.” His performance in the film was praised by critics and audiences alike, and he was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Breakout Star.
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Educational and Acting Career JD McCrary
Educational Background: Specific details about JD McCrary’s formal education are not widely available. However, as a young performer in the entertainment industry, he has likely received education through homeschooling or private tutoring to accommodate his demanding schedule and allow him to pursue his acting and music endeavors.
Acting Career: JD McCrary’s acting career began at an early age, showcasing his talents on both the big and small screens. Some notable highlights of his acting career include:
- The Paynes (2018): McCrary appeared as Kenny Payne, a recurring character, in the television series “The Paynes,” a spin-off of the popular show “House of Payne.”
- K.C. Undercover (2018): He guest-starred in an episode of the Disney Channel series “K.C. Undercover,” playing the character of Richard.
- The Lion King (2019): One of his most significant roles to date was providing the voice for Young Simba in Disney’s live-action adaptation of “The Lion King.” His portrayal received critical acclaim and introduced him to a global audience.
- Little (2019): McCrary appeared in the comedy film “Little,” playing the character Isaac.
- Tyler Perry’s House of Payne (2020): He reprised his role as Kenny Payne in the revival of the television series “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne.”
It’s important to note that JD McCrary’s acting career is still in its early stages, and he has the potential for further growth and opportunities in the future.
Music Career:
In addition to his acting endeavors, JD McCrary has also pursued a music career. He has released original music, showcasing his vocal talents and musical versatility. McCrary has collaborated with renowned artists like Jermaine Dupri and Ty Dolla Sign, further expanding his presence in the music industry.
Challenges and Wins
Challenges
- Being a child actor: McCrary began his acting career at a young age, which can be challenging. He has had to deal with the pressures of fame and the demands of a busy schedule.
- Being a black actor: McCrary is a black actor in a predominantly white industry. He has had to deal with racism and discrimination in the entertainment industry.
- Balancing his career with his personal life: McCrary is a young man with a busy career. He has had to learn how to balance his work with his studies and his personal life.
Wins
- Landing major roles: McCrary has landed major roles in films and television shows, including “The Lion King,” “Little,” and “Cheaper by the Dozen.”
- Being nominated for awards: McCrary has been nominated for several awards, including a NAACP Image Award and a Teen Choice Award.
- Inspiring others: McCrary is an inspiration to many young people. He shows them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, regardless of their age, race, or background.
Social Media Handles
- Instagram:
@jdmccrary
- Twitter:
@jdmccrary
- Facebook:
@jdmccrary
- TikTok:
@jdmccrary
- YouTube:
Movies
- The Lion King (2019)
- Little (2019)
- Descendants 3 (2019)
- The Opening Act (2020)
These are some of the movies in which JD McCrary has showcased his talent and made an impact with his performances. As he continues to grow in his career, we can expect to see him in more exciting projects in the future.
Legacy and Awards JD McCrary
Here are some of JD McCrary’s accomplishments:
- Nominated for a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Performance by a Youth Actor in a Drama Series for his role on “Empire”
- Nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Breakout Star for his role in “The Lion King”
- Released several singles, including “I’m Ready” and “Ain’t No Way”
- Toured with artists such as Charlie Puth and Meghan Trainor
Awards
- Young Artist Award:
- 2019: Nominated for Best Performance in a Voice-Over Role – Young Actor for his role as Young Simba in “The Lion King.”
- Screen Actors Guild Awards:
- 2020: Won Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture as part of the ensemble cast of “The Lion King.”
- NAACP Image Awards:
- 2020: Nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie, or Limited Series) for his appearance in “The Paynes.”