Jason Weaver: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
VisualWikitext
 
imported>GoingBatty
m General fixes & manual cleanup, replaced: ''Billboard'' Hot 100 → ''Billboard'' Hot 100, typo(s) fixed: well-received → well received
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|American actor}}
{{Short description|American actor and singer (born 1979)}}
 
{{About|the singer-songwriter|the jockey|Jason Weaver (jockey)|the cricketer|Jason Weaver (cricketer)}}
{{for-multi|the jockey|Jason Weaver (jockey)|the cricketer|Jason Weaver (cricketer)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{BLP sources|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Jason Weaver
| name = Jason Weaver
| image = JasonWeaver2023.png
| image = JasonWeaver2023.png
| image_size =
| caption = Weaver in 2023
| caption = Weaver in 2023.
| birth_name = Jason Michael Weaver
| birth_name = Jason Michael Weaver
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|7|18}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|7|18}}
| birth_place = [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| other_names = J-Weav
| other_names = J-Weav
| occupation = Actor, singer
| occupation = {{Hlist|Actor|singer}}
| years_active = 1990–present
| years_active = 1990–present
| spouse =  
| spouse =
| children = 1
| children = 1
| website =  
| website =
}}
}}


'''Jason Michael Weaver''' (born July 18, 1979) is an American actor and singer<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BlYHAN8BprJ/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BlYHAN8BprJ |archive-date=2021-12-24 |url-access=limited|title=Jason Weaver aka "J Weav" on Instagram: "You wouldn't think that the kid thats in this pic turned 39 years old today, huh? Well, he did and its officially ya boi's birthday…"|website=Instagram|language=en|access-date=2019-10-11}}{{cbignore}}</ref> best known for his roles as Marcus Henderson on [[The WB]] sitcom ''[[Smart Guy]],'' Jerome Turrell on the short-lived sitcom ''[[Thea (TV series)|Thea]]'' from 1993 to 1994, and the preteen [[Michael Jackson]] on the 1992 miniseries ''[[The Jacksons: An American Dream]]'', which originally both aired on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]. He was also the singing voice of the young Simba in Walt Disney Feature Animation's 1994 film ''[[The Lion King]]''. He was featured on [[Chingy]]'s 2004 hit single "[[One Call Away (Chingy song)|One Call Away]]", which peaked at number 2 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. He played Teddy in the 2006 hit movie [[ATL (film)|''ATL'']].
'''Jason Michael Weaver''' (born July 18, 1979), also known by his stage name '''J-Weav''', is an American actor and singer. He is best known for his roles as a child actor, portraying a young [[Michael Jackson]] in the 1992 miniseries ''[[The Jacksons: An American Dream]]'', and starring in the television sitcoms ''[[Thea (TV series)|Thea]]'' (1993–1994) and ''[[Smart Guy]]'' (1997–1999).<ref name="TVGuide">{{cite web |title=Jason Weaver - TV Guide |url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/jason-weaver/bio/156428/ |website=TVGuide.com |access-date=2025-06-29}}</ref>
 
His most globally recognized work is providing the singing voice of the young [[Simba]] in [[Walt Disney Animation Studios|Disney]]'s animated feature film ''[[The Lion King]]'' (1994).<ref name="NYT2024">{{cite web |last=Stevens |first=Matt |date=June 24, 2024 |title=The Singer Who Was Simba in 'The Lion King' Looks Back |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/24/movies/lion-king-simba-jason-weaver.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=2025-06-29}}</ref> As a recording artist, he was featured on [[Chingy]]'s 2004 hit single "[[One Call Away (Chingy song)|One Call Away]]," which peaked at number two on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart.<ref name="BillboardChingy">{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/chingy/chart-history/hsi/ |title=Chingy Chart History (Hot 100) |website=Billboard |access-date=2025-06-29}}</ref> He has played the recurring role of Rashaad "Shaad" Marshall in the [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] drama series ''[[The Chi]]''.
 
==Early life and family==
Jason Michael Weaver was born in Chicago, Illinois. His mother, Marilyn "Kitty" Haywood, was a member of the Chicago-based female vocal group Kitty & the Haywoods. The group provided backing vocals on [[Aretha Franklin]]'s soundtrack album for the 1976 film ''[[Sparkle (1976 film)|Sparkle]]''.<ref name="Vibe1995">{{cite magazine |title=Jason's Lyric |magazine=Vibe |date=September 1995 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fSgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA92 |page=92 |access-date=2025-06-29}}</ref> Due to his mother's career, Weaver was exposed to the music industry from a young age. He attended [[Thornwood High School]].


==Career==
==Career==


===Acting career===
===1990–1996: Child stardom and ''The Lion King''===
One of Weaver's earliest acting roles was on [[Oprah Winfrey]]'s 1990 television series ''[[Brewster Place]]''. He went on to portray a pre-teen [[Michael Jackson]] (aged 9-14) in the 1992 miniseries ''[[The Jacksons: An American Dream]]'', and starred on the television [[sitcom]]s ''[[Thea (TV series)|Thea]]'' (1993–1994) and ''[[Smart Guy]]'' (1997–1999). In 1992, he provided the singing voice of young [[Simba]] in Disney's 1994 animated feature film ''[[The Lion King]]''.<ref>
Weaver's acting career began in 1990 with a role in Oprah Winfrey's television drama series ''[[Brewster Place]]''. His breakthrough came in 1992 when he was cast to portray the pre-teen version of [[Michael Jackson]] in the acclaimed ABC miniseries ''[[The Jacksons: An American Dream]]''. His performance was well received by critics and audiences.<ref name="Vibe1995"/>
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/24/movies/lion-king-simba-jason-weaver.html#:~:text=During%20an%20hour%2Dand%2Da,pridelands%20from%20his%20father%2C%20Mufasa.</ref>
 
Following this success, he was cast as Jerome Turrell, the son of the title character, in the ABC sitcom ''[[Thea (TV series)|Thea]]'', which aired from 1993 to 1994 and also starred a young [[Brandy Norwood]].<ref name="TVGuide"/>


In 2002, Weaver appeared in ''[[Drumline (film)|Drumline]]'' with [[Nick Cannon]], followed by a role in ''[[The Ladykillers (2004 film)|The Ladykillers]]'' in 2004. In 2004, he also was a featured artist in the song "[[One Call Away (Chingy song)|One Call Away]]", as well as in the music video that also starred [[Keshia Knight Pulliam]] and [[AND1]] baller [[Philip Champion|Phillip "Hot Sauce" Champion]]. In 2006, Weaver was featured in a supporting role in the film ''[[ATL (film)|ATL]]'' starring rappers [[T.I.]] and [[Big Boi]] from [[OutKast]]. He also appeared as an extra in the music video "[[Rock Yo Hips]]" by [[Crime Mob]] featuring [[Lil Scrappy]] and "[[Make Up Bag]]" by [[The-Dream]] featuring [[T.I.]] In 2011, he starred in the film ''He's Mine Not Yours'' alongside [[Caryn Ward]], [[Wendy Raquel Robinson]], [[Carl Anthony Payne II]] and [[Clifton Powell]]. He is also in the hit TV show ''[[The Chi]]''.
In 1994, Weaver provided the singing voice for the young lion cub Simba in Disney's animated classic ''[[The Lion King]]'', performing on the songs "[[I Just Can't Wait to Be King]]" and "[[Hakuna Matata]]".<ref name="NYT2024"/> The role was initially offered with a flat fee of $2 million. However, on the advice of his mother, Weaver's family opted for a smaller one-time payment of $100,000 in exchange for a percentage of future royalties from the film's soundtrack sales. This decision proved to be highly lucrative due to the immense and enduring success of the soundtrack, earning him significant returns over the decades.<ref name="HuffPostRoyalty">{{cite web |title=The Actor Who Voiced The Singing 'Lion King' Simba Turned Down A Huge Paycheck As A Kid |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jason-weaver-the-lion-king_n_5de5420fe4b0d50f3299772c |last=Carras |first=Christi |date=December 2, 2019 |website=HuffPost |access-date=2025-06-29}}</ref><ref name="ComplexRoyalty">{{cite web |title=Jason Weaver Says He Turned Down $2 Million From Disney for His 'Lion King' Role for Royalties |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/tracewilliamcowen/jason-weaver-turned-down-2-million-from-disney-for-lion-king-role-for-royalties |last=Cowen |first=Trace William |date=November 20, 2019 |website=Complex |access-date=2025-06-29}}</ref>


===Focus on music===
Buoyed by his success, Weaver signed with [[Motown Records]] and released his debut studio album, ''Love Ambition'', on June 27, 1995.<ref name="Vibe1995"/> The album produced two singles that charted on the ''Billboard'' Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart: "Love Ambition (Call on Me)" and "I Can't Stand the Pain."<ref name="billboard">{{cite web | url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/jason-weaver/chart-history/bsi/ |title=Jason Weaver Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs) | website=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | access-date=2025-06-29 }}</ref>
Weaver is also a recording artist. He provided vocals for his role as Michael Jackson in ''[[The Jacksons: An American Dream]]'' and as the singing voice of the cub [[Simba]] in [[Walt Disney Animation Studios|Disney]]'s 1994 animated feature film ''[[The Lion King]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1802439423|title=Jason Weaver filmography credits|publisher=movies.yahoo.com|access-date=2008-09-26}}</ref>


His debut album, ''Love Ambition'', was released on [[Motown Records]] on June 27, 1995. He released two versions of the song "Stay with Me".<ref>{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=jason weaver|chart=all}}|title=Discography - Jason Weaver|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2008-09-26}}</ref>
===1997–2010: ''Smart Guy'' and musical collaborations===
From 1997 to 1999, Weaver starred as Marcus Henderson, the older brother of child prodigy T.J. Henderson, in the WB sitcom ''[[Smart Guy]]''.<ref name="TVGuide"/> After the show ended, he continued to act in film, with roles in ''[[Drumline (film)|Drumline]]'' (2002) and ''[[The Ladykillers (2004 film)|The Ladykillers]]'' (2004).


In 2003, he collaborated with hip-hop rapper [[Chingy]] on the track "[[One Call Away (Chingy song)|One Call Away]]". The single was a top five hit in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=chingy|chart=all}}|title=Artist Chart History - Chingy|publisher=billboard.com|access-date=2008-09-26}}</ref>
In 2003, Weaver collaborated with rapper [[Chingy]] as the featured vocalist on the hit single "[[One Call Away (Chingy song)|One Call Away]]." The song was a major commercial success, reaching number 2 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and number 1 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Rap Songs chart.<ref name="BillboardChingy"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/chingy/chart-history/rap |title=Chingy Chart History (Hot Rap Songs) |website=Billboard |access-date=2025-06-29}}</ref> In 2006, he appeared in a supporting role as Teddy in the coming-of-age film ''[[ATL (film)|ATL]]''.
 
===2011–present: Later acting roles and ''The Chi''===
In his later career, Weaver has continued to act in various films and television series. In 2021, he joined the cast of the [[Lena Waithe]]-created Showtime drama series ''[[The Chi]]'' in a recurring role as Rashaad "Shaad" Marshall. His character was introduced in season 4 and has since become a significant part of the series.<ref name="TheChiSource">{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Monique |title='The Chi's' Jason Weaver And Rolando Boyce On Shaad And Darnell's Journey And The Importance Of Black Male Vulnerability |url=https://shadowandact.com/the-chis-jason-weaver-and-rolando-boyce-on-shaad-and-darnells-journey-and-the-importance-of-black-male-vulnerability |website=Shadow and Act |date=June 18, 2023 |access-date=2025-06-29}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Weaver is the son of Marilyn "Kitty" Haywood and Robert Lincoln Weaver. Haywood is a member of the Chicago-based female vocal group Kitty & the Haywoods, who backed with the late [[Aretha Franklin]] on [[Sparkle (soundtrack)|the soundtrack album]] to the 1976 film ''[[Sparkle (1976 film)|Sparkle]]''.
Weaver has one son, Jaylen.<ref>{{cite web |title='The Lion King': Jason Weaver Details Choosing $100K And Royalties Deal Over $2M Flat Fee From Disney |url=https://www.essence.com/entertainment/the-lion-king-jason-weaver-deal/ |website=Essence |date=November 21, 2019 |access-date=2025-06-29 |quote="I have a son. His name is Jaylen."}}</ref>
 
Weaver studied at [[Thornwood High School]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/jasonweaverofficial|title=Jason Weaver|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2019-10-11}}</ref> He has one son named Jaylen.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}


==Discography==
==Discography==
===Albums===
===Studio albums===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
|+ List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:12em;"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:16em;"| Album details
! scope="col" rowspan2"| Album details
! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions
! scope="col"| Peak chart positions
|-
|-
! style="width:3em;font-size:85%"| [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|US<br>R&B]]<br><ref name="billboard">{{cite web | url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/jason-weaver/chart-history/  | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121091906/https://www.billboard.com/artist/jason-weaver/chart-history/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=November 21, 2021 | title=Chart History – Jason Weaver | website=[[Billboard.com]] | access-date=March 16, 2012 }}</ref>
! style="width:4em;font-size:85%;"| [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|US R&B]]<br/><ref name="billboard"/>
|-
|-
! scope="row"| ''Love Ambition''
! scope="row"| ''Love Ambition''
|
|
*Released: June 27, 1995
* Released: June 27, 1995
*Label: [[Motown Records|Motown]]
* Label: [[Motown Records|Motown]]
*Format: CD, cassette
* Formats: CD, cassette
| 69
| 69
|}
|}


===Singles===
===Singles===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ List of singles, with selected chart positions and parent album
|+ List of singles, with selected chart positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:2em;"| Year
! scope="col" rowspan2"| Year
! scope="col" colspan="1" | Peak chart positions
! scope="col" colspan="2"| Peak chart positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:14em;" | Album
! scope="col" rowspan2"| Album
|-
|-
! style="width:3em;font-size:85%"| [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|US<br>R&B]]<br /><ref name="billboard"/>
! style="width:4em;font-size:85%;"| [[Billboard Hot 100|US]]<br/><ref name="BillboardChingy"/>
! style="width:4em;font-size:85%;"| [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|US R&B]]<br/><ref name="billboard"/>
|-
|-
! scope="row"| "I Wanna Be Where You Are"
! scope="row"| "Love Ambition (Call on Me)"
| rowspan="1"|1992
| rowspan="2"| 1995
| —
| —
| rowspan = "1" {{N/A|Non-album single}}
|-
! scope="row"| "Love Ambition (Call on Me)"
| rowspan="2"|1995
| 32
| 32
| align="center" rowspan="2"| ''Love Ambition''
| rowspan="2"| ''Love Ambition''
|-
|-
! scope="row"| "I Can't Stand the Pain"
! scope="row"| "I Can't Stand the Pain"
| —
| 60
| 60
|-
|-
! scope="row"| "Stay with Me"
! scope="row"| "Stay with Me"
| rowspan="2"|1996
| 1996
| —
| 59
| 59
| rowspan="2" {{N/A|Non-album single}}
| Non-album single
|-
|-
! scope="row"| "I Don't Know Why"
! scope="row"| "[[One Call Away (Chingy song)|One Call Away]]" <br><small>(as featured artist with [[Chingy]])</small>
| -
| 2004
|-
| 2
! scope="row"| "[[One Call Away (Chingy song)|One Call Away]]" <br><small>([[Chingy]] featuring J-Weav)</small>
| rowspan="1"|2004
| 3
| 3
| align="center" rowspan="1"| ''[[Jackpot (Chingy album)|Jackpot]]''
| ''[[Jackpot (Chingy album)|Jackpot]]''
|-
|-
| colspan="5"| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
|}
|}


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
 
<small>''(A comprehensive filmography is available at the [[Internet Movie Database]].)''</small>
===Film===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
|rowspan=2| 1990
| ''[[The Long Walk Home]]''
| Franklin Cotter
|
|-
| ''The Kid Who Loved Christmas''
| Ernie
| TV movie
|-
|rowspan=2| 1994
| ''[[The Lion King]]''
| [[Simba|Young Simba]] (singing voice)
|
|-
| ''Summertime Switch''
| Fast Freddie Egan
| TV movie
|-
| 2000
| ''[[Freedom Song (film)|Freedom Song]]''
| Isaac Hawkins
| TV movie
|-
| 2002
| ''[[Drumline (film)|Drumline]]''
| Ernest
|
|-
| 2004
| ''[[The Ladykillers (2004 film)|The Ladykillers]]''
| Weemack Funthes
|
|-
| 2006
| ''[[ATL (film)|ATL]]''
| Teddy
|
|-
|rowspan=2| 2008
| ''[[Love for Sale (2008 film)|Love For Sale]]''
| Vince
|
|-
| ''[[Jada (2008 film)|Jada]]''
| Jamal
|
|-
|rowspan=2| 2010
| ''Grown Man''
| Himself
| TV movie
|-
| ''[[Lottery Ticket (2010 film)|Lottery Ticket]]''
| Ray Ray
|
|-
| 2011
| ''He's Mine Not Yours''
| Kent
|
|-
|rowspan=2| 2012
| ''[[Dysfunctional Friends]]''
| Gary
|
|-
| ''Note to Self''
| Jay Lewis
|
|-
|rowspan=4| 2013
| ''Hope for Love''
| Ricky
|
|-
| ''When a Woman's Fed Up''
| Troy
|
|-
| ''Marry Me for Christmas''
| Franklin
| TV movie
|-
| ''What Would You Do for Love''
| Troy
| TV movie
|-
| 2014
| ''Wal-Bob's''
| Keith Harrington
|
|-
| 2015
| ''Infidelity''
| Frankie
|
|-
| 2016
| ''Merry Ex-Mas''
| Perry
| TV movie
|-
|rowspan=2| 2017
| ''Another Man Will''
| -
|
|-
| ''BlacKorea''
| Mark Senior
| Short
|-
| 2021
| ''AM Radio''
| Willie the Silly DJ
|
|}
 
===Television===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;"
|-
! Year
! Year
! Title
! Title
Line 237: Line 111:
| ''[[Brewster Place]]''
| ''[[Brewster Place]]''
| Matthew Thomas
| Matthew Thomas
| Main cast
| Television series; main cast
|-
|-
| 1992
| 1992
| ''[[The Jacksons: An American Dream]]''
| ''[[The Jacksons: An American Dream]]''
| [[Michael Jackson]] (aged 9–14)
| [[Michael Jackson]] (ages 9–14)
| Episode: "Part I & II"
| Television miniseries
|-
|-
| 1993–94
| 1993–1994
| ''[[Thea (TV series)|Thea]]''
| ''[[Thea (TV series)|Thea]]''
| Jerome Turrell
| Jerome Turrell
| Main cast
| Television series; main cast
|-
|-
| 1995
| 1994
| ''[[Soul Train]]''
| ''[[The Lion King]]''
| Himself
| [[Simba|Young Simba]] (singing voice)
| Episode: "Aaron Neville/Silk/Jason Weaver"
| Animated film
|-
| 1996
| ''[[Sister, Sister (TV series)|Sister, Sister]]''
| Nicky/Darnell
| Episode: "Summer Bummer" & "Boy from the Hood"
|-
|-
| 1997–99
| 1997–1999
| ''[[Smart Guy]]''
| ''[[Smart Guy]]''
| Marcus Henderson
| Marcus Henderson
| Main cast
| Television series; main cast
|-
|-
| 2011–14
| 2002
| ''[[The LeBrons]]''
| ''[[Drumline (film)|Drumline]]''
| Condor (voice)
| Ernest
| Main cast
| Film
|-
|-
| 2014
| 2006
| ''[[Let's Stay Together (TV series)|Let's Stay Together]]''
| ''[[ATL (film)|ATL]]''
| Curtis
| Teddy
| Recurring cast: season 4
| Film
|-
| 2015
| ''[[Black-ish]]''
| Ta-Ta
| Episode: "Chop Shop"
|-
| 2016
| ''Nubbin & Friends''
| Ollie the Squirrell (voice)
| Episode: "The Letter "A""
|-
| 2018
| ''[[Unsung (TV series)|Unsung]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "The Boys"
|-
| 2020
| ''[[Boomerang (American TV series)|Boomerang]]''
| Barber
| Episode: "Reversal of a Dog"
|-
| 2021
| ''We Stay Looking''
| Miles
| Episode: "Red Flavored Drink"
|-
|-
| 2021–present
| 2021–present
| ''[[The Chi]]''
| ''[[The Chi]]''
| Rashaad "Shaad" Marshall
| Rashaad "Shaad" Marshall
| Recurring
| Television series; recurring role
|-
| 2023
| ''[[Sistas (TV series)|Sistas]]''
| Brian
| Recurring cast: season 6
|}
|}


==Awards and nominations==
==Awards and nominations==
{|class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Year
! Award
! Award
! Category
! Category
! Title of work
! Work
! Result
! Result
! Ref.
|-
| 1993
| rowspan="3" | [[Young Artist Award]]
| Outstanding Young Performer in a Miniseries or Special
| ''The Jacksons: An American Dream''
| {{Won}}
| <ref name="YAA1993">{{cite web|title=14th Annual Youth in Film Awards|url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/pastnoms14.htm|website=YoungArtistAwards.org|access-date=2025-06-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217085145/http://www.youngartistawards.org/pastnoms14.htm|archive-date=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
|-
|1993
| 1994
|[[Young Artist Award]]
| Outstanding Youth Ensemble in a Television Series
|Outstanding Young Performers Starring in a Mini-Series
| ''Thea'' (Shared with cast)
|''The Jacksons: An American Dream'' <small>(Shared with Alex Burrall)</small>
| {{Nominated}}
|Won
| <ref name="YAA1994">{{cite web|title=15th Annual Youth in Film Awards|url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/pastnoms15.htm|website=YoungArtistAwards.org|access-date=2025-06-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709082136/http://www.youngartistawards.org/pastnoms15.htm|archive-date=2011-07-09}}</ref>
|-
|-
|1994
| 1995
|Young Artist Award
| Best Performance by a Young Actor in a Voiceover
|Outstanding Youth Ensemble in a Television Series
| ''The Lion King''
|''Thea'' <small>(Shared with [[Brenden Richard Jefferson|Brenden Jefferson]], [[Adam Jeffries]], [[Brandy (entertainer)|Brandy Norwood]])</small>
| {{Won}}
|Nominated
| <ref name="YAA1995">{{cite web|title=16th Annual Youth in Film Awards|url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/pastnoms16.htm|website=YoungArtistAwards.org|access-date=2025-06-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820120120/http://www.youngartistawards.org/pastnoms16.htm|archive-date=2010-08-20}}</ref>
|-
|1995
|Young Artist Award
|Best Performance by a Young Actor in a Voiceover - TV or Movie
|''The Lion King''
|Won
|}
|}


Line 342: Line 182:


==External links==
==External links==
*{{Twitter}}
*{{IMDb name|id=0915868}}
*{{IMDb name|id=0915868}}
*{{discogs artist}}
*{{discogs artist|artist=Jason+Weaver}}
*{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p144276}}
*{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p144276}}


Line 352: Line 191:
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:20th-century American male actors]]
[[Category:African-American male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American male actors]]
[[Category:African-American male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century American male actors]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American singers]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century American male singers]]
[[Category:African-American male child actors]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American male actors]]
[[Category:American male child actors]]
[[Category:American male child actors]]
[[Category:American child singers]]
[[Category:American male film actors]]
[[Category:American male pop singers]]
[[Category:American contemporary R&B singers]]
[[Category:American male television actors]]
[[Category:Male actors from Chicago]]
[[Category:Male actors from Chicago]]
[[Category:Motown artists]]
[[Category:Motown artists]]
[[Category:Singers from Illinois]]
[[Category:American contemporary R&B singers]]
[[Category:21st-century American male actors]]

Latest revision as of 21:47, 28 June 2025

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "about". Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "infobox".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Template:Main otherScript error: No such module "Check for clobbered parameters".Template:Wikidata image

Jason Michael Weaver (born July 18, 1979), also known by his stage name J-Weav, is an American actor and singer. He is best known for his roles as a child actor, portraying a young Michael Jackson in the 1992 miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream, and starring in the television sitcoms Thea (1993–1994) and Smart Guy (1997–1999).[1]

His most globally recognized work is providing the singing voice of the young Simba in Disney's animated feature film The Lion King (1994).[2] As a recording artist, he was featured on Chingy's 2004 hit single "One Call Away," which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[3] He has played the recurring role of Rashaad "Shaad" Marshall in the Showtime drama series The Chi.

Early life and family

Jason Michael Weaver was born in Chicago, Illinois. His mother, Marilyn "Kitty" Haywood, was a member of the Chicago-based female vocal group Kitty & the Haywoods. The group provided backing vocals on Aretha Franklin's soundtrack album for the 1976 film Sparkle.[4] Due to his mother's career, Weaver was exposed to the music industry from a young age. He attended Thornwood High School.

Career

1990–1996: Child stardom and The Lion King

Weaver's acting career began in 1990 with a role in Oprah Winfrey's television drama series Brewster Place. His breakthrough came in 1992 when he was cast to portray the pre-teen version of Michael Jackson in the acclaimed ABC miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream. His performance was well received by critics and audiences.[4]

Following this success, he was cast as Jerome Turrell, the son of the title character, in the ABC sitcom Thea, which aired from 1993 to 1994 and also starred a young Brandy Norwood.[1]

In 1994, Weaver provided the singing voice for the young lion cub Simba in Disney's animated classic The Lion King, performing on the songs "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" and "Hakuna Matata".[2] The role was initially offered with a flat fee of $2 million. However, on the advice of his mother, Weaver's family opted for a smaller one-time payment of $100,000 in exchange for a percentage of future royalties from the film's soundtrack sales. This decision proved to be highly lucrative due to the immense and enduring success of the soundtrack, earning him significant returns over the decades.[5][6]

Buoyed by his success, Weaver signed with Motown Records and released his debut studio album, Love Ambition, on June 27, 1995.[4] The album produced two singles that charted on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart: "Love Ambition (Call on Me)" and "I Can't Stand the Pain."[7]

1997–2010: Smart Guy and musical collaborations

From 1997 to 1999, Weaver starred as Marcus Henderson, the older brother of child prodigy T.J. Henderson, in the WB sitcom Smart Guy.[1] After the show ended, he continued to act in film, with roles in Drumline (2002) and The Ladykillers (2004).

In 2003, Weaver collaborated with rapper Chingy as the featured vocalist on the hit single "One Call Away." The song was a major commercial success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart.[3][8] In 2006, he appeared in a supporting role as Teddy in the coming-of-age film ATL.

2011–present: Later acting roles and The Chi

In his later career, Weaver has continued to act in various films and television series. In 2021, he joined the cast of the Lena Waithe-created Showtime drama series The Chi in a recurring role as Rashaad "Shaad" Marshall. His character was introduced in season 4 and has since become a significant part of the series.[9]

Personal life

Weaver has one son, Jaylen.[10]

Discography

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US R&B
[7]
Love Ambition
  • Released: June 27, 1995
  • Label: Motown
  • Formats: CD, cassette
 69

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
[3] 		US R&B
[7]
"Love Ambition (Call on Me)" 1995 — 32 Love Ambition
"I Can't Stand the Pain" — 60
"Stay with Me" 1996 — 59 Non-album single
"One Call Away"
(as featured artist with Chingy) 		2004 2 3 Jackpot
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Filmography

(A comprehensive filmography is available at the Internet Movie Database.)

Year Title Role Notes
1990 Brewster Place Matthew Thomas Television series; main cast
1992 The Jacksons: An American Dream Michael Jackson (ages 9–14) Television miniseries
1993–1994 Thea Jerome Turrell Television series; main cast
1994 The Lion King Young Simba (singing voice) Animated film
1997–1999 Smart Guy Marcus Henderson Television series; main cast
2002 Drumline Ernest Film
2006 ATL Teddy Film
2021–present The Chi Rashaad "Shaad" Marshall Television series; recurring role

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
1993 Young Artist Award Outstanding Young Performer in a Miniseries or Special The Jacksons: An American Dream Template:Won [11]
1994 Outstanding Youth Ensemble in a Television Series Thea (Shared with cast) Template:Nominated [12]
1995 Best Performance by a Young Actor in a Voiceover The Lion King Template:Won [13]

References

Template:Reflist

External links

Template:Authority control

  1. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ a b c Template:Cite magazine
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
Retrieved from "http://debianws.lexgopc.com/wiki143/index.php?title=Jason_Weaver&oldid=2049677"