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Brandon T. Jackson

While most kids growing up in Detroit, Michigan found school to be dull and unbearable, Brandon T. Jackson somehow managed to laugh his way through it. Comedy was the perfect outlet to get through all of life's drama. Jackson held the title of class clown and grew his passion for comedy and acting by doing talent shows and performing at youth nights at his father's church. By age 14, Jackson's career as a stand-up comic evolved from local school shows to community projects such as the Motor City Youth Festival.

Jackson took an internship at local Detroit radio station 93.1 FM and soon found himself as a guest host at 105.9 FM. As his following grew, so did his hunger to become the funniest young comedian. He began to get calls to open for and work with comedians such as Chris Tucker and Wayne Brady. Jackson delivered sidesplitting performances at New York City's Showtime at the Apollo and BET's Comic View. It was only a matter of time before his life would completely change.

His high school sketches eventually lead to film roles. The then 20-year-old actor/comedian was cast in his first major movie role as Bow Wow's best friend, Junior, in Roll Bounce, directed by Malcolm Lee, which also featured Chi McBride, Nick Cannon, Khleo Thomas, Mike Epps, and Meagan Good. He recently launched and hosted the Teens of Comedy Tour, presented by BET, featuring Lil JJ' and the nation's funniest teenage comedians, and can also be seen as a cast member on MTV's Wild ‘N Out.

Jackson, who is one of seven siblings, credits his sense of humor to his dad, Bishop Wayne T. Jackson. As if he didn't have enough pressure, his mother also serves as the pastor of their church. Jackson's comedic inspiration comes from top comedians such as Sinbad, Martin Lawrence, Will Smith and Chris Tucker. Growing up Jackson saw both sides of life. He had one foot in the suburbs and the other in the inner city. Much of his material touches on politics, the ups and downs of being young, dating, God, and just about any issue. Communicating to and motivating youth is a mission etched in his heart.

When he is not doing movies and performing in comedy clubs and television, Jackson is reaching back to his own contemporaries. "I've gone through the same typical stuff most kids go through. I want to help kids see beyond the same mess that continues to oppress us. I want them to take their lives to the next level in every aspect. Young people need direction and I want to use my talents to do just that."

In 2005 and 2006, Jackson hosted his brainchild Teens of Comedy Tour, featuring some of the country's funniest young comedians. In 2006, Jackson hosted the Up Close and Personal Tour, featuring Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Lil Wayne, Juelz Santana, and Dem Franchize Boyz. It ended up being the largest teenage music tour of the season. His sketch comedy special The Brandon T. Jackson Show recently aired and was nominated for a NAMIC Vision Awards. The movie version of the Teens of Comedy Tour is currently in development. Jackson aspires to be the funniest man in America, to show his range as an actor and to reshape the world of comedy into one that inspires, teaches and uplifts people.


Note: This profile was written in or before 2008.
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Brandon T. Jackson Facts

OccupationActor
BirthdayMarch 7, 1984 (40)
SignPisces
BirthplaceUSA
Height5' 7" (1m70)  How tall is Brandon T. Jackson compared to you?

Selected Filmography

Get A Job
Fast & Furious
Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters
The Ringer
Operation: Endgame
Eloise
Tropic Thunder
Thunderstruck
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Bowling For Columbine
Continue » Find more details on the Brandon T. Jackson Movies page