Jharrel Jerome

Jharrel Jerome (born October 9, 1997) is an American actor. He made his film debut in Barry Jenkins's drama film Moonlight, and gained prominence for his portrayal of Korey Wise in Ava DuVernay's Netflix miniseries When They See Us (2019), which earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. Jerome has since starred as a 13 foot tall boy in Boots Riley's miniseries I'm a Virgo (2023) and as wrestler Anthony Robles in the sports biopic film Unstoppable (2024).

Early life Jharrel Jerome was born on October 9, 1997 in The Bronx, New York City, and was raised in the neighbourhood. He is of Dominican and Haitian descent. and grew up in a close-knit family with parents whom he described as "loving".

His mother suggested he pursue acting when he was in eighth grade, after which he joined the Riverdale Children's Theatre, a local youth theater organization. He attended and graduated from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School and commuted to Manhattan each day by train.

Career Acting Shortly after Jerome enrolled as an undergraduate at Ithaca College, he was cast in his first professional acting role in the 2016 independent film Moonlight, as young Kevin. A.O. Scott wrote in The New York Times that he was "excellent" in the role. Director Barry Jenkins said about Jerome, in an interview with the Los Angeles Times, "When you watch Jharrel in that movie, he's not a guy who's been over-rehearsing. That's a dude learning by doing. It's amazing."

Music On September 24, 2020, Jerome released his debut single "For Real", featuring Bronx rapper Kemba and produced by duo Take a Daytrip. The song was released with a music video directed by Spence Hord. Jerome followed up on August 25, 2022, with "Someone I'm Not", which came with a music video following a day in Jerome's life at home, on a film set, and in a recording studio. On August 23, Jerome posted a video on his Instagram of himself which included a snippet of a new song and announced Rap Pack, set for an August 30 release by Sony Music. Rap Pack is the first part of Someone I'm Not, to be released as a four-part series.

Filmography +Key Denotes works that have not yet been released

Film Year Title Role Notes 2016 Her Coloring Book ArtistShort film Wheels Narrator Moonlight Teen Kevin Robu Rob Short film 2020 Concrete Cowboy Smush 2023 Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Miles G. Morales / Prowler Voice 2024 Unstoppable Anthony Robles 2027 Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse Miles G. Morales / Prowler Voice; In production

Television Year Title Role Notes 2017 Tales Deacon Episode: "Children's Story" 2017–2019 Mr. Mercedes Jerome Robinson Main role 2019 When They See Us Korey Wise Lead role; Netflix miniseries 2019 Live in Front of a Studio Audience Jimmy Pearson Episode: "All in the Family and Good Times" 2023 I'm a Virgo Cootie Lead role; also executive producer 2023 Full Circle Aked Miniseries

Awards and nominations