Brett Gray

Last updated

Brett Gray
Born (1997-08-07) August 7, 1997 (age 27) [1]
Occupation(s)Actor, singer
Years active2015–present
MotherHolly Gray

Brett Gray (born August 7, 1997) [1] is an American actor and singer. He is known for starring as Jamal Turner in the Netflix series On My Block [2] and Dal R'El in the Paramount+/Nickelodeon animated series Star Trek: Prodigy .

Contents

Life and career

Gray was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [3] He acted in his first school play at age 6, after which he performed in his first professional show at the Academy of Music when he was 7.

Gray attended The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts as a Theater major, graduating in 2014.[ citation needed ]

After doing a chemistry read for the producers, Gray was offered the role of Jamal on On My Block (2018–2021). [2] It is his first lead acting role. He was drawn to the role because he saw himself in Jamal. He stated in an interview with The Fader that he also hoped to expand his experience with physical comedy, a genre he previously had no experience with. [2] Gray had a minor role in the 2019 Netflix limited series When They See Us .

Gray released his debut single, "Old Thing Back" in June 2018. [4] His EP Easy Daze was released on his birthday on August 7, 2018. [5] He compared the style to Usher's album Confessions .

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
2015TortoiseMezzyShort Film
2016Ardmore JunctionBrett
2016The Tale of FourGreggShort Film
2016MetrocardHenryShort Film
2020 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Reggie PriceSeason 19, Episode 14 Chasing Demons
2018–2021 On My Block Jamal TurnerNetflix Original Series
2018RiseDancer/Singer No. 3
2018AfterpartyBrianShort Film
2019 Chicago P.D. Aiden WestSeason 6, Episode 15 Good Men
2019 When They See Us ClarenceNetflix Original Mini-Series Part One
2021–present Star Trek: Prodigy Dal R'El (voice)Leading role, animated series
2023 I'm a Virgo FelixSupporting role, Amazon Prime Mini-Series
2024–present The Chi DamienSupporting role

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References

  1. 1 2 "On My Block: How old are the Netflix cast and characters in real life?".
  2. 1 2 3 "Jamal from "On My Block" Is a Refreshing Portrayal of a Young Black man with a spunky attitude and a determination for mystery solving". Teen Vogue. April 2, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  3. "You will stan for Brett Gray, the breakout star of Netflix's On My Block". The FADER. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  4. Mylrea, Hannah (June 21, 2018). "Brett Gray talks On My Block season two, and new single 'Old Thing Back'". NME. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  5. "Brett Gray Talks Season 2 Of 'On My Block' And The Role He's Dying To Play". Essence. Retrieved April 25, 2019.