Brett Gray

Brett Gray
Born (1997-08-07) August 7, 1997 (age 27)[1]
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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.

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

Year Title Role Notes
2015 Tortoise Mezzy Short Film
2016 Ardmore Junction Brett
2016 The Tale of Four Gregg Short Film
2016 Metrocard Henry Short Film
2020 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Reggie Price Season 19, Episode 14 Chasing Demons
2018–2021 On My Block Jamal Turner Netflix Original Series
2018 Rise Dancer/Singer No. 3
2018 Afterparty Brian Short Film
2019 Chicago P.D. Aiden West Season 6, Episode 15 Good Men
2019 When They See Us Clarence Netflix Original Mini-Series Part One
2021–present Star Trek: Prodigy Dal R'El (voice) Leading role, animated series
2023 I'm a Virgo Felix Supporting role, Amazon Prime Mini-Series
2024–present The Chi Damien Supporting role

References

  1. ^ a b "On My Block: How old are the Netflix cast and characters in real life?".
  2. ^ a b c "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.


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