Christopher Jackson (actor) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Christopher Jackson
Jackson in 2019
Born	Christopher Neal Jackson (1975-09-30) September 30, 1975 (age 49) Metropolis, Illinois, U.S.
Other names	Chris Jackson
Alma mater	American Musical and Dramatic Academy
Occupation	Actor singer
Years active	1996–present
Known for	In the Heights Hamilton< Bull
Spouse(s)	Veronica ​ (m. 2004)​
Children	2

Christopher Neal Jackson (born September 30, 1975) is a talented American actor and singer. He is well-known for his amazing performances on Broadway. He played Benny in the musical In the Heights. Later, he became famous for playing George Washington in the hit musical Hamilton.

Christopher Jackson has also appeared in many TV shows and movies. He was a main character, Chunk Palmer, in the TV drama Bull. He even helped create music for children's shows. He won an award for a song he wrote for Sesame Street.

Christopher Jackson's Early Life and School

Christopher Jackson was born in Metropolis, Illinois. He grew up in Cairo, Illinois. His mother, Jane Adams, was a music teacher. His stepfather was Herbert Michael Hodges.

In 1993, he finished high school at Cairo High School. While he was a student, he loved performing in plays. One of his teachers, Lynn Steveson, encouraged him to become an actor. She also cast him in a play called The Crucible. He also thanks his basketball coach, Larry Baldwin, and Pastor Larry Potts for guiding him.

After high school, Christopher moved to New York City. He studied acting at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

Christopher Jackson's Career Highlights

Christopher Jackson started his acting career in 1995. His first big role was in an Off-Broadway musical called Time and the Wind.

Broadway Debut and Early Success

In 1997, he made his first appearance on Broadway. He was part of the original cast of Disney's The Lion King. He stayed with the show for several years. Eventually, he took on the main role of Simba.

He later performed in other Broadway musicals. These included Memphis and After Midnight. He also acted in plays like Bronx Bombers.

Working with Lin-Manuel Miranda

Christopher Jackson became very well-known for his work with Lin-Manuel Miranda. He created the role of Benny in In the Heights. This musical was a big success.

Then, he played George Washington in the hugely popular musical Hamilton. For this role, he was nominated for a Tony Award. He also worked with Miranda on the Disney movie Moana. He was the singing voice for Chief Tui in the film.

Television and Film Roles

From 2016 to 2022, Christopher Jackson starred in the CBS TV show Bull. He played the character Chunk Palmer. He also had roles in other TV shows. These include Oz, Fringe, and The Good Wife.

In movies, he appeared in After.Life and Tracers. He also acted in the filmed version of Hamilton.

Music and Composing

Besides acting, Christopher Jackson is also a composer. He writes music for TV and films. He won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2011. This was for his song "What I Am" for Sesame Street. He also wrote music for famous singers like LL Cool J. In 2021, he signed a deal with Nickelodeon. He helps create music for their show Rhymes Through Times. This show teaches kids about American heroes and Black history.

Christopher Jackson's Personal Life

In 2004, Christopher Jackson married actress and singer Veronica. They met while working on a production of In the Heights.

They have two children, a son named C. J. and a daughter named Jadelyn. Their son C. J. was diagnosed with autism. Christopher and Veronica are big supporters of KultureCity. This group helps make sure everyone is accepted and included, no matter their abilities. The family lives in Scarsdale, New York.

Acting Credits

Theatre Performances

Film Roles

Television Roles

Discography

Awards and Nominations

Christopher Jackson has won several awards for his amazing work.

See also

In Spanish: Christopher Jackson (actor) para niños