Jason Weaver is an American actor and singer born July 18, 1979, best known for voicing young Simba in Disney’s “The Lion King” (1994) and playing Michael Jackson in “The Jacksons: An American Dream” (1992). He starred on the sitcoms “Thea” and “Smart Guy,” then shifted into film roles. Weaver also released music on Motown Records and collaborated on Chingy’s hit single “One Call Away” in 2004.
Who is Jason Weaver?
Jason Michael Weaver, also known by the stage name J-Weav, is an American actor and singer born July 18, 1979. His mother, Kitty Haywood, was a legendary studio singer and member of the Chicago-based female vocal group Kitty & the Haywoods. Growing up in an entertainment-focused household in Chicago, Weaver developed a passion for both acting and music early on.
What sets Weaver apart from many child actors is his longevity in the industry. Rather than fading into obscurity after his early success, he’s maintained a presence across television, film, and music for over three decades. His career trajectory demonstrates how strategic decisions—and sometimes lucky breaks—shape an entertainer’s path forward.
Early Career & Breaking Into Acting
Weaver’s entertainment career began at just ten years old. He got his first break playing Ernie in the TV movie “The Kid Who Loved Christmas,” and by age 12 had appeared in “The Long Walk Home” alongside Whoopi Goldberg and in the television series “Brewster’s Place,” produced by Oprah Winfrey.
These early roles exposed him to established industry professionals and demonstrated his natural talent on screen. At an age when most kids were in middle school, Weaver was working alongside Oscar-winning actors and high-profile producers. This early exposure proved invaluable when casting directors began looking for young talent for major projects.
The Jacksons: An American Dream Breakthrough
Weaver’s breakthrough came in 1992 when he portrayed the pre-teen version of Michael Jackson in the acclaimed ABC miniseries “The Jacksons: An American Dream,” a role that earned critical acclaim. This wasn’t a small television role—the miniseries drew significant viewership and earned Emmy Awards for outstanding miniseries.
Playing Michael Jackson required more than just acting ability. Weaver had to capture the essence of one of the world’s most famous entertainers during his childhood years. Critics noted his sensitivity in portraying Jackson during formative moments in the King of Pop’s life. The role established Weaver as a credible young talent capable of handling major productions, which opened doors to even bigger opportunities.
Smart Guy & Television Stardom
From 1997 to 1999, Weaver starred as Marcus Henderson, the older brother of child prodigy T.J. Henderson, in the WB sitcom “Smart Guy.” This series gave Weaver his most consistent television presence, running for three seasons during the late 1990s.
He also appeared in the ABC sitcom “Thea” from 1993 to 1994. While “Thea” had a shorter run, it introduced Weaver to a generation of TV viewers and demonstrated his range as a comedic actor. Between “Thea” and “Smart Guy,” Weaver proved he could carry scenes, deliver punchlines, and develop recurring character arcs that audiences connected with week after week.
The Lion King: Voice Acting & Royalty Decision
The moment that would define Weaver’s entire career came in 1994. Weaver provided the singing voice for the young lion cub Simba in Disney’s animated classic “The Lion King,” performing on the songs “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” and “Hakuna Matata.”
Here’s where Weaver’s story becomes remarkable. The role was initially offered with a flat fee of $2 million. However, on the advice of his mother, Weaver’s family opted for a smaller one-time payment of $100,000 in exchange for a percentage of future royalties from the film’s soundtrack sales.
This decision proved to be one of the most lucrative choices in entertainment history. “The Lion King” became immensely and enduringly successful, earning Weaver significant returns over the decades. The film’s soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon, with “Hakuna Matata” and other tracks remaining instantly recognizable to millions worldwide. Weaver continues earning royalties from the original film, its sequels, stage adaptations, and endless merchandise decades later.
Recording Career & Music Success
Following his success with “The Lion King,” Weaver signed with Motown Records and released his debut studio album, “Love Ambition,” on June 27, 1995. The album produced two singles that charted on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart: “Love Ambition (Call on Me)” and “I Can’t Stand the Pain.”
While his solo music career didn’t lead to superstardom, Weaver remained active in the music industry. In 2003, Weaver collaborated with rapper Chingy as the featured vocalist on the hit single “One Call Away,” which reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart. This collaboration introduced Weaver to a new generation of listeners and proved his voice remained valuable in contemporary music.
Film Career: Drumline, The Ladykillers, & ATL
As television opportunities became less frequent, Weaver transitioned into film. After “Smart Guy” ended, he continued to act in film with roles in “Drumline” (2002) and “The Ladykillers” (2004). Both films offered him supporting roles in high-profile productions.
In 2006, he appeared in a supporting role as Teddy in the coming-of-age film “ATL.” Set in Atlanta and featuring a diverse cast including T.I., “ATL” became a cult favorite among 2000s hip-hop cinema enthusiasts. These film roles kept Weaver visible in the entertainment industry during a period when consistent work was essential for career longevity.
Recent Work & The Chi
Weaver’s career never truly went dormant. In 2021, he joined the cast of the Lena Waithe-created Showtime drama series “The Chi” in a recurring role as Rashaad “Shaad” Marshall, introduced in season 4 and becoming a significant part of the series.
“The Chi” provided Weaver with dramatic material that showcased his evolution as an actor. The series tackled serious social issues affecting urban communities, giving Weaver opportunities to explore complex character development far removed from his child actor roots.
Personal Life & Family
Weaver has one son named Jaylen. Despite his childhood fame and ongoing entertainment career, Weaver has maintained a relatively private personal life compared to many actors from his generation. He often credits his mother’s guidance throughout his career, including her pivotal advice regarding the “Lion King” royalties deal.
Jason Weaver’s Impact on Entertainment
Jason Weaver represents a unique chapter in 1990s entertainment. He arrived as a child actor during the height of prestige television, earned acclaim for serious dramatic work, became the face (or voice) of one of Disney’s most successful animated franchises, and successfully transitioned into adult acting.
His career demonstrates several key lessons about longevity in entertainment: the importance of strategic financial decisions, the value of working consistently across different media, and how one iconic role—even when done as a child—can provide lifetime earnings if handled wisely.
FAQs
What is Jason Weaver most famous for?
Jason Weaver is best known for providing the singing voice of young Simba in Disney’s “The Lion King” (1994). He’s also recognized for portraying young Michael Jackson in “The Jacksons: An American Dream” and starring as Marcus Henderson on the sitcom “Smart Guy.”
How much money did Jason Weaver make from The Lion King?
Weaver chose royalties over an upfront $2 million payment, earning ongoing returns from soundtrack sales, theatrical releases, stage adaptations, and merchandise over the course of three decades.
When was Jason Weaver born?
Jason Weaver was born on July 18, 1979, in Chicago, Illinois.
Was Jason Weaver in Drumline?
Yes, Weaver appeared in “Drumline” (2002), a popular coming-of-age film about a university’s drum majors. He played a supporting role in the film.
What TV shows has Jason Weaver appeared in?
Weaver appeared in “Brewster Place” (1990), “Thea” (1993–1994), “Smart Guy” (1997–1999), “Black-ish,” “Let’s Stay Together,” and “The Chi” (2021–present).
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