Births on February 9

Michael B. Jordan, American actor

Michael Bakari Jordan, born on February 9, 1987, is a highly acclaimed American actor, film producer, and increasingly, a director whose dynamic career spans compelling television dramas, iconic blockbuster films, and impactful behind-the-scenes work. Renowned for his versatility, intense dedication to his craft, and captivating screen presence, Jordan has cemented his status as one of Hollywood's most influential and respected figures.

Early Career & Television Foundation

Before achieving widespread cinematic recognition, Michael B. Jordan honed his acting skills through significant roles in critically acclaimed television series, establishing a strong foundation for his future success:

• Wallace in The Wire (2002): Jordan garnered early attention for his poignant portrayal of Wallace, a young, conflicted drug dealer in the first season of HBO's seminal crime drama. This role showcased his raw talent and ability to convey complex emotional depth, even at a young age, in a series widely regarded as one of the greatest television shows of all time.
• Reggie Montgomery on All My Children (2003–2006): His multi-year tenure on the long-running ABC daytime soap opera provided extensive acting experience, allowing him to develop his craft and maintain a consistent presence in front of a wide audience.
• Vince Howard in Friday Night Lights (2009–2011): As quarterback Vince Howard in NBC's beloved sports drama, Jordan delivered a standout performance that earned him widespread critical acclaim. His compelling portrayal of a troubled but talented athlete navigating complex personal and societal challenges further demonstrated his range and solidified his reputation as a formidable dramatic actor.

Breakthrough Collaborations with Ryan Coogler

A pivotal turning point in Michael B. Jordan's career came through his fruitful collaborations with director Ryan Coogler. Their partnership has yielded some of his most iconic and critically celebrated performances, deeply resonating with audiences and critics alike:

• Oscar Grant in Fruitvale Station (2013): This powerful drama marked a significant breakthrough for Jordan, earning him widespread critical acclaim for his raw and deeply moving portrayal of Oscar Grant, a young man whose tragic, real-life shooting death by police on New Year's Day 2009 sparked national outrage and became a touchstone in discussions about police brutality. The film, which won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for U.S. Dramatic Film at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, powerfully showcased Jordan's dramatic depth and ability to embody a real person with profound sensitivity.
• Donnie Creed in Creed (2015): Stepping into the ring as Adonis "Donnie" Creed, the son of Apollo Creed from the legendary Rocky franchise, Jordan delivered a physically demanding and emotionally resonant performance. This role not only showcased his rigorous physical transformation and dedication but also cemented his status as a leading man. The film, a critically and commercially successful revitalisation of a beloved cinematic universe, explored themes of legacy, identity, and perseverance, with Jordan's performance at its heart.
• Erik Killmonger in Black Panther (2018): As the formidable and complex antagonist Erik Killmonger in Marvel's groundbreaking superhero film, Jordan captivated audiences with a layered and nuanced portrayal. His character was widely praised for being one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's most compelling and ideologically driven villains, challenging the hero's ideals. His performance contributed significantly to Black Panther's monumental cultural impact and global commercial success, further elevating his international profile.

Expanding Horizons: From Actor to Director

Michael B. Jordan has consistently expanded his creative footprint beyond acting, taking on new challenges and roles within the industry. He reprised his iconic role as Donnie Creed in Creed II (2018), building on the narrative and success of the first film. A significant milestone in his career is his highly anticipated directorial debut with Creed III (2023), where he also stars, marking a new chapter in his creative journey. Additionally, he lent his voice to the animated series What If...? (2021), showcasing his versatility across different mediums.

Other Notable Film Performances

Beyond his celebrated collaborations with Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan's filmography is rich with diverse roles that highlight his remarkable range and commitment to varied storytelling:

• Red Tails (2012): A war film centered on the heroic Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American military aviators in the U.S. armed forces.
• Chronicle (2012): A unique found-footage superhero film where he played a key role in an ensemble cast of superpowered teenagers.
• That Awkward Moment (2014): A romantic comedy that allowed him to showcase a lighter, more comedic side.
• Fantastic Four (2015): Portraying Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, in this superhero adaptation.
• Just Mercy (2019): A powerful legal drama where he starred as Bryan Stevenson, the real-life civil rights attorney and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative. The film chronicles Stevenson's fight to exonerate wrongly convicted individuals on death row, with Jordan's performance earning critical praise for its powerful and authentic portrayal of a legal champion dedicated to social justice.

Accolades and Influence Beyond the Screen

Michael B. Jordan's profound impact extends far beyond his captivating performances, earning him significant industry recognition and broader cultural influence:

• Primetime Emmy Award Nomination: In 2018, he received a prestigious Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Television Movie. This recognition was not for his acting but as a producer for the HBO film Fahrenheit 451, demonstrating his growing influence and capabilities in behind-the-camera roles.
• One of Time's 100 Most Influential People (2020): Time magazine recognized Jordan in 2020 as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. This acknowledgment underscored his significant impact on culture, his increasing involvement in activism, and his powerful presence within the entertainment industry.
• People's Sexiest Man Alive (2020): Also in 2020, he was named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive, a testament to his widespread appeal, charismatic public persona, and status as a global icon.
• The New York Times' 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century: In the same remarkable year, The New York Times ranked Michael B. Jordan at number 15 on its prestigious list of the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century, firmly cementing his status among the finest and most impactful performers of his generation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Michael B. Jordan

When was Michael B. Jordan born?

Michael Bakari Jordan was born on February 9, 1987.

What are Michael B. Jordan's most famous film roles?

He is widely recognized for his iconic roles as Oscar Grant in Fruitvale Station, Donnie Creed in the critically acclaimed Creed film series, and Erik Killmonger in Marvel's globally successful Black Panther.

Has Michael B. Jordan directed any films?

Yes, Michael B. Jordan made his feature directorial debut with Creed III, which was released in 2023 and also featured him in the lead role.

What early television shows did Michael B. Jordan appear in?

Before his major film breakthroughs, he had significant and memorable roles as Wallace in the first season of HBO's The Wire, Reggie Montgomery on the ABC soap opera All My Children, and Vince Howard in the NBC sports drama series Friday Night Lights.

What significant awards and recognitions has Michael B. Jordan received?

He received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 2018 as a producer for the television film Fahrenheit 451. In 2020, he was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world, designated People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive, and ranked number 15 on The New York Times' list of the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century.