February 9 …

Michael B. Jordan is an award-winning actor, producer, director, and entrepreneur whose performances and business leadership have shaped contemporary American film, television, and culture.

Born February 9, 1987 in Santa Ana, CA and raised in Newark, NJ, Jordan attended Newark Arts High School and began his journey in acting as a child model and performer. He opted for informal education through early professional experiences rather than pursuing a college degree. He honed his craft through years of television roles like Wallace in The Wire and Reggie in All My Children, along with on-set training reminiscent of stage-style techniques.

Support from Jordan’s family — mother Donna, father Michael A. Jordan, and his siblings — was instrumental during his early auditions and travels between New Jersey and New York. His formative collaborations with young directors and actors in television laid the foundation for his successful film career.

Jordan’s achievements encompass both breakout dramatic performances and mainstream franchise success. His renowned lead role in Fruitvale Station, directed by Ryan Coogler, marked the beginning of a long-lasting creative partnership. This relationship yielded films like Creed, Creed II, Black Panther, Creed III (his directorial debut), and the award-winning Sinners.

Jordan has garnered significant industry recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Actor in 2026, Actor Awards/SAG wins, various critics’ and industry accolades, Emmy nominations for his producing and television work, Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations, and a place on Time’s lists of influential figures. Moreover, he has established Outlier Society, his production company, while taking on executive and producing roles to create opportunities for diverse storytellers.

Jordan has been shaped by several influences and mentors, including early television influence Dean Cain, his longtime collaborator and mentor Ryan Coogler, and seasoned directors like Denzel Washington — who directed him in A Journal for Jordan. Throughout his career, he has benefited from the guidance of coaches and on-set mentors, as well as numerous acting teachers and producers from his time in soap operas to prestigious films.

Jordan’s contemporaries and frequent collaborators include peers like Chadwick Boseman, Tessa Thompson, Sterling K. Brown, and co-stars Scott Adkins and Jonathan Majors. He has supported younger artists through Outlier Society’s development initiatives, actively promoting and producing projects that uplift emerging Black filmmakers and actors.

Jordan’s influence extends beyond his artistic endeavors. His business and cultural impact complement his creative work. Outlier Society’s first-look and production deals — combined with his leadership as a producer on various films and series — showcase his role as a modern actor-entrepreneur.

His accolades include the 2026 Academy Award for Best Actor, multiple Actor Awards/SAG wins, critics’ honors, a spot on Time’s list of the 100 most influential people, recognition as People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2020, and a 39th American Cinematheque Award. He has also garnered numerous industry nominations (Emmys, Golden Globes, BAFTAs) for both his acting and producing work.

Jordan’s legacy is as a performer who effortlessly combines commercial appeal with artistically ambitious and socially resonant projects, all while serving as a business leader advancing representation behind the camera.

The enduring collaborations of Michael B. Jordan — especially with Ryan Coogler — have resulted in culturally significant films that highlight Black experiences, while his producing and mentoring efforts strive to pave the way for the next generation of filmmakers and actors.