Brandon T. Jackson
seen in Tropic Thunder, Roll Bounce, Percy Jackson & Big Momma's House
Feb. 08 - 7:30, 9:30 | Feb. 09 - 7:30, 9:30
West Valley City ➨ Get DirectionsBio
While most kids growing up in Detroit, Michigan found school to be dull and unbearable, Brandon T. Jackson somehow managed to laugh his way through it. Comedy was the perfect outlet to get through all of life's drama. Jackson held the title of “class clown" and grew his passion for comedy and acting by doing talent shows and performing at youth nights at his father's church. By age 14, Jackson's career as a stand‑up comic evolved from local school shows to community projects such as the Motor City Youth Festival.
Brandon T. Jackson took an internship at local Detroit radio station 93.1 FM and soon found himself as a guest host at 105.9 FM. As his audiences grew so did his hunger to become the funniest young comedian. He began to get calls to open up and work with comedians such as Chris Tucker and Wayne Brady. Jackson delivered side splitting performances at New York City's Showtime at the Apollo and BET's Comic View. It was only a matter of time before his life would completely change.
After Jackson's hilarious performances at New York City's Showtime at the Apollo and BET's Comic View, the 20‑year‑old actor/comedian was cast in his first major movie role as Bow Wow's (X) best friend, Junior. The film, Roll Bounce was directed by Malcolm Lee (The Rucker, Undercover Brother, The Best Man) and also featured Chi McBride, Nick Cannon, Khleo Thomas, Mike Epps, and Meagan Good. In 2006 Jackson launched and Hosted the Teens of Comedy Tour presented by BET featuring Lil JJ’ and the nations funniest teenage comedians. Jackson also hosted concert tours for young music idols such as Chris Brown, Ne-Yo and T-Pain. This summer Jackson has a major role in Ben Stiller’s “Tropic Thunder” which also stars Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black.
Jackson, who is one of seven siblings, credits his sense of humor to his dad, Bishop Wayne T. Jackson. As if he didn't have enough pressure, his mother also serves as the Pastor of their church. Jackson's comedic inspiration comes from top comedians such as Sinbad, Martin Lawrence, and Chris Rock. Growing up, Jackson saw both sides of life. He had one foot in the suburbs and the other in the inner city. Much of his material touches upon politics, the ups and downs of being young, dating, God, and just about any issue.
Communicating to and motivating youth is a mission etched in his heart. When he is not doing movies and performing in comedy clubs and television, Jackson is reaching back to his own contemporaries. "I've gone through the same typical stuff most kids go through. I want to help kids see beyond the same mess that continues to oppress us. I want them to take their lives to the next level in every aspect. Young people need direction and I want to use my talents to do just that."
Over the past few years Brandon T. Jackson created and hosted his own sketch comedy special for the N Channel “The Brandon T Jackson Show” and appeared as series regular on MTV’s “Wild N Out” with Nick Cannon. The movie version of the Teens of Comedy Tour is currently in development and he just completed filming “Fast and Furious IV” featuring Vin Diesel.
Jackson aspires to become one of the funniest man in America, and hopes to reshape the world of comedy into one that inspires, teaches, and uplifts people.