Who Is Jessie T. Usher?

Jessie T. Usher is an American actor who has built an impressive career spanning television and film. Born on February 29, 1992, in Silver Spring, Maryland, he is widely recognized for his role as Reggie Franklin, also known as A-Train, in the Amazon Prime Video series The Boys. His performance as the arrogant but conflicted speedster has made him a fan favorite in one of the most popular streaming shows of recent years.

Before his breakout role in The Boys, Usher had already established himself as a talented young actor. He starred in the Cartoon Network series Level Up and led the Starz comedy-drama Survivor's Remorse, which was executive produced by NBA superstar LeBron James. These roles showcased his range, from comedic timing to dramatic depth.

Usher has also made his mark on the big screen. He appeared in the blockbuster sequel Independence Day: Resurgence in 2016 and took on the lead role in the 2019 reboot of Shaft, playing the son of Samuel L. Jackson's iconic character. More recently, he demonstrated his versatility by starring in the psychological horror film Smile in 2022.

What sets Usher apart is his ability to move seamlessly between genres. Whether he is playing a superhero with questionable morals, a young man dealing with family legacy, or a victim of supernatural terror, he brings a grounded energy to every role. His career trajectory shows a steady climb from child actor to leading man.

Key Facts About Jessie T. Usher

Jessie Tacoma Usher Jr. was born on February 29, 1992, making him a leap day baby in Silver Spring, Maryland.
He showed interest in acting at age five after watching his sister Jesstia book a TV commercial.
His first acting job was an Oscar Mayer commercial, a classic starting point for many young performers.
His family moved to Los Angeles in 2003 to help further his acting career.
He graduated from high school at just 15 years old, showing remarkable academic focus.
He joined the Alpha Gamma Sigma honor society and studied culinary arts in community college.
His first professional TV role was in an episode of CBS's Without a Trace in 2005.
He appeared in an episode of Disney Channel's Hannah Montana in 2007.
He starred in the Cartoon Network film and series Level Up from 2011 to 2013.
He played the lead role of Cam Calloway in Survivor's Remorse from 2014 to 2017.
He joined The Boys cast in 2018 and has played A-Train since the show premiered in 2019.
He voiced a character in the 2013 documentary Teenage and appeared in the 2014 sports drama When the Game Stands Tall.

Early Life and Background

Jessie Tacoma Usher Jr. was born to Jessie T. Usher Sr. and Judith Usher in Silver Spring, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C. He grew up in a supportive household where creativity was encouraged. His interest in performing was sparked at a young age when he watched his older sister Jesstia book a television commercial. That moment planted a seed that would eventually grow into a full-fledged career.

At just five years old, Usher landed his first acting job in an Oscar Mayer commercial. This early success showed both his natural talent and his comfort in front of the camera. His parents recognized his potential and made the significant decision to relocate the family to Los Angeles in 2003. This move was designed to give young Jessie better access to auditions and industry opportunities.

Despite his acting commitments, Usher took his education seriously. He managed to graduate from high school at the remarkably young age of 15. This achievement demonstrated his discipline and ability to balance multiple responsibilities. After high school, he attended community college where he joined Alpha Gamma Sigma, a prestigious academic honor society, and pursued studies in culinary arts.

The culinary arts interest is an interesting side note to Usher's personality. It shows that he has creative passions beyond acting and that he values practical skills. This well-rounded approach to life has likely contributed to his grounded demeanor in an industry known for its pressures and excesses.

Career and Major Works

Television Breakthroughs

Usher's professional acting career began in 2005 with a guest appearance on the CBS drama Without a Trace. This was followed by a role on the hugely popular Disney Channel series Hannah Montana in 2007. These early television credits helped him gain valuable experience and visibility in the industry.

His first major starring role came in 2011 when he was cast in the Cartoon Network television film Level Up. The movie was successful enough to spawn a full television series, in which Usher reprised his role as Lyle Hugginson. The show ran for two seasons and helped establish him as a young actor capable of carrying a series.

In 2014, Usher landed what would become a defining role in his early career. He was cast as the lead in Survivor's Remorse, a comedy-drama series executive produced by LeBron James. The show, which premiered on Starz in October 2014, followed a young basketball player navigating fame and family obligations. Usher played Cam Calloway, the central character, and his performance earned critical praise over the show's four-season run.

Film Career

Usher began transitioning to film while still working on television. In 2013, he voiced the character American Boy in the documentary Teenage. The following year, he appeared in the sports drama When the Game Stands Tall, based on the true story of a high school football team's record-breaking winning streak.

His first major blockbuster role came in 2016 with Independence Day: Resurgence, the long-awaited sequel to the 1996 alien invasion classic. Usher played Dylan Hiller, the son of the character originally portrayed by Will Smith. While the film received mixed reviews, it exposed Usher to a massive global audience and demonstrated his ability to handle big-budget action roles.

In 2019, Usher took on another high-profile film role in Shaft, a sequel to the 2000 film of the same name. He played JJ Shaft, the son of Samuel L. Jackson's character and grandson of the original Shaft, played by Richard Roundtree. This three-generation family dynamic was a clever way to reboot the franchise, and Usher held his own alongside two legendary actors.

The Boys and Global Fame

In January 2018, it was announced that Usher had been cast as Reggie Franklin, also known as A-Train, in the Amazon Studios series The Boys. The show, based on the comic book by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, presents a dark and satirical take on the superhero genre. In this world, superheroes are corporate-controlled celebrities who often abuse their powers.

A-Train is a speedster who works for Vought International, the corporation that manages superheroes. He is arrogant, ambitious, and willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his status. However, as the series progresses, viewers see more complexity in the character. Usher's performance captures both A-Train's unlikeable qualities and his moments of vulnerability and regret.

The Boys premiered in July 2019 and quickly became one of Amazon's most popular original series. The show has been praised for its sharp social commentary, dark humor, and willingness to push boundaries. Usher's role as A-Train has made him a recognizable face to millions of viewers worldwide and has opened up new opportunities in his career.

Other Notable Projects

While The Boys has been his most prominent recent work, Usher has continued to take on diverse projects. In April 2020, he starred alongside Camila Mendes in the Netflix film Dangerous Lies. This thriller followed a young woman who becomes entangled in a web of secrets after discovering a large sum of money in the home of an elderly man she cares for.

In September 2022, Usher appeared in the psychological horror film Smile. The movie, which became a surprise box office hit, follows a therapist who encounters a mysterious entity that causes people to die with a disturbing smile on their faces. Usher's role in the film showed his willingness to explore different genres and his ability to contribute to ensemble casts.

These projects demonstrate Usher's strategic approach to his career. Rather than being typecast as a superhero actor, he has actively sought out roles in different genres. This versatility is essential for long-term success in Hollywood, where actors can easily become pigeonholed after playing a memorable character.

Personal Life and Legacy

Usher has kept his personal life relatively private compared to many celebrities. He was born on February 29, which means his actual birthday only comes around once every four years. This unique birth date has become a fun talking point in interviews and adds to his distinctive public persona.

His journey from a child actor in commercials to a leading man in major productions is inspiring for young performers. Usher's story shows that success in acting requires not just talent but also dedication, hard work, and the support of family. His parents' decision to move across the country to support his dreams was a significant sacrifice that paid off.

As The Boys continues to be a major hit, Usher's star is likely to keep rising. The show has been renewed for multiple seasons, ensuring that A-Train will remain a fixture in popular culture for years to come. Beyond that, Usher's growing filmography suggests he has a long and varied career ahead of him.

Usher represents a new generation of Black actors who are taking on diverse and complex roles in mainstream entertainment. From superheroes to horror victims to action heroes, he has shown that Black actors can lead projects across all genres. His success is part of a broader shift toward greater representation in Hollywood, and he serves as a role model for aspiring actors from similar backgrounds.

Jessie T. Usher: From Commercials to A-Train