Michael Rainey Jr. is a talented American actor who has gained widespread recognition for his exceptional performances in numerous films and television shows. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, and raised in Staten Island, New York from the age of one, this rising star has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Michael Rainey Jr parents, Michael Rainey Sr. and Shauna Small, played significant roles in shaping his life and career. His father, an American native of New York, is a businessman by profession. On the other hand, his mother, who has Jamaican roots, runs a health and beauty products business. Through his mother, Michael Rainey Jr. connects with his Jamaican ancestry, which has greatly influenced his upbringing and cultural identity.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Early Years
Michael Rainey Jr. was born on September 22, 2000, in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. Shortly after his birth, Rainey Jr. and his parents, Michael Rainey Sr. and Shauna Small, moved to Staten Island, New York. His mother, who is of Jamaican descent, played a significant role in his upbringing, even homeschooling the young actor during his youth.
Parental Influence
Both Rainey Jr.’s American father and Jamaican mother have been essential pillars in his acting career, which started at a young age. Michael Rainey Sr. and Shauna Small provided support and nurtured their son’s talent as he grew up in Staten Island. Through their influence, Rainey Jr. was able to take on roles in various television series and films, eventually gaining widespread recognition for his role as Tariq St Patrick in the television series Power and Power Book II: Ghost.
Acting Career
Early Roles
Michael Rainey Jr. started his acting career at the young age of 10, when he appeared in the film “Un Altro Mondo.” He continued to build his resume with roles in various projects such as “Luv” and the comedy film “Barbershop: The Next Cut.”
Breakthrough Role in Power
Rainey Jr.’s big break came when he was cast as Tariq St. Patrick in the Starz hit series “Power.” His character, Tariq, played a significant role throughout the series and gained him widespread recognition. In the series, he shared screen time with well-known actors, such as Omari Hardwick, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Naturi Naughton. Rainey Jr.’s performance was widely praised, and his net worth and salary began to grow as a result of his success in the series.
Stint in Orange Is the New Black
In addition to his role in “Power,” Michael Rainey Jr. had a guest role in the popular Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black.” He portrayed the character Michael Burset in a few episodes, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
With his continued success in the industry and his standout role in “Power Book II: Ghost,” Michael Rainey Jr.’s acting career shows no signs of slowing down.
Personal Life
Education and Interests
Michael Rainey Jr.’s mother, Shauna Small, has played a significant role in his education, homeschooling him during his youth. While not much has been disclosed regarding his higher education, Rainey Jr. has developed various interests outside of acting. He is known to enjoy basketball and video games in his free time. Additionally, Rainey Jr.’s mother is a health coach and owns a business in health and beauty, called “Relax Be Healthy,” which might have influenced his understanding of wellness and lifestyle choices.
Social Media Presence
As a rising star in the entertainment industry, Michael Rainey Jr. maintains an active presence on major social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. These platforms allow him to connect with his growing fan base and showcase snippets of his personal life, including moments from his travels and involvement with charitable organizations such as “Find and Feed,” an Indiana-based organization that cares for the homeless. Through social media, Rainey Jr. can share his interests, achievements, and fashionable taste with followers around the world.
Other Ventures
Organic Skincare Brand
Michael Rainey Jr.’s mother, Shauna Small, has ventured into the field of organic skincare. As a conscious advocate of healthy lifestyle choices, she developed her own line of natural beauty products. The brand continues to grow, providing quality skincare solutions to its customers, while also reflecting the family’s commitment to a balanced life.
Higher Level Talents, Inc
In addition to her skincare business, Shauna Small is also an entrepreneur in the field of education. She co-founded Higher Level Talents, Inc alongside her partner, Michael Rainey Sr. The organization aims to provide young individuals with access to high-quality educational resources and mentorship programs. The company has been an inspiration to many, including Michael Rainey Jr., who has witnessed how his parents’ hard work and dedication have turned their vision into reality.
Our Learning House, Inc, another venture founded by Small, focuses on fostering a supportive environment for children with special needs. This initiative demonstrates the Rainey family’s dedication to making a meaningful difference within their community.
Michael Rainey Jr parents have been instrumental in his success as an actor, helping him develop a strong foundation in the industry. Their collective efforts in the worlds of skincare, education, and mentorship showcase their commitment to cultivating successful ventures and offering guidance to the next generation. It is evident that the entrepreneurial spirit runs strong in the Rainey family – a testament to their dedication and resilience.
Trivia
Michael Rainey Jr. was born on September 22, 2000, in Louisville, Kentucky, to parents Michael Rainey Sr. and Shauna Small. He is of Jamaican descent through his mother. Although born in Kentucky, Rainey Jr. was raised in Staten Island, New York from the age of 1.
He began his acting career at the age of 10 with a role in the film “Un Altro Mundo.” As he continued to develop as an actor, Rainey Jr. was homeschooled by his mother, allowing him to focus on his craft. He currently stands at a height of 5’8″ (173 centimeters) and weighs approximately 149 pounds (68 kilograms).
During his career, Michael Rainey Jr. has worked with some prominent names in the entertainment industry. One notable project was his role in the 2013 film “The Butler,” directed by Lee Daniels. In this film, he had the opportunity to work alongside actors like Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey.
Michael’s work has caught the attention of both fans and critics alike. For his performance in “Amateur,” a 2018 sports drama, Rainey Jr. received praises from Charlie, a writer at Entertainment Weekly. The film was written and directed by Ryan Koo, providing Rainey with the opportunity to work alongside another recognized name in the industry.