Trevor Jackson (performer)
Trevor Howard Lawrence Jackson (born August 30, 1996) is an American actor and singer. He is best known for portraying Aaron Jackson on Freeform original series Grown-ish, Kevin Blake on Syfy original series Eureka,[1][2] Kris McDuffy on Disney Channel's television movie Let It Shine,[3] and Kevin LaCroix on American Crime. Other notable appearances include Broadway musical The Lion King, where he played the Young Simba, and television guest star roles on both Cold Case and Harry's Law. In 2012, he won the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series.[4] In 2018, he starred as the lead of the crime drama film Superfly as Priest.
Trevor Jackson
Trevor Howard Lawrence Jackson
August 30, 1996
Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
- Actor
- rapper
- singer
- songwriter
- dancer
2006–present
- Born Art
- Yung Fly Movement Music Group
- EMPIRE
Early life[edit]
Jackson was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, the younger of two sons of Cam Baxter and Kevin Jackson. Although he comes from a family interested in basketball, at age eight he decided that he would rather work in the entertainment industry.[5] He honed his talents at local venues, performing both within his hometown and nationally, including a dance routine on Showtime at the Apollo. In 2004, the eight-year-old Jackson won the role of Young Simba on the national tour of The Lion King musical, with which he remained.
Career[edit]
2010–11: Career beginnings and Eureka[edit]
Following his run with The Lion King, he transitioned from Broadway to the small screen appearing as a guest star in an episode of Cold Case in 2010.[6] From 2010 to 2012 he played Kevin Blake in the final two seasons of Eureka.[6] In early 2011, Jackson joined a "behind the scene" group with several up and coming music artist at the time known as "Before 2012." This didn't last long as success tore the group apart before it ever went mainstream. In August 2011, continued his run on TV starring in an episode of Harry's Law for which he won the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series for his role of Willie Blue.[7] Jackson later appeared as a guest star on the Disney Channel television show Austin & Ally.[6]
Artistry[edit]
Jackson cites Michael Jackson, Gregory Hines, Donny Hathaway, Brian McKnight, and the Nicholas Brothers as his biggest musical influences.[5]
Jackson aimed for his debut album to serve as a cohesive unit, saying it was his goal to "make an album that is not just a bunch of singles, but an album that can be listened to from top to bottom."[17] Conversely, he also "wanted every song to say something, to be an experience."[5]
Philanthropy[edit]
Jackson supported Snoop Dogg's anti-violence "No Guns Allowed" campaign by releasing his own cover of Snoop Lion's single "No Guns Allowed", in March 2013.[18] In April 2013, Jackson volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Chicago.[19] Jackson participated in the Strike Out Cystic Fibrosis's Bowling Charity Event on July 29, 2013.[20] Jackson hosted the Duffy's Hope 11th Annual Teen Youth Empowerment Summit in Dover, Delaware on August 3, 2013. The organization helps provide youth with mentoring, health, education and more.[21] Jackson has also worked with NBA Cares and The League of Young Voters Education Fund.[22]