A native of Detroit, MI, and the son of Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, Brandon T. Jackson developed an affinity and a knack for comedic antics early in life -- which reportedly helped him survive the monotony and boredom of school and ultimately convinced him to pursue a career as a standup comic-cum-actor. He parlayed his ambition into a series of behind-the-mike routines at local community and church events (including the Motor City Youth Festival), then accepted a role in the teen-oriented urban drama Nikita Blues (which, not coincidentally, was executive produced by his father), and in the early 2000s moved to Los Angeles, essaying a series of bit parts in A-list features including Ali (2001), 8 Mile (2002), and Roll Bounce (2005). Jackson subsequently rose to supporting billing with his turn in the filmmaking-themed farce Tropic Thunder (2008), starring Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, and Ben Stiller, and directed by Stiller.
Brandon T. Jackson
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- Born to pastors, he started performing comedy shows during youth nights at his family's church.
- At age 14, he was performing at larger community events, such as the Motor City Youth Festival, and began performing stand-up at the age of 15.
- Moved to L.A. after graduating high school and was discovered during a performance at the Laugh Factory.
- Has opened for such stars as Chris Tucker and Wayne Brady.
- Won Best Breakthrough Performance at the 2006 Black Reel Awards for his portrayal of Junior in the 2005 comedy Roll Bounce.
- In 2014, captained the black team in a filming of Wild 'N Out, on which he was previously a cast member.
- In a partnership with BET, Jackson launched the Teens of Comedy Tour, which showcases some of the nation's funniest teenage comedians.