Chris Jackson

Born Christopher Neal Jackson on September 30, 1975, in Cairo, Illinois, Jackson developed an early interest in performing, encouraged by his high school teachers. After graduating from Cairo High School in 1993, he pursued formal training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. His professional career began in 1995 with the Off-Broadway musical “Time and the Wind.” He made his Broadway debut in 1997 as an ensemble member and understudy for Simba in Disney’s “The Lion King,” a role he eventually took over in 2000.

Jackson continued to build his career with a string of notable theater performances, receiving critical acclaim and awards. He originated the role of Benny in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical “In the Heights,” first Off-Broadway in 2007 and then on Broadway in 2008. This collaboration marked a significant turning point in his career, leading to further work with Miranda, including the iconic role of George Washington in the Broadway sensation “Hamilton.” For his performance as George Washington, which he originated in 2015 and concluded in 2016, Jackson earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. His work extends beyond the stage, encompassing film, television, and music composition. He provided the singing voice for Chief Tui in Disney’s “Moana” (2016) and starred as Chunk Palmer in the CBS television drama “Bull” from 2016 to 2022. Additionally, Jackson has received a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Song for his work on “Sesame Street.”

Beyond his performances, Jackson actively contributes as a composer, writing music for various artists and television programs. He is also a member of the hip-hop group Freestyle Love Supreme and an advocate for KultureCity, a nonprofit supporting individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities, driven by his personal experience as the father of a child with autism. His career demonstrates a sustained commitment to diverse artistic endeavors and community engagement.