Lamar Johnson

Lamar Johnson was born on July 18, 1994, in Toronto, Canada. He developed an early passion for dance, becoming a self-taught dancer before receiving formal training at the Canadian School of Dance. His career began with several minor roles before he gained prominence as West, a hip-hop dancer, in the popular Canadian dance drama series ‘The Next Step,’ which aired from 2013 to 2019, appearing in 120 episodes. This foundational role established him as a talented performer capable of both dance and acting.

Johnson’s acting career expanded significantly with roles in notable films and television series. In 2018, he played Seven Carter in the critically acclaimed American drama film ‘The Hate U Give.’ He also joined the Marvel franchise, appearing as Match in ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’ in 2019. His television work continued with a role as Kofi Jones in the series ‘Your Honor’ from 2020 to 2021, spanning 5 episodes. A significant milestone came in 2022 when he starred as Michael in the film ‘Brother,’ a performance for which he won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Lead Performance in a Film in 2023. His role as Henry Burrell in HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ in 2023 earned him a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, further solidifying his standing in the industry. Johnson continues to take on diverse roles, with upcoming projects including ‘The Wilderness’ (2025) and ‘The Abandons’ (2025).

Throughout his career, Johnson has been recognized for his contributions to film and television. In 2024, he was co-awarded the Radius Award at the 12th Canadian Screen Awards, alongside Devery Jacobs, acknowledging his impact and reach in the entertainment industry. His journey from a self-taught dancer to an Emmy-nominated actor highlights his dedication and talent, positioning him as a respected figure in contemporary acting.