Michael Jai White Biography

Fast Facts

• For his role in "Spawn," he received a nomination for the Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Best Male Newcomer
• Received a nomination for the Black Reel Award for Best Screenplay, Original or Adapted for his work on "Black Dynamite․"
• Graduated with honors from high school, but in college he jumped around to several universities such as UCONN and S․C․S․U while switching majors often from political science to communications to engineering
• Did not like bullies in school, so he would oftentimes seek them out, earning a reputation as one of the toughest kids in the area
• At age 14, he was often mistaken for an adult and began making money teaching Karate at the local YMCA, competing in fighting tournaments, and dancing in contests
• Quote: "The actor has a responsibility to teach his audience the truth while standing in the shoes of the character he is playing at the time․ Done correctly, acting can teach people about themselves as well as others․"
• After landing several small roles in commercials and soaps, he decided to pursue a career in acting with the blessing of his junior high students, moving to L․A․ in 1992
• Taught emotionally troubled junior high students for three years and believes that this was his greatest life achievement