Biography
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. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide