Brandon T. Jackson
A dynamic American comedian and actor who brings grounded, hilarious heart to blockbuster adventures and sharp social comedies alike.
Born 1984 (age 42)·American actor and comedian·Birthday: March 7·Millennials
Biography
Brandon T. Jackson's career is a testament to comedic timing and authentic charisma. Hailing from Detroit, he honed his skills as a teenage stand-up, a background that informs every performance with a natural, conversational rhythm. He broke through in the roller-skating comedy 'Roll Bounce,' but it was his scene-stealing role as Alpa Chino, the rapper-turned-entrepreneur in 'Tropic Thunder,' that showcased his ability to deliver satire with perfect pitch. Jackson then anchored family-friendly franchises, bringing warmth and humor to the role of Grover Underwood in the 'Percy Jackson' films. He navigates seamlessly between broad studio comedies like 'Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son' and more nuanced television work, often playing characters whose humor stems from a place of recognizable, street-smart reality. His presence guarantees an injection of energy, whether he's the loyal best friend or the motor-mouthed hustler, always finding the humanity and the joke within the archetype.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Brandon was born in 1984, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Brandon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Brandon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Delivered a standout comedic performance as rapper Alpa Chino in the ensemble satire 'Tropic Thunder.'
- Played the fan-favorite role of Grover Underwood in both 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians' feature film adaptations.
- Starred as the lead in the television series 'Deadbeat,' playing a reluctant medium navigating the afterlife.
- Broke out with a featured role in the 2005 coming-of-age film 'Roll Bounce,' establishing his comedic screen persona.
Did You Know?
He began performing stand-up comedy professionally at the age of 14.
His father, also named Brandon Jackson, is a pastor and former mayor of the small city of Highland Park, Michigan.
He is a practicing Christian and has spoken about his faith in interviews.
He provided the voice for the character of Cleveland Brown Jr. in later seasons of 'The Cleveland Show.'
“I'm from Detroit, so I learned to be funny just to survive the dinner table.”
