Jason Raize
A bright talent who brought the king of the Pride Lands to life on Broadway before his advocacy for the environment and tragic early death.
1975–2004 (age 29)·American actor and singer·Birthday: July 20·Generation X
Biography
Jason Raize's story is one of meteoric rise and profound legacy cut short. Born Jason Rothenberg, he adopted his stage name and found his calling in musical theater. His big break was monumental: originating the role of the adult Simba in the Broadway production of 'The Lion King.' From 1997, he commanded the stage at the New Amsterdam Theatre, his powerful voice and presence helping to define one of the most successful shows in history. This led to voice work for Disney, most notably as Denahi in 'Brother Bear.' His passion, however, extended beyond performance. Deeply concerned about conservation, he became a UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador, traveling to Africa to work on wildlife issues. His commitment was heartfelt and active. His death in 2004 at age 28 sent shockwaves through the theatrical and environmental communities, leaving behind the memory of a performer with a radiant stage aura and a genuine drive to make a difference in the world.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Jason was born in 1975, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jason Was Born
The biggest hits of 1975
#1 Movie
Jaws
Best Picture
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Jason's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1975Born
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1980Started school
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1988Became a teenager
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1991Could drive
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1993Could vote
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1996Turned 21
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Died at 29
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
Key Achievements
- Originated the role of the adult Simba in the original Broadway production of Disney's 'The Lion King,' a performance he held from 1997.
- Served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), focusing on youth and wildlife conservation.
- Voiced the character Denahi, the older brother, in the Disney animated film 'Brother Bear' (2003).
- Performed in the national touring company of the musical 'Rent.'
Did You Know?
He was a trained martial artist and held a black belt in Taekwondo.
Raize was an avid surfer and outdoor enthusiast.
He performed a concert at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in 2003.
His stage name 'Raize' was inspired by the word 'raise,' as in to lift up.
“The stage is a wilderness where you must find your own roar.”
