RJ Cyler
An actor with a magnetic, offbeat charm who brings depth and authenticity to every role, from indie dramas to blockbuster reboots.
Born 1995 (age 31)·American actor·Birthday: March 21·Millennials
Biography
RJ Cyler emerged from Jacksonville, Florida, with a natural comedic timing and an emotional transparency that immediately set him apart. His breakout role in the Sundance favorite 'Me and Earl and the Dying Girl' introduced audiences to his unique ability to balance sharp wit with profound vulnerability. He didn't fade into indie obscurity; instead, he leaped into the mainstream as the Blue Ranger in the 'Power Rangers' reboot, bringing a grounded neurodiversity to a classic character. Cyler chooses projects that allow him to explore complex young men, whether in the gritty western 'The Harder They Fall' or the tense social thriller 'Emergency,' which earned him a Special Jury Award at Sundance. His performances are marked by a specific, lived-in realism—he never seems to be acting, but rather existing within a scene, which makes his characters instantly relatable and unforgettable.
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.
RJ was born in 1995, 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 RJ Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
RJ's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
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
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Received critical acclaim for his debut film role as Earl in 'Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,' which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance in 2015.
- Starred as Billy Cranston, the Blue Ranger, in the 2017 Hollywood blockbuster 'Power Rangers'.
- Won a Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival for the film 'Emergency'.
- Played a significant supporting role in the star-studded Netflix western 'The Harder They Fall,' directed by Jeymes Samuel.
Did You Know?
He is a self-taught drummer.
He originally auditioned for the role of Greg in 'Me and Earl and the Dying Girl' but was cast as Earl instead.
He has a twin brother named K.J.
He is an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about his own experiences.
“I don't just play a role; I find the person inside the lines.”
