JASON WEAVER

Name, Age & Origins

Jason Michael Weaver (stage name J‑Weav) was born on July 18, 1979, in Chicago, Illinois. As of 2025, he is 45 years old, a proud native of Chicago's South Side .

Early Life & Family

Jason is the son of Marilyn “Kitty” Haywood, a revered Chicago-area vocalist who performed alongside legends like Aretha Franklin, and Robert Lincoln Weaver . He attended Thornwood High School, where his artistic passions—both acting and singing—first took flight .

Acting Debut & Rise to Fame

Jason launched his on-screen journey at the age of 11, with his earliest credited role on the Oprah Winfrey-produced series Brewster Place in 1990 . He quickly demonstrated remarkable range, portraying a young Michael Jackson in the 1992 ABC miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream—a role that garnered him a Young Artist Award . He continued to shine on TV with roles in sitcoms Thea (1993–94) and the popular Smart Guy (1997–99), playing Jerome Turrell and Marcus Henderson, respectively .

Iconic Voice Work

One of Jason’s signature achievements was as the singing voice of young Simba in Disney’s 1994 animated blockbuster The Lion King—delivering unforgettable performances like “Hakuna Matata” and “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” . Notably, rather than accepting a $2 million buyout, he smartly agreed to a royalty-based contract, which ultimately earned him double-platinum success over the years .

Film Career & Musical Collaborations

Following his Disney success, Weaver expanded into film, appearing in Drumline (2002), The Ladykillers (2004), ATL (2006), and Lottery Ticket (2010) . Musically, he dropped a Motown album titled Love Ambition in 1995 and collaborated with rapper Chingy on the 2004 hit “One Call Away”, which reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 .

Recent Projects & Life Today

Jason continues to pursue a dynamic, multi-genre career. He stars as Rashaad “Shaad” Marshall on The Chi and has appeared in shows like Black-ish and Let’s Stay Together . Off camera, he trained at Le Cordon Bleu during the 2007–08 recession to expand his skills beyond entertainment . He currently lives in Atlanta, and frequently returns to Chicago for roles and community work, including serving as grand marshal for the Bud Billiken Parade .

Personal Life & Legacy

Jason is married to Myra Weaver and they share a son named Jaylen . With a net worth estimated at $4 million, he stands as a testament to artistic longevity and savvy—turning childhood breakthroughs into lifelong achievements . Beyond talent, he remains a vocal supporter of Chicago, actively promoting local culture, restaurants, and community initiatives .