Brief Introduction of Michael B. Jordan
Michael Bakari Jordan, an American actor, producer, and director, has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most compelling and versatile talents. Born on February 9, 1987, Jordan gained initial recognition for his impactful roles in critically acclaimed television series before making a significant transition to film. He is widely celebrated for his powerful performances, particularly as Oscar Grant in Fruitvale Station, the titular boxer Adonis Creed in the Creed franchise, and the formidable antagonist Erik Killmonger in Marvel’s blockbuster Black Panther. Jordan’s career is marked by a consistent dedication to his craft, often collaborating with director Ryan Coogler, and his growing influence extends to producing and directing, with his directorial debut in Creed III. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Michael B. Jordan is also known for his commitment to social change and advocacy for inclusion and diversity in the entertainment industry.

Michael B. Jordan Overview
Attribute | Detail |
---|---|
Full Name | Michael Bakari Jordan |
Date of Birth | February 9, 1987 |
Age (as of August 23, 2025) | 38 years old |
Place of Birth | Santa Ana, California, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Height | 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m) |
Profession | Actor, Producer, Director, Model |
Parents | Michael A. Jordan (father), Donna Jordan (mother) |
Siblings | Jamila Jordan-Theus (older sister), Khalid Jordan (younger brother) |
Relationship Status (as of 2025) | Single; prioritizes career and privacy |
Children | None publicly known |
Net Worth (as of 2025) | $50 million |
Early Life and Education of Michael B. Jordan
Michael Bakari Jordan was born on February 9, 1987, in Santa Ana, Orange County, California, to Donna and Michael A. Jordan. His family resided in Santa Ana for the first two years of his life before relocating to Newark, New Jersey, where he spent his formative years. Jordan grew up in a neighborhood he described as “tough,” grappling with challenges like gangs and drugs, but he managed to remain focused by channeling his energy into his interests.
He has an older sister, Jamila Jordan-Theus, and a younger brother, Khalid Jordan. His parents, Michael A. Jordan, who started a catering business, and Donna Jordan, a former guidance counselor and teacher, were instrumental in shaping his work ethic and providing a strong foundation. Donna Jordan even worked as a teacher at Newark Arts High School, which Michael attended and from which he graduated in 2005. During his high school years, he actively participated in basketball.
Jordan’s foray into the entertainment industry began at a young age, starting as a child model around the age of ten or twelve. He appeared in local advertisements for companies like Modell’s Sporting Goods and Toys “R” Us, which eventually led him to audition for commercials and television roles, marking the genesis of his acting career.
Michael B. Jordan’s Career
Early Career and Television Breakthroughs
Michael B. Jordan launched his professional acting career in 1999, securing brief appearances in episodes of iconic television series such as Cosby and the sopranos. His first principal film role came in 2001 in the movie Hardball, where he starred alongside Keanu Reeves. A pivotal moment arrived in 2002 when he garnered significant attention for his small yet crucial role as Wallace, a teenage drug dealer, in the first season of HBO’s critically acclaimed crime drama, The Wire. This role proved to be a “game-changer,” inspiring him to take acting more seriously.
Following this, Jordan became a regular cast member on the ABC soap opera All My Children from 2003 to 2006, where he portrayed Reggie Montgomery. During his three-year tenure on the show, he earned three NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series. His television career continued to flourish with notable roles, including as high school quarterback Vince Howard in the NBC sports drama series Friday Night Lights from 2009 to 2011. He also portrayed Alex, a character with a troubled past, on Parenthood from 2010 to 2011.
Rise to Prominence and Major Film Works
Jordan’s breakthrough into film stardom arrived in 2013 with his critically acclaimed performance as Oscar Grant in Ryan Coogler’s drama Fruitvale Station. His portrayal of Grant, who was tragically killed by a transit police officer, earned him widespread critical acclaim, with some critics comparing him to “a young Denzel Washington“. This role established him as an “actor to watch” and a breakout star.
He then collaborated with Coogler again in 2015, starring as Adonis “Donnie” Creed, the son of boxer Apollo Creed, in the successful Rocky spin-off film Creed. Jordan underwent a year of rigorous physical training and a strict diet for the role, performing his fight scenes without a body double. He reprised this role in Creed II (2018) and, significantly, made his directorial debut with Creed III in 2023.
Another career-defining role came in 2018 when he played the antagonist Erik Killmonger in Marvel’s blockbuster Black Panther, also directed by Ryan Coogler. His complex portrayal of the villain earned him further praise and cemented his status as a leading man in Hollywood. He also reprised his role in the sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). Other notable films include the science-fiction movie Chronicle (2012), That Awkward Moment (2014), Fantastic Four (2015), Just Mercy (2019), where he portrayed attorney Bryan Stevenson, and the action-thriller Without Remorse (2021). Looking ahead, Jordan is set to star in Sinners in 2025, another collaboration with Ryan Coogler.
Producing and Directing Endeavors
Beyond acting, Michael B. Jordan has expanded his influence as a producer and director. He established his own production company, Outlier Society Productions. Through Outlier Society, he has co-produced projects like the animated series Gen:Lock (2019), the HBO film Fahrenheit 451 (2018), and the legal drama Just Mercy (2019). The company is notably committed to social change, advocating for inclusion and diversity in the film industry, and was an early adopter of the inclusion rider policy. This initiative aims to increase representation both in front of and behind the camera.
Michael B. Jordan Personal Life & Family
Michael B. Jordan maintains a close-knit relationship with his family, crediting his parents and siblings for having a significant impact on who he is. He is the middle child of Donna and Michael A. Jordan, with an older sister, Jamila Jordan-Theus, and a younger brother, Khalid Jordan. His family moved from California to Newark, New Jersey, when he was two years old, and he considers himself an “East Coaster”. The family even starred together in a holiday campaign for Coach in 2020, highlighting their strong bond. Jordan has also publicly shared his close relationship with his mother, Donna, and once humorously apologized to her for a steamy Calvin Klein ad.
As of 2025, Michael B. Jordan is single and places a high value on keeping his personal life private, especially concerning his relationships. He previously had a high-profile relationship with model and entrepreneur Lori Harvey, which lasted approximately a year and a half, from late 2020 until their amicable split in June 2022. Since then, he has focused on his career and social justice work, reflecting on the challenges of dating while managing a demanding career. While there have been rumors linking him to actress Taylor Russell in March 2025, particularly as they are set to co-star and he is directing The Thomas Crown Affair, neither party has officially confirmed a romantic relationship. He has no publicly known children.
Jordan has resided in Los Angeles since 2006 and, as of 2018, lived with his parents in a Sherman Oaks home he purchased in 2016. He grew up in a religious household and identifies as spiritual. He is also an avid fan of anime, frequently citing series like Naruto: Shippuden and the Dragon Ball franchise as his favorites. Furthermore, he is a lifelong supporter of the New York Giants and became a part-owner of the English football club AFC Bournemouth in December 2022.

Awards and Achievements of Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan’s talent and dedication have been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career. These include:
- Named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time magazine in both 2020 and 2023.
- Awarded People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2020.
- Ranked 15th on The New York Times’ list of the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century in 2020.
- Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 1, 2023.
- Won multiple NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series for All My Children and numerous others for his film performances.
- Won MTV Movie & TV Awards for Best Villain for his role as Erik Killmonger in Black Panther (2018). He also received nominations for Best Male Performance and Breakthrough Performance.
- Recipient of a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for Black Panther (2019).
- His performance in Fruitvale Station (2013) garnered him critical acclaim and various nominations, including the Gotham Award for Breakthrough Actor and the National Board of Review Award for Breakthrough Actor.
- Nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie as a producer for Fahrenheit 451 (2018).
- Received the Rainmaker Award at the 2016 Maui Film Festival.
Michael B. Jordan Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Michael B. Jordan’s net worth is estimated to be $50 million. His income is primarily generated from his multifaceted career as a successful actor, producer, and director.
Jordan has commanded significant salaries for his leading roles in major film franchises and productions. For instance, he reportedly earned between $3 million and $4 million for his role in Creed II (2018). His compensation saw a substantial boost for his role in 2021’s Without Remorse, where he reportedly made $15 million. Beyond acting, his income sources include his work as an executive producer through his company, Outlier Society Productions, and his recent venture into directing with Creed III. Endorsement deals and partnerships also contribute to his overall wealth.
Legacy and Influence
Michael B. Jordan’s legacy in Hollywood is rapidly growing, marked by his profound impact on the industry and his dedication to social change. He has emerged as a leading voice advocating for diversity and inclusion, challenging traditional norms within the entertainment sector. Through his production company, Outlier Society Productions, Jordan championed the implementation of inclusion riders, a contractual provision requiring diverse hiring on film and television sets. This commitment aims to create more equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups both in front of and behind the camera.
Jordan’s choice of roles often reflects his interest in social justice, portraying complex characters that spark meaningful conversations, such as Oscar Grant in Fruitvale Station and Bryan Stevenson in Just Mercy. He articulates a desire for his artistic contributions to be part of a broader pursuit of justice, embodying the role of an “artist citizen”. His influence extends beyond the screen, as he has been recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in both 2020 and 2023, underscoring his significant public image and ability to galvanize audiences. He is seen as a role model for aspiring actors and filmmakers, particularly those of color, inspiring them to break barriers and pursue their dreams.
Interesting Facts about Michael B. Jordan
- The “B” in Michael B. Jordan stands for Bakari, which means “promising” in Swahili.
- He is an ardent fan of anime, with Naruto: Shippuden and the Dragon Ball franchise being among his favorites. He has even referenced anime in his social media responses.
- Jordan initially wanted to be a basketball player during his childhood, and he played the sport at Newark Arts High School.
- Despite his success, he lived with his parents in a Sherman Oaks home he purchased, even after becoming a prominent actor. He famously responded to a tweet implying he was 5’9″ and lived with his parents by stating, “First of all I’m 6ft and they live with ME. Put some respeck on my name. LOL… aaaand goku & naruto are real ones.”.
- He is a lifelong supporter of the NFL’s New York Giants.
- In December 2022, Michael B. Jordan became a part-owner of the English Premier League football club AFC Bournemouth.
- He once joked about having to apologize to his mother after his steamy Calvin Klein ad was released, saying his “business all out in the streets — literally.”.
- Jordan has expressed a desire to expand his entrepreneurial ventures beyond acting and producing, including potentially owning restaurants and hotels.
Controversies
Michael B. Jordan’s career has largely been free of major controversies or scandals. Any public discussions typically revolve around his performances or minor social media interactions rather than significant personal or professional challenges.
One notable, albeit lighthearted, “controversy” involved a viral tweet questioning his height and living situation. Jordan quickly and humorously responded, clarifying that he is 6 feet tall and that his parents live with him, not the other way around. Another instance involved his Calvin Klein advertising campaign, for which he playfully apologized to his mother, Donna Jordan, due to its steamy nature. These instances highlight his ability to engage with public discourse in a charming and respectful manner. His focus remains largely on his craft and his philanthropic efforts to create positive change within the industry.
Social Media Presence
Michael B. Jordan maintains a significant and active presence across social media platforms, connecting with his vast fanbase. As of August 7, 2025, he has approximately 25.6 million followers on Instagram (@michaelbjordan
). While specific August 2025 follower counts for his Twitter (now X) account were not precisely available in the search results, he actively uses the platform to share updates about his projects, engage with fans, and voice his support for various causes. His online presence underscores his status as a contemporary celebrity who effectively utilizes digital channels to amplify his work and personal brand.
Final Words about Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan stands as a testament to talent, perseverance, and conscious leadership in Hollywood. From his early days as a child model and television actor, he meticulously built a career defined by compelling performances and a keen eye for impactful storytelling. His pivotal roles in Fruitvale Station, the Creed series, and Black Panther have not only cemented his status as a box office draw but also as a critically acclaimed artist capable of profound characterizations.
Looking forward, Jordan continues to evolve, expanding his influence through his production company, Outlier Society Productions, which remains dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in the industry. His directorial debut with Creed III signals a new chapter in his creative journey, showcasing his versatility and ambition. With upcoming projects like Sinners in 2025, Michael B. Jordan’s future in film promises continued growth and groundbreaking work. His commitment to social justice, coupled with his undeniable talent, ensures that his legacy will be one of both artistic excellence and meaningful impact, inspiring generations to come.