Kelvin Harrison Jr Biography: Kelvin Harrison Jr. born July 23, 1994 is an American actor recognized for his acclaimed performances in both film and television. Over the course of his career, he has earned several honors, including a Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as nominations for a British Academy Film Award, a Gotham Award, and an Independent Spirit Award.
Kelvin Harrison Jr Biography
Kelvin Harrison Jr. born July 23, 1994 is an American actor who began his film career with minor roles in Ender’s Game and 12 Years a Slave, both released in 2013. He had his breakout role as Travis in the 2017 psychological horror film It Comes at Night. In 2019, he earned widespread recognition for his performances in Luce and Waves. For Luce, he was nominated for Best Male Lead at the Independent Spirit Awards, and for Waves, he received a Rising Star nomination at the British Academy Film Awards.
Kelvin Harrison Jr Biography 2025 Details
| Born | July 23, 1994
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
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|---|---|
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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Kelvin Harrison Jr Achievements
He began acting with minor roles in Ender’s Game and 12 Years a Slave, both released in 2013. His breakout role came in 2017, portraying Travis in the psychological horror film It Comes at Night. Harrison received widespread acclaim in 2019 for his performances in Luce and Waves, which significantly raised his profile. His later work includes roles in The High Note (2020), The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020), Cyrano (2021), and Elvis (2022). In 2022, he starred in the title role of Chevalier.
About Kelvin Harrison Jr
Kelvin Harrison Jr. is an American actor. He is the recipient of such accolades as a Screen Actors Guild Award and nominations for a British Academy Film Award, Gotham Award, an Independent Spirit Award. He began his career with small roles in the 2013 films Ender’s Game and 12 Years a Slave.
Kelvin Harrison Jr Wiki
- Born: 23 July 1994 (age 30 years), New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Height: 1.7 m
- Parents: Shirlita Harrison, Kelvin Harrison Sr.
Early Life and Education
Harrison was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, to musicians Shirlita and Kelvin Harrison. He spent his early years in the Garden District before relocating to the Westbank. Initially, he pursued studies in studio engineering and marketing before moving to Los Angeles to take acting classes and focus on a career in film. A talented musician, Harrison plays piano and trumpet, primarily in jazz and gospel styles, and is also a vocalist.
His musical background is rooted in his family—his father studied under Ellis Marsalis and was a peer of Harry Connick Jr. Kelvin himself trained with Jason Marsalis, recorded with Delfeayo Marsalis, and met Wynton Marsalis. He attended Isidore Newman School, where he was one of the few Black students and often felt out of place. At first, he enrolled at Loyola University New Orleans to study studio engineering, encouraged by his father’s belief in his musical talent.
Career
Kelvin Harrison Jr. was cast in Ender’s Game, an adaptation of the 1985 novel. Initially given a small part, he was later upgraded to a day-player role, allowing him to work alongside renowned actors like Viola Davis, Harrison Ford, and Ben Kingsley. He credits Davis with inspiring him to take acting more seriously. Following that, he appeared in a minor role in 12 Years a Slave.
Harrison went on to feature in WGN America’s Underground and the 2016 remake of Roots, both filmed in his home state of Louisiana. That same year, he also had a small part in Nate Parker’s The Birth of a Nation. He was initially reluctant to take on the role in Roots, as it marked his fourth portrayal of an enslaved character, and he had unpleasant memories of the original series from childhood. However, he later came to appreciate how different the new adaptation was.
Kelvin Harrison Jr Net Worth 2025
While there’s no publicly available information on Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s exact net worth in 2025, it’s safe to say he has a substantial net worth built from his successful acting career. He’s known for his work in films and television, and has received recognition for his performances, including a Screen Actors Guild Award and nominations for other prestigious awards. As a prominent actor, his net worth would be attributed to his earnings from acting, as well as any other related ventures, like endorsements or investments.
FAQs
What was Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s first major acting role?
Kelvin Harrison Jr. had his breakthrough performance in the 2017 horror film It Comes at Night, where he played the role of Travis. Although he had smaller roles earlier in Ender’s Game and 12 Years a Slave, this film marked his rise to critical attention.
What musical instruments does Kelvin Harrison Jr. play?
Kelvin Harrison Jr. is an accomplished musician who plays the piano and trumpet, with a focus on jazz and gospel. He also has vocal training, reflecting his strong musical upbringing.
How did Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s upbringing influence his career?
Growing up in a family of musicians in New Orleans, Harrison was deeply influenced by music from a young age. His father’s connections to the Marsalis family and other prominent musicians helped shape his artistic sensibilities, which later informed both his music and acting careers.
Where did Kelvin Harrison Jr. go to college?
Harrison first attended Loyola University New Orleans to study studio engineering, but later transferred to the University of New Orleans to pursue film studies. His goal was to eventually write and direct his own movies.
Who trained Kelvin Harrison Jr. in music?
Harrison was trained by several renowned jazz musicians. His father studied with Ellis Marsalis and grew up alongside Harry Connick Jr. Kelvin himself studied under Jason Marsalis, recorded with Delfeayo Marsalis, and met Wynton Marsalis.
What challenges did Kelvin Harrison Jr. face in school?
While attending Isidore Newman School, Harrison was one of the few Black students in his class. He faced challenges fitting in, which contributed to his later interest in storytelling and representation through film.