Kelvin Harrison Jr. Bio
Kelvin Harrison Jr. (born July 23, 1994) is an American actor known for his dynamic performances and versatility across various genres. He has received significant accolades, including a Screen Actors Guild Award, and nominations for a British Academy Film Award, Gotham Award, and an Independent Spirit Award. Harrison began his career with minor roles in the 2013 films Ender’s Game and 12 Years a Slave, but gained widespread recognition for his breakthrough performance in the 2017 horror film It Comes at Night. His subsequent roles in films like Waves and The Trial of the Chicago 7 further established him as a prominent figure in contemporary cinema.
Early Life and Background
Kelvin Harrison Jr. was born on July 23, 1994, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to musicians Shirlita and Kelvin Harrison. He grew up in the Garden District and later moved to The Westbank, where he was exposed to music from an early age. Harrison studied studio engineering and marketing before deciding to pursue acting, taking classes after moving to Los Angeles, California. He is also a talented musician, skilled in jazz and gospel, playing instruments like the piano and trumpet. His father was trained by renowned musician Ellis Marsalis, and Harrison himself studied under Jason Marsalis, recording with Delfeayo Marsalis and meeting Wynton Marsalis. Harrison attended Isidore Newman School, where he was one of the few Black students in his class and faced challenges fitting in. He initially enrolled at Loyola University New Orleans to major in studio engineering, as his father believed he would excel in music. However, he later transferred to the University of New Orleans to focus on film, aspiring to write and direct his own projects.
Path to Hollywood
Harrison’s journey in acting began in 2012 when he was cast in Ender’s Game, based on the novel by Orson Scott Card. He was upgraded to a day-player role, interacting with notable actors such as Viola Davis and Harrison Ford. Harrison credits Viola Davis with inspiring him to take acting more seriously. Following this, he had a small role in the critically acclaimed film 12 Years a Slave. He also appeared in the WGN America series Underground and the 2016 remake of Roots, both filmed in Louisiana. Harrison’s career continued to flourish as he took on various roles, including a supporting part in Nate Parker’s The Birth of a Nation. In 2017, he gained significant attention for his role as Travis in the psychological horror film It Comes at Night, which premiered at the Overlook Film Festival and was released theatrically by A24. The film received positive reviews and grossed over $19 million worldwide, with Harrison’s performance earning him a nomination for Breakthrough Actor at the Gotham Awards.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. Career
Early Career (2013–2017)
Kelvin Harrison Jr. began his professional acting career in 2013 with minor roles in Ender’s Game and 12 Years a Slave. His work in these films laid the foundation for his future success. In 2017, he starred in It Comes at Night, which marked a turning point in his career. The film was well-received, and Harrison’s portrayal of Travis garnered critical acclaim, leading to further opportunities in the industry.
Breakthrough (2018–2020)
In 2018, Harrison starred in three films that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival: Monsters and Men, Assassination Nation, and Monster. His performance in Monsters and Men, where he played a politically awakened teenager, received praise and showcased his range as an actor. In 2019, he starred in the titular role of Luce, which earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for Best Male Lead at the Independent Spirit Awards. His performance in Waves, where he portrayed a high school wrestler facing personal turmoil, solidified his status as a rising star in Hollywood. The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and received rave reviews, further increasing his visibility in the industry.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kelvin Harrison Jr. has established himself as a talented actor with a diverse filmography. His signature works include It Comes at Night, Luce, and Waves, each showcasing his ability to tackle complex characters. He won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for his role in The Trial of the Chicago 7, which was nominated for six Academy Awards.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Kelvin Harrison Jr. has received several nominations for prestigious awards. He has been nominated for a BAFTA Award for Rising Star, an Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead for his role in Luce, and received a Gotham Award nomination for Breakthrough Actor for It Comes at Night.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. Awards Won
Kelvin Harrison Jr. has won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for his work in The Trial of the Chicago 7. This recognition highlights his talent and contribution to the film industry.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. Family
Kelvin Harrison Jr. was born to Kelvin Harrison and Shirlita, both of whom are musicians. His family background in music has played a significant role in shaping his artistic pursuits.
Personal Life
There is limited public information available about Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s personal life, including details about his partners and children. However, his dedication to his craft and family background in music are well-documented.