Michael B. Jordan: Hollywood’s icon and his journey to fame

The life and career of Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan Ring camera theGrio.com
Michael B. Jordan attends the "Creed III" European Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on February 15, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

Michael B. Jordan is an American actor, film producer and director. He is best known for his role as Killmonger in the Marvel movie series “Black Panther” and for his portrayal of Adonis Creed in the “Creed” film series. He has become a household name in the entertainment industry and has won multiple awards for his acting performances.

Early Life

Michael Bakari Jordan was born on February 9, 1987, in Santa Ana, California. His parents are Donna Jordan and Michael A. Jordan, and he has two siblings, a brother named Khalid and a sister named Jamila. His family moved out of California when he was still young, and he grew up in New Jersey after that.        

Jordan attended Newark Arts High School in Newark, New Jersey, where he played basketball. However, his love for acting led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. As a child, he began modeling for print advertisements, and he started auditioning for roles in television shows and movies at age twelve.

Critics Choice Association's 5th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema, Michael B Jordan, Michael B Jordan father, Michael B Jordan mother, Michael B Jordan sister theGrio.com
(Left to Right) Michael B. Jordan, Donna Jordan, Michael Jordan, and Jamila Jordan attend Critics Choice Association’s 5th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television at Fairmont Century Plaza on December 05, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Entertainment Career

Michael B. Jordan’s career began with small roles in television shows such as “The Sopranos,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” and “Without a Trace.” He also appeared in films such as “Black and White” and “Hardball.”

In 2006, Jordan landed his breakthrough role as Wallace in the HBO drama series “The Wire.” He received critical acclaim for his performance and garnered more attention for himself as an actor.

Jordan’s career continued to flourish, and he landed a starring role in the NBC drama series “Friday Night Lights” as Vince Howard. He also appeared in the 2012 film “Chronicle,” which was a commercial success.

In 2013, Jordan was cast as the lead in the film “Fruitvale Station,” which tells the story of the shooting of Oscar Grant by a police officer. After appearing in “Fruitvale Station,” Jordan was called an “actor to watch” by Variety. Together with Ryan Coogler, he was recognized by Time magazine as being among the 30 under 30 who are changing the world. Entertainment Weekly and GQ both recognized him as one of 2013’s breakout stars.

In 2015, Jordan starred as Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed, in the film “Creed.” The film was a commercial and critical success. Jordan’s performance was highly praised, and he won the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor. His riveting performance as the villain Erik Killmonger in “Black Panther” (2018) garnered him even more attention.

Jordan continued to make a name for himself in Hollywood with roles in films such as “Just Mercy” and “Without Remorse.” He also starred in the HBO television series “The Leftovers” and produced the Netflix miniseries “Raising Dion.”

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Michael B. Jordan accepts the Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture award for “Just Mercy” onstage during the 51st NAACP Image Awards, Presented by BET, on February 22, 2020, in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

Michael B. Jordan in “Creed”

In the film “Creed,” Michael B. Jordan portrays Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed, Rocky Balboa’s legendary rival-turned-friend. Adonis is a young, hungry fighter seeking to make a name for himself in the boxing world, despite the shadow cast by his father’s legacy. Jordan’s portrayal of Adonis is nuanced and multifaceted. 

Adonis’ relationship with Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone, is a highlight of the films as they navigate their roles as student and teacher, friend and father figure. Jordan brings a vulnerability to the character, allowing the audience to empathize with Adonis’s struggles and internal conflicts. At the same time, Jordan’s physicality and intensity in the boxing scenes showcase Adonis’s tenacity and drive, making him a formidable opponent in the ring. 

Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal of Adonis has breathed new life into the “Rocky” franchise, which had been dormant for several years. “Creed” was a critical and commercial success, and so was its sequel, “Creed II.” The highly anticipated “Creed III” released on March 3, 2023. It features Jonathan Majors and Tessa Thompson and is the first film in the series without Sylvester Stallone. 


Jordan’s performance has brought a new dimension to the franchise’s themes of legacy and mentorship. Furthermore, Jordan’s dedication to the role’s physicality is evident in his rigorous training regimen. He underwent months of boxing training and conditioning to prepare for the role, and it shows in his on-screen performance.

Michael B. Jordan in “Black Panther”

Michael B. Jordan’s role in “Black Panther” was a standout performance that further cemented his place as one of Hollywood’s most talented actors. In “Black Panther,” Michael B. Jordan portrays Erik Killmonger, a Wakandan exile who seeks to overthrow T’Challa, the newly crowned King of Wakanda. Killmonger’s motivation stems from his desire to liberate Black people around the world from oppression, which he believes can only be accomplished through violent revolution.

Jordan’s portrayal of Killmonger is a complex and layered one. He imbues the character with a sense of righteous anger and pain, making the audience sympathize with his cause while also recognizing the atrocities he commits in pursuit of it.

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Michael B. Jodan as Killmonger (Photo: Marvel)

Jordan’s performance as Killmonger was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. His dynamic chemistry with Chadwick Boseman‘s T’Challa added an extra layer of tension and depth to the film’s central conflict. Furthermore, Killmonger’s presence as a villain with understandable motivations and relatable struggles subverted the usual superhero movie tropes, making “Black Panther” a standout in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As Killmonger, Michael B. Jordan showcased his range and ability to bring nuance and complexity to a character that could have easily been a one-dimensional villain.

Other Michael B. Jordan Movies, TV Shows, and Video Games

Here is a list of all the Michael B Jordan movies, video games, and TV shows as of 2023:

  1. Creed III (2023)
  2. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
  3. Raising Dion (2019–2022)
  4. Gen: Lock (2018–2021)
  5. A Journal for Jordan (2021)
  6. What If…? (2021)
  7. Big Rumble Boxing: Creed Champions (2021)
  8. Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)
  9. Love, Death & Robots (2019)
  10. Without Remorse (2021)
  11. Snoh Aalegra: Whoa (2019)
  12. Alicia Keys feat. Miguel: Show Me Love (2019)
  13. Just Mercy (2019)
  14. Coach: Words Matter (2019)
  15. Creed II (2018)
  16. Creed: Rise to Glory (2018)
  17. Kin (2018)
  18. Fahrenheit 451 (2018)
  19. Black Panther (2018)
  20. Jay-Z feat. Beyoncé: Family Feud (2017)
  21. Wilson’s Heart (2017)
  22. Against the Wall (2016)
  23. NBA 2K17 (2016)
  24. Apple TV: Father Time (2016)
  25. Creed (2015)
  26. Fantastic Four (2015)
  27. The Boondocks (2005)
  28. That Awkward Moment (2014)
  29. Making a Scene (2013)
  30. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)
  31. Fruitvale Station (2013)
  32. County (2012)
  33. Hotel Noir (2012)
  34. House (2012)
  35. Chronicle (2012)
  36. Red Tails (2012)
  37. Parenthood (2010 – 2011)
  38. Gears of War 3 (2011)
  39. Friday Night Lights (2009-2011)
  40. Lie to Me (2010–2011)
  41. Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2010)
  42. Bones (2009)
  43. The Assistants (2009)
  44. Pastor Brown (2009)
  45. Burn Notice (2007)
  46. Cold Case (2007)
  47. Blackout (2007)
  48. Without a Trace (2006)
  49. All My Children (2003–2006)
  50. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2006)
  51. The Wire (2002)
  52. Hardball (2001)
  53. Black & White (1999)
  54. Cosby (1999)
  55. The Sopranos (1999)

Michael B. Jordan’s net worth

Michael B. Jordan’s successful acting career has undoubtedly contributed to his impressive net worth. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $25 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Jordan’s breakout role in the television series “The Wire” and subsequent starring roles in movies like “Fruitvale Station,” “Creed,” and “Black Panther” have all helped him accumulate his wealth. Additionally, Jordan has expanded his earnings through producing and executive producing credits on various projects, including the 2020 Netflix series “Raising Dion.”

Jordan has been involved in endorsement deals with brands such as Coach, Nike, and Piaget. His business ventures and investments have further added to his net worth.

Jordan is also known for his philanthropic work. He has worked with several organizations, including Lupus LA, which raises money for research and awareness of the autoimmune disease. 

Michael B. Jordan, thegrio.com
Michael B. Jordan (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for The Blackhouse Foundation)

How tall is Michael B. Jordan?          

Jordan stands 6 feet (183 cm) tall. Michael B. Jordan’s height has been an asset to his performances, particularly in his role as Adonis Creed in the “Rocky” film series, where his height and muscular build contribute to his convincing portrayal of a professional boxer.

Michael B. Jordan’s girlfriends  

Lori Harvey

In late 2020, Michael B. Jordan went public with his relationship with model and television personality Lori Harvey. The couple made their relationship official by posting pictures together on Instagram. The two, however, parted ways around May 2022. 

Michael B. Jordan and Lori Harvey, thegrio.com
Michael B. Jordan and Lori Harvey attend the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 27, 2022, in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Kiki Layne

In early 2019, Michael B. Jordan was linked to actress Kiki Layne, who starred in the film “If Beale Street Could Talk,” which was released in 2018. They were spotted together at various events and were rumored to be in a romantic relationship, although neither of them confirmed the rumors.

Ashlyn Castro

In 2018, Michael B. Jordan was briefly linked to Ashlyn Castro, a model and social media influencer. The two were spotted together on several occasions, including at a Christmas party. However, their relationship did not last long, and they eventually parted ways.

Who is Michael B Jordan dating now?

Michael B. Jordan is currently seeing model Amber Jepson, as reported by the Daily Mail. Their romance is still in its early stages, yet they are said to be “really keen” to get to know one another. According to the Daily Mail’s source, the two have gone on several dates while Jordan is in the United Kingdom.

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