Where Jonathan Majors Came From
When looking back at Jonathan Majors’ career, it’s impossible to ignore the path that has led him here. For most of us, his story began with his breakout role in 2019. But for Majors himself, his time in the spotlight has been many years in the making.
It all began with a passion for the arts. As a kid growing up in Dallas, TX and an alumnus of New York University’s Tisch School of Arts and Yale School of Drama, Majors was already proving what a talented actor he was. With major roles in stage plays such as “Midsummer Nights Dream” and “American Buffalo”, it was clear that Majors was destined for greatness.
As his talent grew, so did his opportunities. After appearing on major television shows such as “The Americans” and “Boardwalk Empire”, Majors finally landed himself a starring role in 2019’s “The Last Black Man in San Francisco”. This was undoubtedly his breakout moment, but it also showed just how far Majors had come since he first started out.
His Breakout Role in Lovecraft Country
Jonathan Majors had a breakout role in HBO’s horror drama Lovecraft Country, which released in August 2020. The series follows Atticus Freeman, played by Jurnee Smollett-Bell, and her Uncle George (Courtney B. Vance) as they search for the missing father of Atticus in 1950s Jim Crow America. Jonathan Majors starred alongside them as Letitia “Leti” Dandridge, Atticus’ rebellious cousin and a key member of the search for Atticus’ father.
Lovecraft Country was met with critical acclaim, praising its powerful score and visuals that stayed true to its horror roots. Jonathan Majors’ performance as Leti in particular was praised. He brought a sense of levity to the show despite its dark themes of racism and prejudice against African Americans in 1950s America.
What some may not know is that this was Jonathan Majors’ first major starring role on an established production. And he absolutely nailed it! His performance captivated viewers everywhere and suddenly he was thrust into the spotlight. As a widely acclaimed actor with an impressive assortment of roles under his belt since then.
His Emmy Nomination for the Last Black Man in San Francisco
Now let’s get to a major highlight of Jonathan Majors’ career: his 2019 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for The Last Black Man in San Francisco. It was well-deserved, no doubt about it.
Majors said of being nominated for the Emmy: “My mom always told me to be ready for moments like this . To enjoy them, appreciate them and to never forget where I come from.”
And quite amazing, he had just graduated from Tisch School of the Arts three years before. Where he had started studying acting at the age of 22. For those interested in getting into acting, that’s motivation right there!
The Last Black Man in San Francisco was Majors’ breakout role and an incredible demonstration of his talent and range. Playing lead actor Jimmie Fails’ best friend Montgomery Allen. Majors beautifully captured the nuances of an evolving friendship between two complicated men searching for home.
It just goes to show how far you can go when you put your mind to something. In this case, Majors achieved something not many actors can say they have an Emmy nomination within three years of graduation. Congrats Jonathan!
