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Jason Weaver
Jason-Weaver
Biographical information
Born

July 18, 1979

Birthplace

Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

Career information
Years

1990 - present

Jason Michael Weaver (born July 18, 1979) also known by his stage name J-Weav, is an American actor and singer. He provided young Simba's singing vocals in The Lion King.

Biography[]

Weaver was born in Harvey, Illinois, and started his acting career at the age of 8, and singing professionally since he was 11 years old. [1]

His first feature film debut came in 1990 in The Long Walk Home, which also starred his future Lion King co-star, Whoopi Goldberg. One of Weaver's earliest acting roles on TV was on Oprah Winfrey's 1990 TV series Brewster Place. That same year, Weaver also appeared in The Kid Who Loved Christmas as Ernie.[1]

Among his more notable roles was in 1992, when he portrayed Michael Jackson (aged 9–14) in The Jacksons: An American Dream. Impressed by Weaver's performance, Elton John and Tim Rice recruited him to sing "I Just Can't Wait to be King" and "Hakuna Matata".[2] However, he could not reprise Simba's singing in "The Morning Report" from the 2003 Special Edition DVD because at this point he was an adult, therefore his vocals were too low. Weaver was replaced by Evan Saucedo.

His following television credits were on sitcoms, Thea (1993–1994), Sister, Sister (1996-1998), and Smart Guy (1997–1999).

In addition to acting, Weaver is also a recording artist signed with Motown Records. He released his debut album, Love Ambition, on June 27, 1995.[3]

In 2003, he collaborated with rapper Chingy on the track "One Call Away". The single was a Top 5 hit single in the United States.[4]

In the early 2000s, Weaver returned to the silver screen in the films such as Drumline and The Ladykillers, and recently, in Lottery Ticket.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 The Lion King: Film Notes.
  2. Bachelor, J.. Guest Star: "I [Still Make Residual Income Off Of ['The Lion King' Movie]"]. SOHH.
  3. Discography - Jason Weaver. billboard.com.
  4. Artist Chart History - Chingy. billboard.com.
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