MonNov 10

Michael Jai White

Michael Richard Jai White was born in New York on November 10, 1967, and is an American actor and director. He is also known as an accomplished martial arts professional. Michael played the part of Al Simmons, the protagonist of the movie “Spawn, The Soldier of Hell,” released in 1997, among other roles. Today is his birthday and we will help you get to know more about his life’s interesting journey!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Michael Richard Jai White

Birth date:

November 10, 1967

Age:

57

Zodiac Sign:

Scorpio

Height:

6' 0.83"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$5 million

Michael's Social Media:

Background

Michael Richard Jai White was born on November 10, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York, and then moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut as a teenager. White has Ghanaian-American ancestry and he was raised by his mother. He expressed interest in martial arts when he was seven starting with Jujutsu and he then earned seven black belts in various disciplines. After he graduated from Central High School, White studied acting at the ‘HB Studio’ and ‘Yale University.’

The talented actor’s first leading role and outstanding performance were in the movie “Tyson” where he played the boxer, Mike Tyson. He played the eponymous character in the movie “Spawn” in the year 1997, making him the first African American to portray a major comic book superhero in a big movie. His work on “Spawn” earned him a Blockbuster Entertainment Award nomination for Best Male Winner. The actor starred opposite Jean-Claude Van Damme in “Universal Soldier: Returns.” In 2001, he also acted with co-star Steven Seagal in “Exit Wounds.” Since the year 2003, in addition to his screen roles, the actor has done work as a voice actor, in movies like “Static Shock” and “Justice League.” He also showcased his martial arts skills in the movie “Undisputed II: Last Man Standing.” White also appeared in “Silver Hawk” in 2004. The actor was seen in “Kill Bill: Volume 2,” although his role was reduced. His movie “Why Did I Get Married?” landed the number one spot at the box office in October 2007.

In 2008, he played Gambol in the movie “The Dark Knight.” Furthermore, he starred in the movie “Blood and Bone” and “Black Dynamite,” both released in the year 2009. In 2010, the actor appeared on “The Mo’Nique Show” to promote his new film, “Because I Married Too.” In May of the same year, he appeared in the music video for Toni Braxton’s new song ‘Hands Tied,’ as well as in the music video for rapper Nicki Minaj’s ‘Your Love.’

Career timeline

1989
The First Movie Debuts

White plays the character Apocalypse in the movie "Toxic Avenger 2."

1997
The History Making Role

White becomes the first African-American to portray a major comic book superhero in a film.

2013
The T.V. Superhero

White acts in the first and second episodes of the second season of the series "Arrow."

2020
The Director’s Hat

In addition to playing Reverend Carter in "HeadShop," he also directs the movie.

Why We Love Michael Jai White

  1. He supports children’s welfare

    Before becoming an actor, White was a special education teacher. He taught kids with behavioral issues for three years.

  2. He’s an accomplished martial artist

    Practicing martial arts and earning a black belt is a challenging task. White has a black belt in several martial arts: Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Okinawan Kobudo, Goju Ryu, Tang Soo Do, Wushu, and Kyokushin Karate.

  3. He works for charitable causes

    White co-hosted the Manchester Charity Gala, a black-tie event organized by the non-profit food bank, M.A.C.C. Charities. The funds raised at this event go to M.A.C.C. Charities and from there to various housing construction projects.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He studied martial arts early in life

    White started practicing martial arts at the tender age of seven.

  2. He is a multiple black belt holder

    White has earned black belts in all the martial arts he practices.

  3. He had a different career before acting

    White worked as a teacher before getting into showbiz.

  4. He is trilingual

    Besides English, his first language, White speaks Japanese and Mandarin.

  5. He has worked with Mariah Carey

    The multi-talented actor has appeared in Mariah Carey's "I Know What You Want" music video.

Michael Jai White FAQs

Is Michael Jai White married?

White is married to actress Gillian Iliana Waters.

Is Michael Jai White a real martial artist?

Yes, but he never competed professionally.

Where does Michael Jai White live?

He lives in Los Angeles, California in the U.S.

Michael Jai White’s birthday dates

Year Date Day
2025 November 10 Monday
2026 November 10 Tuesday
2027 November 10 Wednesday
2028 November 10 Friday
2029 November 10 Saturday