Rising Star Jay Will Steals the Spotlight in 'Tulsa King'

The 27-year-old actor's breakout performance alongside Sylvester Stallone has fans clamoring for more.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:08am

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An abstract close-up photograph of luxurious, glittering textures in high-contrast lighting, conceptually representing the glamour and drama of the entertainment industry.Jay Will's breakout performance in 'Tulsa King' has captivated audiences, shining a spotlight on the rising star's talent and resilience.Today in Tulsa

Get ready to meet Jay Will, the rising star who's stealing the spotlight in the hit Paramount+ series 'Tulsa King.' While Sylvester Stallone's name dominates the headlines, it's Will's breakout performance as Tyson Mitchell that has everyone talking. As the show enters its final season, the 27-year-old actor's journey to the screen is as compelling as the series itself.

Why it matters

With 'Tulsa King' ranking as the second most-watched show on Paramount+, Jay Will's performance is a testament to the power of fresh talent in driving the success of a hit series. His path to stardom, marked by resilience and preparation, has sparked a debate about the role of natural ability versus hard work in achieving breakout success.

The details

A Juilliard graduate, Will revealed that his first application to the prestigious conservatory was rejected, not due to lack of talent, but because he missed the deadline due to a high school romance. Undeterred, he spent a year at another institute before reapplying and getting in. For his 'Tulsa King' audition, Will studied Stallone's acting style, which he says helped him land the role on the spot.

  • Jay Will's first application to Juilliard was rejected in 2017.
  • Will reapplied and was accepted to Juilliard in 2018.
  • He landed the role of Tyson Mitchell in 'Tulsa King' in 2025.

The players

Jay Will

A 27-year-old actor who is garnering critical acclaim for his breakout performance as Tyson Mitchell in the hit Paramount+ series 'Tulsa King.'

Sylvester Stallone

The veteran actor who stars as Dwight Manfredi, the lead character in 'Tulsa King,' but whose performance is being overshadowed by Will's breakout role.

Taylor Sheridan

The creator and showrunner of 'Tulsa King,' the gripping crime series that has struck a chord with audiences and is set to return for a fourth season.

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What they’re saying

“I walked in expecting nerves, but it was so much more relaxed than I thought.”

— Jay Will, Actor

What’s next

The third season of 'Tulsa King' is set to conclude in the coming weeks, with fans eagerly anticipating the announcement of a fourth season and the continued rise of Jay Will's star power.

The takeaway

Jay Will's journey to stardom in 'Tulsa King' is a testament to the power of perseverance and preparation in the entertainment industry. His breakout performance has sparked a debate about the relative importance of natural talent and hard work in achieving success, offering inspiration to aspiring actors and artists.