Bryshere Y. Gray
| Bryshere Y. Gray | |
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| File:Bryshere Y. Gray (26362135321).jpg
Gray at 2016 PaleyFest
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| Born | Bryshere Y. Gray November 28, 1993 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
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| Known for | Hakeem Lyon on Empire |
Bryshere Y. Gray (born November 28, 1993),[1][2] who uses the stage name Yazz The Greatest or simply Yazz,[3] is an American actor and rapper, best known for his role as Hakeem Lyon in the Fox primetime musical drama television series Empire.
Contents
Early life
Gray was born in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[2] At 16 years old, Gray discovered a passion for music after being injured playing football for his high school team. He began to use his talent as a street performer to earn money and help his single mother afford their living expenses. His efforts eventually led to a partnership with manager Charlie Mack.
Career
Since 2013, Gray has performed at a variety of music festivals in the Philadelphia area, including Jay Z’s Made in America Festival, The Roots' Picnic Festival, and Power 99FM's Powerhouse concert.[4] He also has been the opening act for rappers such as Fabolous and 2 Chainz.[5] In 2015, Gray began his first acting role as Hakeem Lyon on the Fox drama TV series Empire, with co-stars Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, and Jussie Smollett.[6] In March 2015, it was confirmed that both Smollett and Gray had been signed on with Columbia Records as solo acts.[7] In April 2016, Gray was cast alongside Elijah Kelley, Luke James, Algee Smith, Keith Powers and Woody McClain in the BET miniseries about R&B boy band, New Edition set to debut in 2017. Gray signed on to portray founding member, Michael Bivins.[8]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Empire | Hakeem Lyon | Main role |
| 2017 | New Edition: The Movie | Michael Bivins | Miniseries about R&B boy band New Edition |
Awards and nominations
Teen Choice Awards
- 2015: Choice TV: Breakout Star: Empire (Nominated)
- 2015: Choice TV: Chemistry: Empire (Nominated)
- 2015: Choice Music: Song From a Movie or TV Show: "You're So Beautiful" with Jussie Smollett (Nominated)
NAACP Image Awards
- 2016: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Empire (Nominated)
- 2016: Outstanding New Artist (Nominated)
References
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