Jason Michael Weaver (born July 18, 1979) is an American actor and singer. He is known for his roles as Marcus Henderson on Smart Guy, Jerome Turrell on Thea, and the young Michael Jackson in The Jacksons: An American Dream.
Weaver was also the singing voice of young Simba in Disney’s The Lion King. His music credits include featuring on Chingy‘s 2004 hit “One Call Away,” and he played Teddy in the 2006 film ATL.
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Jason Weaver Net Worth
Jason Weaver, with a net worth of $4 million, revealed in a 2019 VladTV interview that he turned down a $2 million flat fee for his role in The Lion King. Instead, he accepted $100,000 and a share of future royalties, which he claims has proven to be a wise decision, as he continues to earn from the film decades later.
Weaver explained that since he was a minor, his mother made the decision, and a $1 million investment in 1994 could have grown to $9 million today.
Early Life
Jason Weaver is an American actor and singer who began his career in the early 90s with roles in The Kid Who Loved Christmas, Brewster Place, The Long Walk Home, and The Jacksons: An American Dream.
He is best known for his work on Thea, Smart Guy, and voicing Simba in The Lion King. Weaver’s film and TV credits include Sister, Sister, Drumline, ATL, and He’s Mine Not Yours. He released his album Love Ambition in 1995 and an EP, Stay With Me, in 1996.
Career
Jason Michael Weaver‘s early acting roles included Oprah Winfrey’s Brewster Place and portraying young Michael Jackson in The Jacksons: An American Dream. He starred in Thea (1993–1994) and Smart Guy (1997–1999) and voiced young Simba in Disney’s The Lion King (1994).
Weaver appeared in Drumline (2002), The Ladykillers (2004), and ATL (2006). He was featured in Chingy’s hit “One Call Away” and has a music career, with his debut album Love Ambition released in 1995.
Personal life
Jason Michael Weaver is the son of Marilyn “Kitty” Haywood, a member of the Chicago-based vocal group Kitty & the Haywoods, and Robert Lincoln Weaver. Haywood backed Aretha Franklin on the 1976 film Sparkle soundtrack. Weaver attended Thornwood High School and has one son, Jaylen.
How much is Jason Weaver making from Lion King?
In an October 2019 conversation with VladTV, Jason revealed that he turned down a straight $2 million offer for his part in The Lion King. When adjusted for inflation, that figure is roughly equivalent to $3.5 million in today’s terms. Instead, he chose a payment of $100,000 coupled with a percentage of future royalties from songs and the film
Conclusion
With a career spanning over three decades, Jason Weaver’s legacy in the entertainment industry is undeniable. But beyond the awards, accolades, and applauds, his journey underscores the importance of informed choices. His decision regarding “The Lion King” compensation reminds us that, sometimes, betting on the long-term can lead to immense dividends.
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FAQs about Jason Weaver Net Worth
- What’s the source of Jason Weaver’s wealth?
- Most of his wealth comes from acting and music royalties, especially from “The Lion King.”
- How did “The Lion King” influence his net worth?
- Instead of a $2 million flat fee, Weaver opted for $100,000 plus royalties, which continues to yield financial benefits decades later.
- What are some of Jason Weaver’s other notable works?
- Apart from “The Lion King,” Weaver is known for “The Jacksons: An American Dream,” “Smart Guy,” and “Drumline.”
- Has Jason Weaver won any awards?
- Yes, he has received several award nominations and has won two Young Artist Awards.
- Is Jason Weaver still active in the entertainment industry?
- Yes, he continues to work in the industry, recently being involved with the show named “The Chi.”
