Bryshere Gray

November 28, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Bryshere Yazuan Gray, also known as Yazz the Greatest, was born on November 28, 1993. He is an American actor and rapper best known for playing Hakeem Lyon in Fox’s musical drama series “Empire.” He is well noted for his role as Michael Bivins in the B.E.T. miniseries “The New Edition Story,” which aired in 2017. He started rapping at the age of 16 while working at Pizza Hut in Philadelphia. He used to perform as a rapper at local venues. He was subsequently signed to the independent label Raw Life and released several singles, including ‘Homework’ (2012) and ‘Respect’ (2013). He met his future manager, Charlie Mack, during his struggle years when he was doing a lot of performances and playing on the street.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Bryshere Yazuane Gray

Nickname:

Yazz the Greatest

Birth date:

November 28, 1993

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Sagittarius

Height:

5' 8"

Relationship Status:

Single

Net Worth:

$2 million

Background

Bryshere Yazuan Gray, also known as Yazz the Greatest, was born on November 28, 1993, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. His mother, Andria Mayberry, fell pregnant with him when she was a teenager and reared him alone in the absence of his father. He watched his mother struggle at the hands of his father as he grew up, and at the age of five, he was diagnosed with A.D.H.D. Brianna is his sister. Growing up, he worked three jobs to help support his family.

Bryshere Gray began his music career when he was 16 years old while working at a Pizza Hut in his hometown of Philadelphia. He was soon signed to the independent label Raw Life and released several singles, including ‘Homework’ (2012) and ‘Respect’ (2013). During his hardship years, while performing and playing on the street, he met Charlie Mack who would later become his manager. Mack introduced Gray to Lee Daniels, the co-creator and executive producer of “Empire.”

He was summoned to Los Angeles for a second audition with Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson following a video audition for Daniels. Gray made his acting debut in “Empire.” He portrays Hakeem Lyon, the youngest son of hip-hop entrepreneur Lucious (Howard), and his ex-wife Cookie Lyon (Henson). In the 2017 B.E.T. miniseries “The New Edition Story,” he also played Michael Bivins. He was nominated for a B.E.T. Award for Best Actor in 2017 for his portrayal of Hakeem.

Career timeline

2013

His First Single

Gray releases his debut single ‘Respect’ after signing a deal with the label Raw Life.

2015

His Acting Debut

Gray makes his acting debut in the Fox drama T.V. series “Empire” as Hakeem Lyon, with co-stars Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, and Jussie Smollett.

2015

A Contract With Columbia Records

Gray signs a solo act contract with Columbia Records.

2016

A Role in “The New Edition Story”

Gray plays the role of Michael Bivins in “The New Edition Story,” alongside Elijah Kelley, Luke James, Algee Smith, Keith Powers, and Woody McClain.

2017

His First B.E.T. Award Nomination

Gray is nominated for the 2017 B.E.T. Award for Best Actor, for his work as Hakeem in the Fox hit series “Empire.”

2018

A Teyana Taylor Co-star

Gray co-stars alongside Teyana Taylor in “Honey: Rise Up and Dance” as Tyrell.

Why We Love Bryshere Gray

We love his acting in “Empire”
Many of his fans adore him for his portrayal of Hakeem, the youngest son of hip-hop mogul Lucious (Howard), and his former wife Cookie (Henson). His talent for acting definitely deserves to be recognized.
He makes informed decisions
He has opted to leave his options open and prepare for the future if his entertainment career comes to an end, even though he enjoys his acting and singing occupations. He wants to study business and drama at U.S.C.
He is one of the hottest upcoming stars in Hollywood
Gray is one of Hollywood's biggest up-and-coming stars in the industry. This is proven also by his strong social media presence on Instagram and Twitter.

5 Surprising Facts

He was about to become homeless
Gray was living in West Philadelphia and was ready to be evicted when he landed the part of Hakeem on “Empire.”
His first acting role
Gray's first acting job was on "Empire," for which he auditioned by rapping on his iPhone over Facetime.
He attempted modeling
Gray, who is most renowned for his acting and singing abilities, has dabbled with modeling, walking in Naomi Campbell's “Fashion for Relief” campaign.
A solo contract with Columbia Records
Gray is contracted by Columbia Records as a rapper who aspires to release songs as a solo artist.
Serena Williams is his favorite sportsperson
Gray enjoys sports and fitness, and his favorite athlete is Serena Williams.