Biography Of Jay Ellis – An American Actor And Model
American actor and model Jay Ellis has no doubt solidified his stay in the entertainment industry with his polarizing role as Lawrence Walker in HBO's hit series Insecure as created by Issa Rae, one of the show's main characters who stars as Walker's love interest. The role brought Ellis the breakthrough he'd long deserved following a decade spent paying his dues in the industry. The role nabbed him his first award, an NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Here is a look at his rise to TV stardom, as well as facts about his personal life.
Jay was born Wendell Ramone Ellis Jr. on December 27, 1981, in Sumter, South Carolina. He is the only child of his parents Wendell Ellis Sr, a US Air Force veteran and Paula Ellis, a finance executive. Atypical of military brats, Ellis relocated often and as result attended 12 schools in the space of 13 years. As a child, Ellis traveled across the country and spent time living abroad in countries like Germany and the Philippines.
Ellis attended Oregon's Concordia University where he played basketball. He had sought to play basketball professionally but destiny had other plans up her sleeves. Ellis, in addition to being a jock, was quite good with his academics and as a result, was elected as the school's student body president.
Ellis interned at the Portland Trail Blazers in their public relations department. After graduating summa cum laude with a business degree from Concordia, Ellis ditched the corporate world for a career in entertainment, starting out as a model for sportswear brands like Nike, Adidas, and Columbia Sportswear.
He dabbled in acting in 2004 and relocated to Los Angeles to better his chances at a successful acting career. Like most burgeoning actors, Ellis began by taking up small parts in TV shows. Some of the TV shows he appeared in include; Related, The Bold and the Beautiful, Grey's Anatomy, NCIS, and How I Met Your Mother. During the same period, Ellis appeared in a number of short films before landing his first major role in the BET series, The Game which premiered in 2013 and ended in August 2015.His next major role as Lawrence in Insecure would become the biggest break of his career. He starred in 2018 films; In a Relationship, and A Boy, A Girl, A Dream.
When Jay Ellis isn't on set or auditioning for a film role, he spends his time advocating for HIV/AIDS Awareness or engaging in some philanthropic activities. He has volunteered at the Children's Hospital in Los Angeles.
Ellis finally got the widespread recognition he needed thanks to Insecure. With an increased level of popularity, Ellis is bound to earn more from his roles. In addition to acting, Ellis bolsters his income with the proceeds from his Pilates focused fitness studio, body + which is located in Lafayette, Louisiana. He started the business with a friend. Ellis is a certified Pilates instructor and teaches an average of 20 hours annually. His net worth is estimated at $3 million.
