Andre M. Johnson's life journey began in the culturally rich city of Chicago, Illinois, where he spent his formative years under the loving care of his grandmother in a rough neighborhood, surrounded by the sounds and smells of the city's vibrant streets. Despite the challenges that came with growing up in a tough environment, Andre's grandmother, a petite yet formidable woman standing at just 5'0" tall, played a pivotal role in shaping his life, serving as a rock and a guiding force in his early years. She was a strict and tough individual who kept Andre busy from a young age, enrolling him in various activities designed to help him develop his physical, creative, and intellectual abilities, including football, baseball, basketball, boxing, martial arts, and even 7 years of acting and piano lessons at the prestigious Chicago Art Institute, where he honed his skills and developed a strong foundation for his future pursuits.
Andre's grandmother, in her wisdom, acknowledged the inherent dangers that lurked in the neighborhood where they resided, and consequently, she took a proactive approach to safeguard her grandson from the potential pitfalls that lay ahead.
She made the decision to enroll him in strict Catholic schools at the tender age of 5, a decision that would last for 13 years, until he reached the age of 18. By doing so, she hoped that the environment of discipline and structure would provide Andre with positive role models who could fill the void left by the absence of a stable family unit.
Andre's impressive athletic abilities led to a highly coveted four-year football scholarship to a prestigious university, a remarkable achievement that opened doors to further opportunities. He was subsequently extended an invitation to participate in tryouts with the renowned Chicago Bears not once, but twice, a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication. Although he ultimately fell short of making the team, he refused to let his passion and perseverance wane. Instead, he seized the chance to join the Canadian Football League's Ottawa Rough Riders, remaining steadfast in his pursuit of realizing his dream of playing in the National Football League.
As Andre's physical health gradually improved and his physical capabilities were restored, he started to investigate various possibilities within the realms of modeling and acting, ultimately experiencing moderate levels of success along the way. His grandmother, beaming with pride over the considerable progress he had made, warmly urged him to take the next logical step and relocate to the vibrant city of Los Angeles, where she believed he would have a far greater chance of realizing his long-held aspiration of becoming a professional actor.
