Christopher Terrell "CJ" Johnson LeBlanc, an American actor, has achieved significant success at a young age, with his career still in its early stages. Born on December 12, 1995, in New Orleans, LeBlanc is the son of Akira Maria LeBlanc, an accomplished educator, and Frankie Pierre, an expert carpenter.
Following his birth, his parents separated, and LeBlanc was raised by his mother until his step-father, Lemuel LeBlanc IV, a retired military specialist, entered his life. He has maintained a close relationship with both his biological and step-fathers. LeBlanc has four younger siblings, including brothers Lemuel "Joshua" LeBlanc and sisters Jasmine, Kayla, and Brittany.
Growing up, LeBlanc spent most of his life between Hawaii and Texas, due to his step-father's military service. He attended Leilehua High School in Hawaii for two years and finished his final two years at Westfield High School in Houston. During this time, he began participating in church and community plays, developing a comfort on stage.
After high school, LeBlanc attended Stephen F. Austin State University, where he landed his first break after his freshman year. He auditioned for a featured role with no dialogue, but director Jay Roach asked him to recite a quote from Richard Wright's book "Black Boy" during filming. Impressed by LeBlanc's knowledge and delivery, Roach cast him as a principal character in the Oscar-nominated film Trumbo (2015).
Following Trumbo, LeBlanc's career rapidly progressed. He became a mentor under film producer James Hayman, which led to a co-starring role on NCIS: New Orleans (2015). He then appeared in supporting roles in the films Arsenal (2017) and School Spirits (2017),as well as a co-starring role in the forthcoming season of Ballers (2015).
LeBlanc is set to star alongside Jamie Foxx and Michael B. Jordan in the upcoming legal drama Just Mercy (2020),where he will portray John McMillian, the son of Walter McMillian, played by Foxx.