Jimmy Lee Gary Jr, also known as James Gary Jr, was born on November 7, 1972, in Stuart, Florida, and spent his formative years in Okeechobee, Florida. This former college and professional athlete's remarkable journey took him from the football field to the bright lights of New York City.
After living in a car that he purchased for a mere hundred dollars, Gary's determination and perseverance paid off as he landed his first television role in the popular soap opera All My Children.
Gary is a multifaceted individual with a plethora of stage, television, and film credits to his name. He has showcased his impressive acting and producing skills, taking on a wide range of roles that have garnered him widespread recognition.
One of his most notable stage performances was in the production of MAAFA: Rebelliousness, where he played the role of Nat Turner, the slave who led the first successful slave revolt on U.S. soil. Gary's portrayal of Officer Jones in Josh Radnor's film Happy. Thank You. More Please. earned critical acclaim, as the film won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2010.
On television, Gary is best known for his recurring role as CO Rikerson in the popular Netflix series Orange is the New Black, where he appeared from 2015 to 2017. He has also made numerous guest and co-star appearances on other major networks.
Gary's most recent role is in the newly-released Netflix mini-docuseries When They See Us, directed by the acclaimed Ava DuVernay. This powerful film tells the story of the Central Park Five, a group of young men who were wrongly accused of a crime and faced racial bias.
In addition to his acting career, Gary is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. When he is not on set, Gary is a motivational speaker who is passionate about giving back and inspiring others to reach their full potential.
