Michael Rainey Jr Age: How Old Is the Power Actor?

How old is the actor fans keep asking about? Born Michael Andile Rainey Jr. on September 22, 2000, he is 25 years old as of February 4, 2026. This quick fact answers the central query: michael rainey jr age.

His full name introduces the profile. As an American actor, he rose to recognition playing Tariq St. Patrick in the Power franchise. That role turned early film work into franchise-leading status.

This intro previews what follows: where he’s from, how his birthday ties into his early timeline, and the years he has spent building a life in entertainment. Readers will get scannable facts first, then deeper context about career, recognition, and next moves.

michael rainey jr age, birthday, and where he’s from

Born September 22, 2000, he entered the world in Louisville, Kentucky and celebrated his birthday each fall. That birthdate makes him 25 years old as of February 4, 2026, a clear and simple calculation for quick readers.

He moved to Staten Island, New York at about one year old, so many fans associate his name more with New York than Kentucky. Growing up in Staten Island shaped early opportunities and local connections that helped him start acting.

• Born: Louisville, Kentucky — September 22, 2000
• Raised: Staten Island, New York from age one
• Current years: 25 years old as of early 2026

For a short, verifiable profile and more details on background, see the Michael Rainey Jr. profile. These facts set the timeline for his early life and lead into how location influenced his path into acting.

Early life, family background, and education

A Staten Island upbringing and a tight-knit household gave him steady roots. His family provided structure while he learned the discipline needed for an acting life.

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Parents: He was raised by Michael Rainey Sr. and Shauna Small. His father lives in New York City and his mother took an active role at home.

Heritage and upbringing

Through his mother he is of Jamaican descent, a part of his identity that shaped family traditions and perspective. Growing up in Staten Island from about age one put New York front and center in his day-to-day experiences.

Education at home

He was homeschooled by his mother, which allowed a flexible schedule when auditions and shoots came up. That tailored education helped him balance schoolwork with early career demands.

• Family: Strong parental support
• Life: Rooted in a New York neighborhood
• Giving back: Supports Find and Feed, helping the homeless

For more on his finances and public profile, see the net worth profile.

How Michael Rainey Jr. started acting and broke into film

He began his screen journey overseas, landing an unexpected debut in an italian film. That first credit was Un Altro Mondo, where he lived abroad for a year and learned Italian to work on set. This early sacrifice showed a strong work ethic.

Back in the U.S., his momentum continued with the film LUV (2012). He then appeared in The Butler, directed by Lee Daniels, adding prestige and industry visibility.

Building range with early projects

Roles in Barbershop: The Next Cut gave him bigger scenes and more exposure. The title’s “next cut” moment helped move him toward lead opportunities.

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He also showed range in smaller films — including Amateur and the thriller 211. A recurring spot on Orange Is the New Black widened his audience and proved he could balance film work and shows.

• Debut: Un Altro Mondo (Italian film)
• U.S. film: LUV; The Butler (Lee Daniels)
• Momentum: Barbershop: The Next Cut; Amateur; 211; Orange Is the New Black

The role that made him a star: Tariq St. Patrick in the Power series

Playing Tariq St. Patrick marked a turning point that reshaped his television career. He began as a recurring presence on Power (seasons 1–2) and grew into a main cast member from seasons 3–6. That steady rise over several years made the role a defining credit.

From recurring to main cast on Power

Early appearances established the character and earned audience attention. As the show progressed, writers expanded the role, giving him more screen time and complex choices.

Leading Power Book II: Ghost as the franchise’s new face

Headlining Power Book II: Ghost (2020–2024) repositioned him as the franchise’s new face. Carrying a weekly television drama demanded stamina and range, and the show’s run across those years proved he could anchor a series.

Expanding the Power universe with Power Book IV: Force and future projects

Guesting in Power Book IV: Force (2026, season 3 episode 10) kept him central to the shared story world. Ongoing crossover spots and the announced lead in Power: Legacy keep the character relevant across the power book landscape.

Why the Tariq St. Patrick character became a breakout antihero

The character stands out as an antihero because of messy choices, shifting loyalties, and visible growth. Viewers watched him move from conflicted youth to a figure making ruthless decisions.

• Impact: The role brought mainstream recognition and starred him across multiple power book titles.
• Span: Recurring to main cast across seasons, then lead on Ghost (years: 2020–2024) and guest in 2026.
• Legacy: The character’s moral complexity made him a topic of conversation and a career catalyst.

For context on industry shifts and related profiles, see a short piece about peers at Andrew Santino net worth.

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Career beyond television: producing, music, and entrepreneurship

Moving past on-screen roles, he’s building an entrepreneur’s playbook in entertainment.

In March 2022 he co-founded Twenty Two Entertainment with a Power co-star. Their first project is the self-hosted podcast The Crew Has It, a creator-led platform that gives actors direct control over content and public voice.

The company received backing from Artists For Artists, a fund launched by Kenan Thompson and John Ryan Jr., giving the venture clear business credibility in the industry.

Off-camera, he works as a music producer and creative entrepreneur. That music work complements producing and helps diversify income beyond TV shows and film.

He also served as Tommy Hilfiger North America Brand Ambassador in 2024–2025 and collaborated on the Boho Man Capsule Collection. Those fashion moves added public recognition and new audience reach.

For a deeper look at how he is building a multi-pronged portfolio, see this building an empire profile.

Where Michael Rainey Jr. is today: recognition, personal life, and what’s next

Michael Rainey Jr. is 25, born September 22, 2000, and remains a visible American actor with a clear birthday refresher for readers.

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Rainey Jr. is best known as a TV star but keeps momentum with film credits like LUV, The Butler, Barbershop: The Next Cut, Amateur, and 211. He also supports Find and Feed and maintains a measured public life after a reported 2022 relationship with Haile Rose.

Listed as a special guest in Power Book IV: Force (2026) and set to lead Power: Legacy (TBA), he looks ahead to more franchise work. For extra career context, see a short career note at career context.

Overall, his name still draws searches because of strong roles, growing business moves, and a life that blends creative work with entrepreneurship.

FAQ

How old is the Power actor?

Born September 22, 2000, he is in his early twenties. Fans know him from his breakout role as Tariq St. Patrick on Power and its spinoffs.

When and where was he born?

He was born on September 22, 2000, in Louisville, Kentucky, and later moved to Staten Island, New York, where he grew up.

Where did he grow up?

Raised in Staten Island, New York, he spent much of his childhood there and received homeschooling while pursuing acting opportunities.

Who are his parents?

His parents are Michael Rainey Sr. and Shauna Small. He has cited family support as important during his early career.

Does he have Jamaican heritage?

Yes. He has Jamaican descent through his mother, which he has mentioned as part of his cultural background.

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How did he begin acting?

He started with film roles and landed parts in projects like LUV and The Butler, working with directors such as Lee Daniels early in his career.

Did he act in any international films?

Yes. He made an Italian film debut in Un Altro Mondo and learned Italian to perform in that project, showcasing early versatility.

What early movies helped build his career?

Roles in Barbershop: The Next Cut, Amateur, and 211 helped him gain momentum and visibility in Hollywood before his television breakthrough.

How did he get the Tariq St. Patrick role?

He joined Power initially in a recurring capacity and, thanks to strong performances, moved into the main cast, which increased his profile significantly.

How did Tariq become the franchise lead?

After proving central to Power’s storyline, he became the lead in Power Book II: Ghost, carrying the franchise forward as its new face and antihero.

Has he appeared in other Power universe projects?

Yes. His character’s arc expanded across the Power universe, with involvement in related series and continued franchise developments like Power Book IV: Force connections.

Why did Tariq St. Patrick resonate with audiences?

The character’s moral complexity and evolution from conflicted son to cunning antihero offered viewers a layered, compelling story that showcased strong acting chops.

Does he work behind the camera or in business?

He’s active beyond acting, with ventures such as Twenty Two Entertainment, producing credits, and creative projects that include a podcast called The Crew Has It.

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Is he involved in music or production?

Yes. He is a music producer and creative entrepreneur, with credits and collaborations that complement his on-screen work.

Has he done brand partnerships or fashion work?

He has engaged in fashion collaborations and served as a brand ambassador, including work with Tommy Hilfiger North America.

What recognition has he received recently?

His portrayal of Tariq earned widespread attention, awards buzz, and industry recognition as he transitioned from a supporting actor to franchise lead and producer.

Where is he based now and what’s next?

Based between New York and projects that film elsewhere, he continues to act, produce, and expand business ventures. Upcoming roles and franchise plans remain in development.