Jason Michael Weaver (born July 18, 1979) also known by his stage name J-Weav, is an American actor and singer, perhaps most famous for his role as a young Michael Jackson in the Emmy Award-winning 1992 miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream. Weaver attended Illiana Christian High School in Lansing, Illinois and Thornwood High School in South Holland, Illinois.[citation needed] One of Weaver's earliest acting roles was on Oprah Winfrey's 1990 television series Brewster Place. Among Weaver's most notable acting roles have been his portrayal of Jackson 5-era Michael Jackson in the 1992 miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream, and his roles on the television sitcoms Thea (1993–1994) and Smart Guy (1997–1999). In 2002, he appeared in Drumline with Nick Cannon, followed by a role in the The Ladykillers in 2004. In 2006, Weaver was featured in a supporting role in the film ATL starring rappers T.I. and Big Boi from OutKast. He also appears as an extra in the music video "Rock Yo Hips" by Crime Mob featuring Lil Scrappy. In addition to acting, Weaver is also a recording artist. He provided the vocals for the singing voice for the cub Simba in the 1994 film The Lion King. The following year, he released his debut album, Love Ambition, on Motown Records. In 2004, he collaborated with rapper Chingy on the track "One Call Away". The single was a Top 5 hit single in the United States.
