JD McCrary Biography: Age, Girlfriend, Net Worth, Parents, Height, Siblings

JD McCrary, a dynamic American singer, actor, and dancer, has risen to prominence with his powerful voice and versatile performances.

Best known for voicing Young Simba in Disney’s The Lion King (2019) and starring as Kenny Payne in The Paynes, he is a young talent making significant strides in both music and acting.

Profile

• Full Name: JayDon McCrary
• Stage Name: JayDon
• Born: July 18, 2007
• Age: 17 years old
• Birthplace: Granada Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Singer, Actor, Dancer
• Height: 5’4” (1.63 m)
• Parents: James West McCrary ,Larisa McCrary
• Siblings: Josh McCrary
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: USD 1 million

Early Life and Education

JD McCrary was born on July 18, 2007, in Granada Hills, Los Angeles, and was raised in a musically inclined family by his parents, James West McCrary and Larisa McCrary. Growing up alongside his older brother, Josh McCrary, who is also an actor.

He attended Mayall Academy of Arts & Technology Magnet, where he excelled academically, securing top ranks and winning regional Spelling Bee competitions.

His African American and Liberian heritage, combined with a Christian upbringing, shape his grounded and ambitious character.

Career

JD McCrary launched his acting career at age seven with a minor role in the 2014 short film Second Chance, followed by appearances as Young Ernie in K.C. Undercover (2015–2016).

In 2016, he gained attention with a guest vocal performance on Childish Gambino’s “Terrified,” which he performed live at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in 2018.

His television roles expanded with guest spots in Blunt Talk (2015), Teachers (2017), I’m Dying Up Here (2017), and Vital Signs (2018) as Young Dr. Dre.

JD’s breakthrough came in 2018 as Kenny Payne in Tyler Perry’s The Paynes on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

In 2019, he voiced Young Simba in Disney’s The Lion King remake, earning a Saturn Award nomination, and played Isaac in the comedy film Little.

That same year, he portrayed Young Michael Jackson in American Soul on BET. In 2022, he starred as Brett Sampson in Netflix’s 13: The Musical. His music career took off with a record deal from Disney’s Hollywood Records in 2018, making him their youngest signee.

He released his debut EP Shine in April 2019, featuring singles like “Keep in Touch” and “My Name,” produced by Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox.

In 2024, he rebranded as JayDon, releasing singles like “Ah! Ah!” with 310babii, “Lullaby,” and “I’ll Be Good” under Mega/Gamma, in partnership with Usher and L.A. Reid.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @jdmccrary
• Facebook Handle: Not active
• Twitter Handle: @jdmccrary
• YouTube Channel: JD McCrary

Personal Life

JD McCrary, 17, a rising singer and actor, keeps his personal life private, focusing on his career and education.

Single, with no public record of a spouse or children, he is supported by his close-knit family, who manage his career through their encouragement and guidance.

Living in California, JD enjoys basketball, frequently attending Los Angeles Clippers games, and is a passionate sneaker collector.

He plays the ukulele, often sharing videos of his performances, and engages in DJing as a hobby. His faith and family keep him grounded, with his parents ensuring he remains humble despite his rapid rise in Hollywood.

Discography

• “Crush” (2017) – Single
• “Inviting All of You” (2018) – Single
• “My Name” (2018) – Single
• “Keep in Touch” (2019) – Single
• Shine (2019) – EP, includes “Keep in Touch,” “My Name”
• “Ah! Ah!” (2024) – Single, feat. 310babii
• “Lullaby” (2025) – Single
• “I’ll Be Good” (2025) – Single
• The Lion King Soundtrack (2019) – “Danger (Young Simba & Young Nala Interlude),” “Run Away (Scar & Young Simba Interlude),” “New Lesson (Timon, Pumbaa, & Young Simba Interlude)”

Filmography

• Second Chance (2014) – Short Film
• The Eric Andre Show (2014) – Guest Role
• Blunt Talk (2015) – Singing Kid
• K.C. Undercover (2015–2016) – Young Ernie
• Teachers (2017) – Guest Role
• I’m Dying Up Here (2017) – Guest Role
• The Paynes (2018) – Kenny Payne
• Vital Signs (2018) – Young Dr. Dre
• Little (2019) – Isaac
• The Lion King (2019) – Young Simba (Voice)
• American Soul (2019) – Young Michael Jackson
• 13: The Musical (2022) – Brett Sampson

Net Worth

JD McCrary, a talented singer and actor, has an estimated net worth of USD 1 million.

His income is derived from his acting roles in The Lion King, The Paynes, Little, and 13: The Musical, as well as his music career, including his EP Shine and singles released under Hollywood Records and Mega/Gamma.