After landing the role as young Korey Wise in ‘When They See Us,’ director Ava DuVernay was so impressed that she asked him to also read for the role of adult Korey Wise.

Jharrel debuted in Barry Jenkins' drama film Moonlight in 2016, gaining prominence for his portrayal of Korey Wise in Ava DuVernay's miniseries When They See Us.

How Jharrel Jerome tapped into a wrestler’s mindset for ‘Unstoppable’ The Emmy-winning actor plays Anthony Robles, who overcame physical limitations to win a national wrestling title.

In 2016 Jerome starred in “Moonlight,” which won the Oscar for Best Picture. And in 2019 his critically hailed turn as Korey Wise in “When They See Us” won the actor an Emmy.

Jharrel Jerome as Anthony Robles in a scene from “Unstoppable.” Jharrel Jerome became a household name after his Emmy-winning turn in Ava DuVernay’s “When They See Us” as Korey Wise.

Jerome played Korey Wise from the age of 16 to 28. “When I won, I almost burst into tears, for sure. But it’s interesting, the evolution I’d experienced,” he said. “I didn’t cry.

Jerome played Korey Wise from the age of 16 to 28. “When I won, I almost burst into tears, for sure. But it’s interesting, the evolution I’d experienced,” he said. “I didn’t cry.

The young Emmy winner had to learn a lot and face some fears over the five years it took to make the story of real-life, one-legged wrestler Anthony Robles.