Jharrel Jerome is a noteworthy talent in Hollywood. With his powerful performances in “When They See Us” and “Unstoppable,” alongside voicing Miles G. Morales in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” Jerome credits his mother for a large part of his achievements. Born in New York’s Washington Heights, a vibrant Dominican neighborhood, he grew up in the Bronx as a first-generation Dominican American raised by his single mother.
“My mom had me at 18, so we share a bond that’s incredibly strong,” he explains. “We basically grew up together… She’s like my best friend.”
As a young Dominican woman nurturing a child in NYC, Jerome’s mother, Radoyka Marte Jerome, dedicated herself to creating opportunities for him that she never had.
“Her journey as an immigrant, combined with being a young mother, showcases her remarkable resilience,” he reflects. “More than believing in herself, she had unwavering faith in me.”
This included urging Jerome to pursue a performing arts school, a decision that shaped his current path. “I expressed my reluctance to attend the local school with all the neighborhood kids, and the next day, she encouraged me to audition for a performing arts school instead,” he recalls. “She always recognized my flair for drama.”
Until he turned two, it was just him and his mother, until his stepfather came into the picture as a father figure.
“I didn’t grow up with my biological father, so I don’t have a connection with him. It’s a familiar narrative. But I was fortunate to have an incredible man step in. He’s Haitian, and although he’s my stepdad, I consider him my dad,” he confides.
Jerome attributes his strong grounding in a competitive industry to the unconditional love and support from his family, including his mom, stepdad, sister, grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins.
“I grew up in a family-oriented environment, which was beneficial as I navigated the Hollywood landscape,” he shares. “To this day, I treasure having a home base that allows me to reconnect with my true self. That remains unshakeable regardless of my surroundings or who I meet.
“I grew up in a family-oriented environment, which was beneficial as I navigated the Hollywood landscape.”
The actor believes that his upbringing as a Black Dominican boy from the Bronx has equipped him for the diverse roles he undertakes. His life experiences have shaped his perspective, enabling him to portray Black characters with greater authenticity.
“It’s a complex situation. Colorism plays a significant role here, but I’m a Dominican who is aware of our community’s identity struggles. I understand the uncomfortable truths we often avoid regarding our Black roots, but I fully embrace mine,” he affirms. “I’ve always identified as a Black man in America, and in every aspect — whether walking the streets, auditioning, or interacting — I’ve never felt anything other than Afro-Latino, which often leads me to portraying primarily Black American characters.”
Despite discussions on whether Afro-Latinos should depict Black American roles, Jerome stresses his awareness of the distinctions: he is Black Latino, fully recognizing the cultural differences. Yet, he acknowledges the scarcity of roles written for Black Latinos.
“Characters for our community are few and far between. When they do exist, the portrayal of Latino identity often fits a specific mold that’s yet to be reshaped,” Jerome states. “While my heritage may not be reflected in my roles, I can confidently represent my Blackness.
He aspires to take on more diverse roles, like Anthony Robles, the Black and Mexican disabled wrestler in “Unstoppable.” Currently, he is eager to share his family’s immigration tale and his upbringing as a Dominican in the Bronx, aiming for a richer representation in storytelling. For the last two years, he’s been crafting a script inspired by his life experiences.
“I believe the importance of sharing immigrant stories is greater now than ever.”
“The foundational motto of this country was freedom for everyone. The American dream was about finding a place that nurtured one’s aspirations,” Jerome articulates. “Yet, it’s disheartening to see the narrative shift towards exclusion. I firmly believe that immigrant stories need to be highlighted today to remind everyone of the invaluable contribution of immigrants. We must also reignite the memory of the foundations upon which this nation was built.”
