Jay Will (born April 17, 1997, per available sources) is an American actor, rapper, and musician best known for playing Tyson Mitchell in the hit Paramount+ series Tulsa King.
His 2024 film Rob Peace earned him widespread critical praise and marked a major turning point in his rising career.
Who is Jay Will?
Jay Will is a Juilliard-trained actor who has quickly become one of the most exciting young talents in Hollywood. He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and moved to New York to pursue a career in the performing arts.
He is widely recognized for his role alongside Sylvester Stallone in Tulsa King, where he plays the street-smart driver and protégé Tyson Mitchell. His real name is Jarrett Williams.
Jay is also a rapper and musician, performing under stage names including RoyStar SoundSick and Young Phebus.
His artistry spans both the screen and the studio. The world took notice of Jay Will long before many expected.
Early Life of Jay Will
Jay Will was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. He grew up in a home filled with art and movement. His mother taught African dance, which became his earliest introduction to artistic expression.
As a child, Jay was energetic and often on the verge of trouble at school. He has spoken in interviews about his school’s color-coded card system, where green meant a perfect day and yellow meant slowing down. That restless energy would later fuel his performances on screen.
His first major leap came when he left Greenville to attend the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. His mother also taught there, and Jay credits the school with shaping his work ethic and focus as a performer.
Jay Will Age
Jay Will is 29 years old as of 2026, reportedly born on April 17, 1997. He is actively building one of the most promising acting careers of his generation.
Jay Will Ethnicity and Nationality
Jay Will is an American of African-American descent. He was born and raised in South Carolina and currently lives in New York City.
Jay Will Height and Weight
Jay Will stands at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall, according to available sources. His weight has not been publicly confirmed in reliable sources.
He carries himself with a calm confidence that translates naturally to the screen.
Jay Will Education
Jay Will attended the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville before pursuing higher education. He also participated in YoungArts Week, where he trained under top-level theater coaches from across the country.
His first application to the Juilliard School was submitted late due to personal distractions, which he has publicly described as his “first heartbreak.” He spent a year at another institution before reapplying successfully.
Jay Will then graduated from the Juilliard School in New York City with a BFA in Acting in 2021. At Juilliard, he performed in productions including Life Is a Dream, Too Heavy for Your Pocket, and Macbeth.
Jay Will Career
Early Work and Theater
Jay Will began his career in theater, performing in stage productions while still in training. He appeared in short films as early as 2014, including Cineastes and Champion (2015), while building his foundation as a performer.
His television debut came in 2022 with a guest role as James in the Amazon Prime Video series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. That same year, he also appeared in an episode of the CBS supernatural drama Evil on Paramount+.
Those were the first steps. Bigger things were already on the way.
Tulsa King and Breakthrough
In 2022, Jay Will was cast as Tyson Mitchell in Tulsa King, created by Taylor Sheridan and starring Sylvester Stallone. Tyson is Dwight Manfredi’s sharp-witted driver and protégé, and the role gave Jay his first major platform on national television.
The show became a massive hit on Paramount+. Jay has appeared in all three seasons, with Season 3 premiering in September 2025 alongside new cast addition Samuel L. Jackson.
His preparation for the role was meticulous. He studied Stallone’s body of work before walking into the audition room.
Rob Peace and Critical Acclaim
In 2024, Jay Will took on the title role in Rob Peace, directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor. The film is based on the true story of Robert DeShaun Peace, a gifted young man from New Jersey torn between his potential and his circumstances.
The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival in January 2024 and was released theatrically in August 2024. It later arrived on Netflix in November 2024. Co-stars included Mary J. Blige, Camila Cabello, and Chiwetel Ejiofor himself.
Critics called Jay Will’s performance “moving,” “masterfully played,” and a genuine “breakthrough role.” That praise came from outlets including Screen Rant and The Guardian.
Jay Will Movies
| Year | Title | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Cineastes | — | Short Film |
| 2015 | Champion | — | Short Film |
| 2022 | The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel | James | TV Series |
| 2022 | Evil | Phoebus | TV Series |
| 2022–2025 | Tulsa King | Tyson Mitchell | TV Series |
| 2023 | Bad Like Brooklyn Dancehall | — | Film (Producer) |
| 2024 | Rob Peace | Rob Peace | Film |
| 2024 | It Doesn’t Matter | Alvaro | Film |
Jay Will Awards and Recognition
Will won the YoungArts Performance Gold Award in Theatre in 2016, a prestigious recognition for young artists across the United States. The award is a strong indicator of early promise in the performing arts.
His work in Rob Peace earned widespread critical acclaim following its Sundance premiere in 2024.
Reviewers consistently highlighted his performance as the film’s most compelling element. That recognition placed him firmly among Hollywood’s most exciting rising stars.
Jay Will Girlfriend
Jay Will has kept his personal life very private. As of 2026, he has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend or romantic partner.
He has focused openly on his craft and career, and no relationship details have been reported by reliable sources.
His personal life remains largely out of the public eye. That kind of focus is rare for someone at his level of visibility.
Jay Will Net Worth
Jay Will’s exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed, but estimates suggest a figure in the range of $1 million as of 2026. His income comes from his ongoing role in Tulsa King, film projects including Rob Peace and It Doesn’t Matter, and his music work as a rapper and musician.
As a Juilliard graduate with a growing film and television profile, his earning potential is expected to rise significantly.
His lead role in a Paramount+ series is the foundation of a career that is only gaining momentum. Future endorsements and larger film roles could push those figures considerably higher.
Jay Will Social Media
Jay Will is active on Instagram under the handle @jay_will9, where he shares updates from his career and personal life. His follower count continues to grow alongside his rising profile.
He also shares music on YouTube under his musical stage names, including RoyStar SoundSick and Young Phebus. His social media presence reflects both the actor and the artist behind the public persona.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jay Will’s real name?
Jay Will’s real name is Jarrett Williams.
How old is Jay Will?
Jay Will is reportedly 29 years old as of 2026, born on April 17, 1997.
Where is Jay Will from?
Jay Will was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina.
What is Jay Will known for?
Jay Will is best known for playing Tyson Mitchell in the Paramount+ series Tulsa King and for his lead role in the 2024 film Rob Peace.
Where did Jay Will go to school?
Jay Will graduated from the Juilliard School in New York City with a BFA in Acting in 2021.
Who is Jay Will’s girlfriend?
Jay Will has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend as of 2026. He keeps his personal life private.
What is Jay Will’s height?
Jay Will is reportedly 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall.
What is Jay Will’s net worth?
Jay Will’s exact net worth has not been disclosed, but estimates place it between $500,000 and $1 million as of 2026.
The Bottom Line
Jay Will is a rising American actor whose Juilliard training and natural talent have positioned him as one of the most compelling performers of his generation.
From his breakout role in Tulsa King to his critically acclaimed lead in Rob Peace, he continues to grow with every project he takes on.
We hope you enjoyed reading about Jay Will. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!