Shamon Brown, Jr.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Shamon Brown Jr. began his career at age five on stage in 2010, appearing in local theatrical productions by independent Chicago playwrights. He started off slow in 2012, being a part of the Kraft Lunchables national print ad for fruit smoothies, but got his first television break later that year guest starring on NBC's Chicago Fire.

In 2015 he appeared in a music video for the Plain White T's song “American Nights” as the drummer of a fake band of kids.

His big break came in 2018 when he was cast on the Showtime series The Chi. Brown appeared as Stanley "Papa" Jackson on all current five seasons of the show. The show follows the life of preteens in the South Side of Chicago, juggling the danger of the city, school, and growing up. Getting tangled up by coincidence, they bond over their need for connection and redemption.

Shamon made his feature film debut as Michelangelo in the feature film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023). The film follows the iconic turtle brothers on their journey to defeat an army of mutants who believe the brothers belong underground. 

Along with acting, Shamon is a musician who has been making music since 2020. He started by making remixes on Soundcloud but quickly transitioned into writing and producing his own sound later that same year. He continues to make music, releasing singles whenever he has time and growing his artistic career.

Brown continues his role as Papa on The Chi , which releases the sixth season in August 2023.

Filmography: 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)