Mykel Shannon Jenkins, born in Biloxi, Mississippi to an officer in the U.S. Air Force, called many states home. With his parents and two siblings, the family finally settled in New Orleans, Louisiana, where Mykel graduated from Bonnabel High School and, after that earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University. While in high school, Mykel was a nationalist in drama and speech & debate, where his fire for the dramatic was ignited. During college, while holding down a part-time job as a waiter, Mykel became a household name as the host of New Orleans’ WB38 Kids’ Club, where he served as an on-air personality for more than four years introducing kids and parents to a world of knowledge. After college, Mykel began his pursuit of an acting career, landing minor roles in a few movies. During this time, Mykel’s knack for writing reared its creative head as he penned his first screenplay about childhood friends who pull off the greatest art heist. Although this one did not make it to film (yet), Mykel has written, directed, and produced over six screenplays since that first one.

In 2003, empowered by his family and armored with a dream and staunch determination, Mykel made his big move to Hollywood. Mykel has studied under some of the most renowned teachers in the industry, such as the Beverly Hills Playhouse, Gary Imhoff, Lesly Kahn, and continues to be mentored by Acting Coach Eric Stuart. Over the years, Mykel’s hard work paid off. His TV credits include The CW’s Containment, Steppin’ Back to Love, A Royal Christmas Ball, Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland and The Bold and the Beautiful. Mykel’s film credits include The Last Heist, Beyond the Trek, The Masked Saint, Same Kind of Different as Me, and Undisputed III: Redemption, where he brought to life the charismatic and unforgettable American fighter, Turbo. Mykel also starred in the critically acclaimed WellGo USA Ent (THEATRICAL)/Netflix’s The Paper Tigers, a film about three now middle-aged Kung Fu prodigies who reunited to avenge the death of their master teacher. Most recently, Mykel signed on as Dobbs Ryker opposite Morgan Freeman (gang kingpin Kendric Ryker) and Luke Hemsworth (Lee Gunner) for the action-thriller motion picture Gunner, hitting theaters in 2024.

Expanding his opportunities, Mykel began to tap into his creative writing and directing side, which was provoked by his own words, “Why wait for an opportunity? I will create my own.” He has written, directed, produced and starred in over six of features, including The Gods, The Gods 2: The Dark Side, Two Wolves, and Octopus Pot. Mykel is currently writing The Gods 3, and a series entitled Summer 17. Last year, Mykel wrapped on Youn’G (which he again wrote, produced, directed, and co-starred), spotlighting his son, Bryce Clyde Jenkins, in a coming-of-age dramedy about a teenage boy who, with the help of his close friends, fights for his true love while at the same time discovering his cool neighborhood mentor is his father.

Although Mykel is quite busy writing, directing, and acting, he still finds time to train physically as well as spiritually. As a personal trainer, Mykel knows what it takes to maintain a healthy body and mind, i.e., hard work and discipline. He enjoys training others because he can assist in more than just their physical development, but their spiritual and mental growth as well. Mykel enjoys watching movies, working out and keeping up with his son, cheering for his athletes, bowling, and creative writing. At the close of his busy day, Mykel still finds time to play his two favorite roles, a devoted father and husband, with tremendous patience, understanding, and love.

Awards

Image Awards (NAACP) USA