Michael Rainey Jr.: Height, Age, Net Worth, Parents, Career, Power Book II & Full Biography

Michael Rainey Jr Introduction

Michael Rainey Jr. has become one of the most compelling young actors of his generation. Known globally for his role as Tariq St. Patrick in Power and Power Book II: Ghost, he has successfully transitioned from child actor to leading man—while building businesses, expanding into music, and shaping a legacy beyond television.

This in-depth biography explores Michael Rainey Jr.’s height, age, parents, early life, career timeline, net worth, awards, relationships, business ventures, Jamaican-American heritage, and his future in Hollywood.

Quick Facts About Michael Rainey Jr.

Category	Details
Full Name	Michael Rainey Jr.
Date of Birth	September 22, 2000
Age (2025)	24 years old
Birthplace	Louisville, Kentucky
Childhood Home	Staten Island, New York
Height	5’10½” (1.79 m)
Weight	149 lbs (68 kg)
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Jamaican-American
Parents	Michael Rainey Sr. & Shauna Small
Education	Homeschooled
Famous Role	Tariq St. Patrick (Power, Power Book II: Ghost)
First Film	Un Altro Mondo (2010)
Music Stage Name	Whereis22
Relationship Status	Single
Net Worth (2024–2025)	$2 million
Business Ventures	Twenty Two Entertainment, Catch 22 restaurant, Herbs Jamaica dispensary, crypto investments
Awards	2025 NAACP Image Award, 2024 Black Cinema & TV Rising Star Award

Early Life, Family Background & Childhood

Michael Rainey Jr. was born in Louisville, Kentucky, before moving to Staten Island, New York, as an infant. His upbringing was deeply influenced by his Jamaican-American heritage, multicultural environment, and strong family values.

Parents & Heritage

• Father: Michael Rainey Sr., originally from New York
• Mother: Shauna Small, who immigrated from Jamaica as a teenager
  • BA in Psychology/English
  • Master’s Degree from Concordia University-Portland
  • Founder of Our Learning House, Inc. (2004)
  • Later became a health coach and entrepreneur

His mother, Shauna, homeschooled him, giving him flexibility to grow creatively. She also helped manage his early finances, teaching him discipline from a young age.

Discovery in Staten Island

In 2009, a talent agent from Generations Agency noticed Michael while he was living in Staten Island. This chance encounter changed everything, leading to early modeling, commercials, and eventually international acting work.

Career Beginning: Italian Film Industry Breakthrough

One of the most unique parts of Michael’s career is how early—and how globally—he began.

Un Altro Mondo (2010): The First Major Role

At just 10 years old, Michael:

• Lived in Italy for one year
• Learned to speak Italian fluently
• Starred as the lead in Un Altro Mondo, directed by Silvio Muccino

This film proved that he had the discipline, emotional intelligence, and commitment needed for long-term success.

Early U.S. Career (2011–2013)

After returning from Italy, Michael began to build a strong foundation in American entertainment:

Notable Early Projects

• Sesame Street
• LUV (2012) with Common, Danny Glover & Dennis Haysbert
• Waiting Room (2010)
• Sunny & Share Love You (2010)

He also appeared in Italian singer Tiziano Ferro’s music video Il Regalo Più Grande, which strengthened his early visibility.

The Power Franchise: Tariq St. Patrick & Global Fame

Michael’s life changed forever in 2014 when he joined Power as Tariq St. Patrick, son of Omari Hardwick’s Ghost.

The Evolution of Tariq

Fans’ intense reactions to his character actually helped the writers expand his role.

“If supporters react strongly, writers build off that in the next script,” Michael shared.

Tariq’s storyline became one of the most emotionally complex arcs in modern TV drama. His transition from a child caught in chaos to a morally conflicted anti-hero showcased Michael’s range.

Power Book II: Ghost

After Power ended in 2020:

• Michael became the lead of the franchise
• The show ran for four seasons (2020–2024)
• It consistently ranked as one of Starz’s top-viewed series

Michael Rainey Jr.’s performance became the heartbeat of the spin-off, earning him:

• NAACP Image Award (2025)
• Black Cinema Rising Star Award (2024)

He grew up on-screen, with the world watching every step.

Business Ventures & Financial Growth

Michael is not just an actor—he’s an entrepreneur and investor with an impressive portfolio.

Twenty Two Entertainment (2022–Present)

Co-founded with friend and Power co-star Gianni Paolo
Backed by:

• Kenan Thompson
• John Ryan Jr. (Artists For Artists)

The company produces:

• Podcasts
• Films / TV projects
• Digital content

Their podcast The Crew Has It became one of the internet’s most popular actor-led shows.

Other Investments

Michael has expanded into:

• Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
• Real estate and land acquisitions
• Catch 22 → Jamaican restaurant
• Herbs Jamaica cannabis dispensary
• Support for his mother’s brand Relax Be Healthy

Salary Evolution

Reportedly:

• $20,000 per episode (early Power)
• $45,000 per episode (2018)
• $150,000 to $1,000,000 per episode in Power Book II: Ghost

His discipline comes from early guidance:

“I didn’t know what I was earning until I was 17 or 18. My mom helped me save everything.”

Awards & Industry Praise

Key Awards

• 2025 NAACP Image Award – Outstanding Actor
• 2024 Black Cinema & Television Rising Star Award
• 2018 NAACP Image Award nomination
• Vision Award nomination
• BET YoungStars nomination

Celebrity Praise

Larenz Tate said:

“Every day on set, he gives the most encouraging energy I’ve ever seen.”

50 Cent, Omari Hardwick, and other Power producers have also mentored him.

Music Career (Whereis22)

Under the stage name Whereis22, Michael:

• Records rap music
• Plays piano and guitar
• Works with artists like wolfacejoeyy
• Debuted music during Power Book II: Ghost

He is also part of the creative group Black Team.

Personal Life, Hobbies & Relationships

Hobbies

• Mixed martial arts
• Car collecting
• Gaming
• Piano and guitar lessons
• Travel to Jamaica and Los Angeles

He owns a Porsche 911 Turbo S and plans a YouTube auto channel.

Relationships

Previously linked to:

• Eva Apio (2019)
• Haile Rose (2022)

As of 2025, he is single and heavily focused on career and business.

Philanthropy

Michael supports:

• Find and Feed (helps the homeless)
• Jamaica National Children’s Home
• Charity basketball events for veterans
• Christmas donation initiatives

Future Aspirations

Michael is actively working to avoid typecasting. He wants:

• Romantic comedy roles
• Light-hearted characters
• Psychological thrillers
• Roles outside crime dramas

His long-term goal is to:

• Produce films
• Develop franchises under Twenty Two Entertainment
• Guide young actors coming from similar backgrounds

His mindset is grounded:

“There’s a million blessings in the world. Don’t let entitlement blind you.”

Why Michael Rainey Jr. Is a Cultural Icon

Michael represents:

• Black excellence
• Jamaican-American pride
• Smart financial leadership
• Young Hollywood entrepreneurship
• Authentic storytelling for Gen Z

His global fanbase comes from his relatability, discipline, and transparency about the pressures of early fame.

Conclusion

Michael Rainey Jr.’s journey—from a homeschool child in Staten Island to the face of a billion-dollar TV franchise—is one of passion, discipline, and smart decision-making.

At just 24, he has:

• Led one of the most successful TV franchises
• Built multiple businesses
• Won prestigious awards
• Grown into a respected cultural figure

The next chapter of Michael’s career—film roles, music expansion, producing, entrepreneurship—promises to be even bigger. His story is not just inspiring; it’s a blueprint for young creatives who aim to turn opportunity into empire.

FAQ About Michael Rainey Jr.