Have you ever watched Power Book II: Ghost and wondered about the guy playing Tariq St. Patrick? You’re looking at Michael Rainey Jr., and trust me, there’s way more to this young star than meets the eye.
Standing at 5’10½” (1.79m), this 24-year-old powerhouse has been crushing it in Hollywood since he was just a kid. Born on September 22, 2000, in Louisville, Kentucky, Michael has built an estimated net worth of $2 million by 2024.
His journey from a chance encounter with a talent agent to leading one of Starz network’s biggest shows is nothing short of incredible. Ready to dive into the real story behind Michael Rainey Jr.?
Michael Rainey Jr. Quick facts
| Birthplace | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Net Worth | $2 million (2024) |
| Parents | Michael Rainey Sr. & Shauna Small |
| Education | Homeschooled |
| Famous Role | Tariq St. Patrick |
| Music Name | Whereis22 |
| Relationship | Single |
Personal Background & Early Life
Picture this: a nine-year-old kid in Staten Island, New York, just minding his own business when a talent agent from Generations agency walks up to his mom. “Your son has a great face for acting or modeling. Does he do any of that?”
That random moment in 2009 changed everything for Michael Rainey Jr. What started as pure chance became the foundation of a career that’s still going strong today.
His background is pretty fascinating too. Michael Rainey Sr., his dad, is from New York, while his mom Shauna Small immigrated from Jamaica as a teenager. This Jamaican-American heritage didn’t just shape his identity – it influenced his business moves later on, including opening Catch 22 restaurant.
Shauna wasn’t just any mom – she held a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/English from College of Staten Island and later earned a Master’s Degree from Concordia University-Portland. She even founded Our Learning House, Inc. in 2004, showing that success runs in the family.
Michael was homeschooled by his mother throughout his youth, giving him flexibility to pursue acting opportunities. This multicultural upbringing gave him perspectives that would later help him connect with diverse audiences across his acting career.
The family dynamic was tight, with Shauna now working as a health coach and entrepreneur while supporting her son’s ventures. Growing up in Staten Island from age one, Michael had no idea he’d become a television star.
Michael Rainey Jr. Career Journey & Breakthrough
Want to know something wild? Michael’s first major role required him to learn Italian fluently and live in Italy for a year. At just ten years old, he landed the lead in “Un Altro Mondo” (Another World), directed by Silvio Muccino.
“I shot to fame at the tender age of ten, starring in the Italian film UN ALTRO MUNDO, a role for which I mastered a new language and culture, and lived abroad for a year,” Michael once reflected. Can you imagine being that dedicated at ten?
This international experience set him apart from other child actors. The film’s success opened doors for his American film debut in “LUV” (2012), where he starred alongside Common, Danny Glover, and Dennis Haysbert.
His early TV appearances included “Sesame Street” and auditions for “Law and Order”. From “Waiting Room” (2010) to “Sunny & Share Love You” (2010), he was methodically building his resume.
Before his film career, Michael appeared in music videos, including Tiziano Ferro’s “Il Regalo Piu Grande” which led to his discovery by director Silvio Muccino. Each project taught him something new about the industry.
The kid was learning the craft with the same intensity, regardless of project size. That preparation would prove crucial when Starz came calling with the role that would define his career.
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The “Power” Phenomenon
In 2014, Michael joined the cast of “Power“ as Tariq St. Patrick, initially as a recurring character. Little did anyone know this role would define his career for the next decade.
The audience reaction to Tariq was… intense. People either loved him or absolutely hated him. But Michael saw opportunity where others might see criticism. “Shout out to the supporters that reacted because y’all helped me build a storyline. Writers see how the supporters react, and if they get a certain reaction, they literally build off of that in the next script.”
Instead of letting negative feedback discourage him, Michael understood that strong reactions meant people were invested. The Power universe writers took notice and expanded his role significantly throughout all six seasons.
Over the years, Michael transitioned from child actor to leading man, with audiences witnessing his growth on screen. His character’s journey from innocent kid to morally complex young adult mirrored his own growth as a performer.
When “Power” ended in 2020, Michael faced a huge question: could a character everyone “hated” carry his own show? Initially skeptical himself, he recalled thinking, “First of all, nobody likes my character. How do you think a show based around a character that everyone hates will be successful?”
“Power Book II: Ghost” answered that question with a resounding yes, running for four successful seasons until 2024. Michael’s portrayal of Tariq’s internal struggle became the show’s emotional core, consistently ranking among Starz’s highest-viewed programs.
Michael Rainey Jr. Business Ventures & Financial Success
Let’s talk money — Michael has built a strong financial foundation through acting and business ventures. He didn’t even know how much he was earning until he was almost 18, thanks to his mother’s smart money management.
“My mom always did a great job of helping me save my money since I was a kid. I didn’t really know what kind of numbers I was pulling in until I was like 17, 18,” Michael revealed on the Forbes “New Money” podcast.
According to Daily Express Salary reports, His salary progression tells the whole story. Starting at $20,000 per episode, jumping to $45,000 per episode by 2018, and with “Power Book II: Ghost,” industry reports suggest he now commands between $150,000 and $1,000,000 per episode.
But Michael isn’t just collecting paychecks. In March 2022, he launched Twenty Two Entertainment with co-star Gianni Paolo, backed by Kenan Thompson and John Ryan Jr.’s Artists For Artists initiative.
His diverse business portfolio includes:
- Cryptocurrency investments in Bitcoin and Ethereum
- Land ownership investments
- Co-ownership of Herbs Jamaica dispensary (expanding to a larger location)
- Catch 22 restaurant in Jamaica
- Investment in his mom’s “Relax Be Healthy” organic skincare brand
- “The Crew Has It” podcast with Gianni Paolo
Michael has emphasized in interviews that acting success can be temporary, which is why he’s focused on creating multiple income streams. He’s building multiple income streams while maintaining his $2 million net worth as of 2023.
Michael Awards & Industry Recognition
Michael’s trophy case keeps growing. In 2024, he took home the Black Cinema & Television Rising Star Award, followed by the 2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series.
His recognition journey started early with a 2018 NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Youth and a Vision Award nomination for Best Performance in Drama. The BET YoungStars Award nominations followed, building steady industry recognition.
Larenz Tate, who worked with Michael on “Power Book II: Ghost,” praised his professionalism: “Literally every day he’s on set, he’s coming to me with the most encouraging words I’ve ever heard from anybody in my life.”
That kind of professional support from industry veterans like Larenz Tate and Omari Hardwick speaks volumes. When seasoned actors cosign your work ethic, you know you’re doing something right.
The mentorship extended beyond acting, with 50 Cent and other Power producers providing career guidance. This support system helped Michael navigate the complexities of early fame and Hollywood success.
Michael Rainey Jr. Personal Life & Interests
Michael records music under the stage name “Whereis22“ and collaborated with wolfacejoeyy on a song that premiered during “Power Book II: Ghost.” He’s part of a group called Black Team and takes piano and guitar lessons regularly.
His car enthusiasm shows in his Porsche 911 Turbo S, a purchase he jokingly referred to as a ‘dumb buy’ but one he enjoys.” He’s planning a car-themed YouTube channel featuring “the craziest car builds from all over the world.”
Mixed martial arts keeps him in shape, along with an active lifestyle. He owns two terriers as pets and was interested in basketball as a child before switching focus to piano.
Relationship-wise, Michael keeps things private. He was linked to Eva Apio, a Ugandan model, in 2019, and later to Haile Rose in 2022. Currently, he appears to be single based on recent interviews.
His social media presence includes verified accounts on Instagram (@michaelraineyjr with 3.5+ million followers), Twitter, and Facebook, where he promotes his business ventures and connects with fans.
Michael stays grounded through charitable work, actively supporting “Find and Feed,” an Indiana-based organization helping homeless individuals. He visited Jamaica National Children’s Home in 2018, participated in charity basketball games for veterans, and conducts independent Christmas charity work.
Future Aspirations & Legacy
Here’s something that might shock you: Michael is eager to break away from dramatic roles. “I really want to do a rom-com or something where I’m like a nerd or something, something like completely different than what I’ve been portraying for the past 10 years.”
His approach to career longevity is refreshingly mature: “Don’t feel too entitled to where you deprive yourself. And I always say this because I feel like a lot of people, especially kids my age or younger, they need to really understand there’s a million other blessings in the world.”
At 24, Michael has spent nearly half his life in the entertainment industry, navigating early fame, typecasting concerns, and the pressure of carrying a major television franchise. His legacy extends beyond acting into youth mentorship and entrepreneurship.
Through Twenty Two Entertainment and various business ventures, he’s creating opportunities for other young performers. As “Power Book II: Ghost” concluded in 2024, Michael actively seeks roles that avoid typecasting, specifically interested in comedy work.
His story represents a multicultural success story rooted in smart financial decisions and family support. From that chance encounter with a talent agent to leading one of television’s most successful franchises, he’s proven that preparation meets opportunity.
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Conclusion
Michael Rainey Jr. transformed from accidental discovery to calculated success. His journey highlights dedication and strategic decisions.
His financial management, business interests, and foresight have helped him maintain stability while building for the future. to build multiple revenue streams while young. His Jamaican-American heritage, supportive parents, and grounded approach create a foundation for sustained success.
As he explores romantic comedies and expands his business empire, one thing’s clear: the kid accidentally discovered in Staten Island has evolved into a Hollywood force who’s just getting started.
FAQ About Michael Rainey Jr.
How tall is Michael Rainey Jr.?
Michael Rainey Jr. stands 5’10½” (1.79m) tall and weighs 149 pounds (68kg).
What is Michael Rainey Jr.’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is $2 million as of 2024, earned through acting and business ventures.
Who are Michael Rainey Jr.’s parents?
His father is Michael Rainey Sr. from New York, and mother Shauna Small immigrated from Jamaica.
Is Michael Rainey Jr. married?
No, Michael is currently single, previously linked to Eva Apio and Haile Rose.
What businesses does he own?
He co-owns Twenty Two Entertainment, Herbs Jamaica dispensary, Catch 22 restaurant, and invests in cryptocurrency.
What awards has he won?
2024 Black Cinema & Television Rising Star Award and 2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor.
What’s his music name?
He records under “Whereis22” and is part of music group Black Team.
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