Michael Rainey Jr. is an American actor best known for playing Tariq St. Patrick on the hit Starz drama Power and its spinoff, Power Book II: Ghost. He grew up between Kentucky and New York, started acting as a young child, and spent more than a decade inside one of television’s biggest crime drama franchises. Today, fans want to know his age, his height, his real net worth, and whether he has a wife. This guide answers all of it in plain, simple terms.
Michael Rainey Jr Profile Summary
Here’s a quick snapshot of who Michael Rainey Jr. is before we dig into the details. He’s a Jamaican American actor from Louisville, Kentucky, who built his entire career on screen from childhood into adulthood.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Michael Andile Rainey Jr. |
| Age | 25 years old (as of 2026) |
| Date of Birth | September 22, 2000 |
| Birthplace | Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Height | Around 5 feet 10 inches (about 178 cm), commonly reported |
| Weight | Around 158 pounds (roughly 72 kg), estimated |
| Ex-Girlfriends | Eva Apio (2019), Haile Rose (2022) |
| Salary Per Episode | $150,000 – $1,000,000 (Power Book II) |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $2 million and $3 million |
| Profession | Actor, producer, podcast host |
| Nationality | American |
| Heritage | Jamaican descent through his mother Wikipedia |
| Known For | Tariq St. Patrick in Power and Power Book II: Ghost |
| @michaelraineyjr |
Michael Rainey Jr.’s biography reads like a coming of age story that happened in real time, on camera, in front of millions of viewers. He didn’t just play a character. He grew up alongside him.
Michael Rainey Jr Age
Michael Rainey Jr. is 25 years old as of 2026. He was born on September 22, 2000, in Louisville, Kentucky. That makes him a Virgo, which fans online often connect to his calm, focused public image. Wikipedia
His age matters for one big reason. Michael Rainey Jr. started acting as a literal child and grew into adulthood on camera. He was nine years old when he starred in the Italian film Un Altro Mondo, and by the time Power premiered in 2014, he was still a young teenager playing a troubled teenager. Viewers watched him age in real time across a decade of episodes, which is rare in Hollywood. nccu
Most child actors fade out or struggle to transition into adult roles. Michael Rainey Jr. did the opposite. He used his age as an advantage, letting his character mature at the same pace he did. That authenticity is a big part of why audiences trust his performance as Tariq St. Patrick.
Michael Rainey Jr Height
Michael Rainey Jr. stands at an estimated 5 feet 10 inches tall, which converts to roughly 178 centimeters. His weight is commonly listed around 158 pounds, or about 72 kilograms.
It’s worth being upfront here. Michael Rainey Jr. has not personally confirmed his exact height or weight through an official source. These numbers come from fan sites and entertainment databases, so treat them as reasonable estimates rather than verified stats. That’s actually pretty normal for actors his age. Most celebrities don’t publish their measurements anywhere official.
For context, 5 feet 10 inches sits right around the average height for an adult American man, which is close to 5 feet 9 inches according to CDC data. So Rainey isn’t unusually tall or short. He’s built like a regular guy, which honestly makes his on screen presence as a commanding character like Tariq even more impressive. He doesn’t rely on size to hold a scene. He relies on skill.
Michael Rainey Jr Personal Background and Early Life
Michael Rainey Jr.’s early life started far from Hollywood, in a quiet corner of Kentucky. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and raised in Staten Island, New York from the age of one. That move set the stage for everything that came next. Wikipedia
His mother took an unusual approach to his education. She homeschooled him during his youth, which gave the family flexibility once acting work started rolling in. Instead of juggling school schedules with film sets, Rainey could travel, audition, and shoot without the typical constraints most young actors face. Wikipedia
That flexibility paid off fast. At just nine years old, he landed his first major role in an Italian production. He didn’t just show up and read lines phonetically either. He mastered the Italian language and lived abroad for a year to prepare for the part. Think about that for a second. Most nine year olds are worried about recess. Rainey was learning a second language on a film set in Italy. nccu
This early experience shaped how he approached every role afterward. He learned discipline before he learned algebra. He learned how to take direction before he learned how to drive. That kind of early immersion built a work ethic that carried him straight into his teenage breakout.
Michael Rainey Jr Parents
Michael Rainey Jr.’s parents are Michael Rainey Sr. and Shauna Small. His father lives in New York City, while his mother took the lead role in raising and homeschooling him during his early years. Wikipedia
Through his mother, Michael Rainey Jr. carries Jamaican heritage, which he has spoken about as part of his identity. This Jamaican American background shows up in interviews where he references his family’s culture and roots. Wikipedia
Details about extended family, like siblings, are not publicly confirmed, so it’s best to treat any claims about that as unverified. What is clear is that his mother played an outsized role in shaping his early career decisions, from homeschooling to managing his transition into acting at such a young age. Family support like that is often the quiet ingredient behind a child actor’s ability to stay grounded once fame hits.
Michael Rainey Jr Career Journey and Breakthrough
Michael Rainey Jr.’s acting career didn’t start with a big studio contract. It started with a bold move to another country. At age nine, he landed the lead in Un Altro Mondo, an Italian film directed by Silvio Muccino, and spent a year abroad learning the language and culture to play the part convincingly.
When he came home to the United States, things moved fast. His first American film role came in LUV, alongside Common, Danny Glover, Charles Dutton, and Meagan Good. From there, he built momentum with a role in The Butler, an NAACP Image Award winning film starring Oprah Winfrey and Forest Whitaker, directed by Lee Daniels. nccunccu
Here’s a simple timeline of how his acting career built up:
| Stage | What Happened |
| Age 9 | Cast in Un Altro Mondo, learned Italian for the role |
| Early 2010s | Appeared in LUV alongside Common and Danny Glover |
| 2013 | Starred in The Butler and Orange Is the New Black |
| 2014 | Landed the role of Tariq St. Patrick on Power |
| 2016 | Appeared in Barbershop: The Next Cut |
| 2020 | Took the lead in the spinoff Power Book II: Ghost |
| 2026 | Guest starred in the Power Book IV: Force series finale |
Notice the pattern. Every project built on the one before it. He didn’t get one lucky break. He stacked small wins into a long career, which is a much harder thing to pull off in an industry that chews up child actors constantly.
Michael Rainey Jr Movies and TV Shows
Michael Rainey Jr.’s filmography spans drama, comedy, and action, which shows real range for someone who started as a child actor. Here’s a breakdown of his key movies and TV shows.
| Year | Title | Role |
| 2010 | Un Altro Mondo | Lead role |
| 2012 | LUV | Young Michael |
| 2013 | The Butler | Supporting role |
| 2013 to 2014 | Orange Is the New Black | Michael Burset |
| 2014 to 2020 | Power | Tariq St. Patrick |
| 2016 | Barbershop: The Next Cut | Jalen |
| 2018 | Amateur | Supporting role |
| 2018 | 211 | Supporting role, alongside Nicolas Cage |
| 2020 to 2024 | Power Book II: Ghost | Tariq St. Patrick, lead |
| 2022 | Sherri | Guest role |
| 2026 | Power Book IV: Force | Guest, series finale |
He also branched into media beyond acting. Rainey co-created and hosted the podcast series “The Crew Has It” with his Power Book II: Ghost co-star Gianni Paolo. That project let fans hear his real personality outside a scripted role, something a lot of actors his age haven’t tried yet. nccu
The “Power” Phenomenon
Power wasn’t just a TV show. It became a cultural moment, and Michael Rainey Jr. sat right in the middle of it as it grew.
The franchise was created by Courtney Kemp and executive produced by 50 Cent, and it expanded into what many fans call a crime drama universe, similar in scale to how superhero franchises expand on the big screen. Rainey initially thought his role would be minor. As one report put it, he assumed Tariq would be a small “hi and bye” character when the show first started. aolaol
That assumption didn’t hold up. Tariq St. Patrick grew from a background kid into one of the show’s most complicated figures, a young man caught between his father’s criminal empire and his own moral choices. By the time the story reached its climax, Tariq’s arc involved killing his own father, Ghost, played by Omari Hardwick, which set up the entire premise for the spinoff series. aol
Power Book II: Ghost gave Rainey his first true lead role, carrying a major network drama on his own for four seasons. When the spinoff wrapped, he described the ending honestly rather than putting on a brave face. “It’s definitely a sad feeling,” he said, reflecting on a decade spent inside one character’s story.
Few actors his age can say they helped build and sustain a franchise for over ten straight years. That kind of consistency is rare, and it’s the main reason casual viewers and industry insiders alike take him seriously as more than just a former child star.
Michael Rainey Jr Business Ventures and Financial Success
Beyond acting, Michael Rainey Jr. has worked to build a presence outside of scripted television. He served as Tommy Hilfiger’s North America Brand Ambassador in 2024 and 2025 and worked on the brand’s Boho Man Capsule Collection, blending fashion with his personal storytelling. imdb
He’s also active in public speaking. Rainey has appeared at college panels and keynote lecture series, including a talk at North Carolina Central University, where he discussed discipline, creativity, and building a career at a young age. That kind of work builds a personal brand that outlasts any single acting role. nccu
Outside of acting and speaking, reports mention that he enjoys making music and playing video games in his spare time, and has been working on a memoir about his rise in the industry. A memoir would fit naturally with his story, since few actors have documented such a long, visible journey from childhood to adulthood on camera. nccu
It’s important to be honest here too. Various online sources mention specific business names tied to Rainey, like restaurant ventures or entertainment companies, along with claims about cryptocurrency or luxury car purchases. None of these specific claims are backed by verified, reliable sourcing, so this article won’t repeat them as confirmed fact. What’s solidly documented is his brand ambassador work, his podcast, his public speaking, and his ongoing acting career, all of which point to a young entrepreneur building multiple income streams rather than relying on one paycheck.
Michael Rainey Jr Net Worth
Michael Rainey Jr.’s net worth is estimated to fall somewhere between $2 million and $3 million as of 2026. This figure isn’t officially confirmed by Rainey himself, so treat it as a reasonable estimate based on his acting career length and visibility, not a verified bank statement.
Here’s what likely built that number over the years:
- A decade of consistent salary from Power and Power Book II: Ghost, both major cable network productions
- A lead role in a spinoff series, which typically pays more than a supporting cast position
- Brand ambassador work with Tommy Hilfiger across two consecutive years
- Paid speaking engagements at colleges and public events
- Podcast production and hosting income from “The Crew Has It”
Exact per episode salary figures for Rainey haven’t been officially published, so any specific dollar amount you see online for his per episode pay should be treated as speculation rather than fact. What we do know is that leading a Starz network drama for four seasons, on top of years as a supporting cast member on the original Power, adds up to a stable, long term income far beyond a typical one off acting gig.
Compared to other young actors who transitioned from child roles into adult leads, Rainey’s estimated net worth sits in a realistic middle range, reflecting steady work rather than one blockbuster payday.
Michael Awards and Industry Recognition
Michael Rainey Jr. hasn’t collected a long shelf of personal acting trophies, but his work has consistently landed inside award winning projects. The Butler, one of his early films, won an NAACP Image Award, and Power itself became one of the most talked about and awarded crime dramas of its era. nccu
Recognition for Rainey personally has come more through cultural impact than trophy cases. He’s been featured in major entertainment outlets, invited to speak at university lecture series, and recognized by fashion brands for his influence with younger audiences. That kind of recognition doesn’t always come with a statue, but it carries real weight in the industry.
It’s fair to say his biggest form of recognition is simply longevity. Staying relevant and employed in a major franchise for over a decade, from childhood into adulthood, is its own kind of achievement that awards shows don’t always measure.
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Michael Rainey Jr Personal Life and Interests
Is Michael Rainey Jr. married? No, there’s no publicly confirmed wife or spouse. His relationship status remains largely private, and no verified source has confirmed a marriage or engagement. Any names circulating online tied to his dating life should be treated as unconfirmed rumor rather than fact, since he hasn’t publicly addressed a specific relationship in detail.
Outside of work, Rainey keeps a fairly grounded lifestyle for someone with his level of fame. He’s mentioned enjoying music production and video games as personal hobbies. He also stays connected to charitable causes. He supports “Find and Feed,” an organization that cares for homeless individuals, showing a side of him that goes beyond the screen. Wikipedia
He’s also been open about the emotional side of his career, particularly when Power Book II: Ghost wrapped after four seasons. Rather than brushing past it, he spoke honestly about missing the cast and the show’s behind the scenes moments, which paints a picture of someone who values relationships built on set as much as the career milestones themselves.
Future Aspirations and Legacy
What’s next for Michael Rainey Jr.? After a decade tied to one character, he’s stepping into a new phase of his career. His 2026 guest appearance in the Power Book IV: Force finale shows he’s staying connected to the franchise that made him famous, even as he looks for new opportunities outside it.
His interest in podcasting, public speaking, and a possible memoir suggests he’s building a brand bigger than a single role. Many actors who grow up on camera struggle to define themselves outside their breakout character. Rainey seems to be actively working against that by diversifying into media production and personal storytelling early.
His legacy, even at 25, is already fairly clear. He’s one of the few actors who grew from child performer to franchise lead within the same universe, carrying a decade long character arc that mirrored his own real life growth. That’s a rare accomplishment, and it sets him up for a long career ahead, whether he stays in front of the camera or moves toward producing and creating his own projects.
Last Words
Michael Rainey Jr.’s story isn’t a typical Hollywood tale. He didn’t get discovered overnight or land one viral role. He built his career step by step, starting as a nine year old learning Italian on a film set and ending up as the face of one of Starz’s biggest franchises. His age, his family background, and his steady rise all point to someone who treats acting as a craft, not just a spotlight. Whatever comes next for him, whether it’s music, a memoir, or new acting roles, his journey so far proves he knows how to build something that lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Michael Rainey Jr.?
Michael Rainey Jr. is 25 years old, born on September 22, 2000, in Louisville, Kentucky.
How tall is Michael Rainey Jr.?
He’s commonly reported to stand around 5 feet 10 inches tall, though this figure isn’t officially confirmed.
Who are Michael Rainey Jr.’s parents?
His parents are Michael Rainey Sr. and Shauna Small, with his mother homeschooling him during his early years.
Is Michael Rainey Jr. married?
No. There’s no publicly confirmed wife, and his relationship status remains private.
What is Michael Rainey Jr.’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated between $2 million and $3 million, based on his long acting career and brand partnerships.
What is Michael Rainey Jr. known for?
He’s best known for playing Tariq St. Patrick in Power and its spinoff, Power Book II: Ghost.
Does Michael Rainey Jr. have any siblings?
This detail hasn’t been publicly confirmed, so no verified information is available.
Fast Facts
- Born September 22, 2000, in Louisville, Kentucky
- Learned to speak fluent Italian for his first major film role at age nine
- Spent a full year living in Italy to prepare for that role
- Played Tariq St. Patrick across Power and Power Book II: Ghost for over ten years
- Homeschooled by his mother during his early acting years
- Carries Jamaican heritage through his mother’s side of the family
- Appeared alongside Nicolas Cage in the 2018 film 211
- Served as a Tommy Hilfiger North America brand ambassador in 2024 and 2025
- Co-hosts the podcast “The Crew Has It” with fellow actor Gianni Paolo
- Guest starred in the Power Book IV: Force series finale in 2026
