WOODY MCCLAIN

WOODY MCCLAIN

FROM JACKSONVILLE ROOTS TO HOLLYWOOD STARDOM — AND BACK AGAIN

When Woody McClain steps onto the stage at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront on April 11, 2026, as a keynote speaker at the Think Bold Festival & Conference, it will be more than a star appearance — it will be a homecoming. Known nationally as an actor, creator, and cultural force, McClain carries with him a story deeply connected to Florida and the South. For Jacksonville, his return is a powerful reminder that bold dreams launched here can truly echo across the world.

A STAR BORN OF DETERMINATION

Woody McClain’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Born in South Carolina and raised in Florida — with time in Jacksonville shaping his school years — McClain didn’t initially dream of acting. In 2012, he moved to Los Angeles to chase a career in dance, performing alongside superstars like Chris Brown and Fifth Harmony. But his creative spark extended beyond choreography.

McClain began posting comedic sketches online, which quickly went viral. Those sketches caught the attention of none other than Kevin Hart, who signed him to a deal with Hartbeat Digital. From that moment, Woody’s career pivoted from background talent to front-and-center storyteller.

Breakout Roles and Holly wood Success

McClain cemented his status in 2017 with his unforgettable portrayal of Bobby Brown in BET’s The New Edition Story and later The Bobby Brown Story. His performance earned him a BET Award nomination for Best Actor, launching him into the cultural spotlight. From there, his career trajectory only accelerated. On the big screen, he starred Desperation Road alongside Mel Gibson and Garrett Hedlund, and in Netflix’s The Harder They Fall, a stylish western with an all-star cast. On television, his role in Canal Street further showcased his depth and range.

But it was his role in Starz’s Power Book II: Ghost that catapulted him into a household name. The series became Starz’s biggest premiere ever, drawing 5.8 million viewers in its opening weekend. With Woody at its heart, the show went on to a four-season run, becoming a cultural juggernaut for the 50 Cent-produced “Power” universe.

Expanding His Creative Universe

Woody isn’t just a performer — he’s a creator. Alongside DC writer Dorado Quick, he co-created The Brotherhood, a spy comic blending action, grit, and espionage. His commitment to storytelling expands across mediums, building a body of work that speaks to both mainstream audiences and niche creative communities.

In 2024, Woody appeared at the Essence Festival, affirming his presence not just

as an actor, but as a cultural voice. With more than 2 million Instagram followers, his influence extends far beyond Hollywood soundstages into the worlds of music, lifestyle, and social conversation.