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.
JACKSONVILLE ROOTS, BOLD FUTURE
For the Jacksonville community, McClain’s keynote at Think Bold is personal. He’s one of our own — someone who walked the same school hallways and grew up under the same Florida skies. His journey proves that creative talent born in Jacksonville can command international stages and screens.
The Think Bold Festival & Conference has already become a hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, workforce development, and culture. Bringing McClain back to Jacksonville as a keynote speaker is both symbolic and inspiring: proof that cultural icons with local ties can return to invest their stories and wisdom into the next generation.
Why You Should Be in the Room
Woody McClain’s keynote won’t just be a recounting of his Hollywood résumé. Expect candid stories of perseverance, reinvention, and what it means to grow into your boldest self. He’ll speak on the balance between entertainment and entrepreneurship, the lessons of navigating Hollywood as a multi-talented creator, and why returning home matters. For Jacksonville, this moment is bigger than celebrity — it’s about culture, pride, and possibility. Students, entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators will all find something to connect with in McClain’s journey. His presence is a rallying call: that no matter where you begin, your story can become global if you dare to think bold.
The Invitation to Jacksonville
On Saturday, April 11, 2026, the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront will host this milestone. As part of the growing Think Bold Festival & Conference, McClain’s keynote will anchor a day dedicated to innovation, creativity, and culture. Jacksonville has always been a city with untapped potential — a place where ambition and creativity intersect. With Woody McClain taking the stage, the city gains not only a moment of inspiration, but also a symbol of what’s possible when bold dreams meet hard work.
Don’t miss this historic moment. Whether you grew up watching Woody as Bobby Brown, followed him through Power Book II: Ghost, or are just discovering his work, his story connects to all of us who strive to rise higher. Jacksonville, this is your chance to welcome one of your own back home — and to be inspired to write your own bold story.