Meet Jaylen Lyndon Hunter.
Some of you may know him for the thrilling adventure he took us on as Young Simba, a prince who loses and then reclaims his kingdom after learning from his mistakes and regaining his sense of self, in The Lion King - Musical. With the help of his family, friends, and mentors, Simba discovers inner strength and his place in the world - a connection Jaylen exhibits with his real-life community.
Jaylen Hunter in The Lion King (Photo: Deen Van Meer)
Jaylen is no stranger to performing in front of major audiences, leaving a lasting impression of people wondering “who is that kid?” He was just 11 years old at the start of the tour. The now 13-year-old Memphian, is topping the charts with no plans of slowing down anytime soon. Not too long after wrapping up his 20-month tour schedule with The Lion King - Musical, Jaylen learned he was cast as Little Marlon in the first national tour of Tony Award-winning MJ the Musical, centered around the making of Micheal Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson into legendary status. The MJ tour kicks off in August; its first stop…Chicago.
Off-stage, Jaylen’s true circle of life starts at home with a foundation of faith, love, support, and pursuing purpose. Amid his busy work schedule and traveling, Jaylen still has to manage his academics, sports, and hobbies. From working alongside main-stage actors, traveling the world, and just enjoying life as a regular kid, Jaylen shares a little glimpse of his journey - one that still comes with amazement each day.
Jaylen will enter 8th grade this fall at Laurel Springs School, an online private school designed to help students grow and excel academically and personally, while maintaining a flexible schedule. As a former student at Evangelical Christian School (6th-7th grade) in Memphis, Jaylen mastered his studies as a virtual student while on the road. “I was excited to attend the last month of school in person and meet my classmates,” says Jaylen. “I’m excited to see what the online private school is like. I was ready to play sports, but I booked another tour.”
Jaylen’s love for acting began at an early age, singing and dancing at home. He had a talent that even he didn’t dream would land him in a role cast for Disney. Spending his summers at Young Actors Guild Dance and Theatre Company (YAG), founded by Memphian Chrysti Chandler, led to his start with stage plays and performances.
“Ms. Chrysti Chandler saw something in me that I didn’t during summer camp,” says Jaylen. YAG’s vision to impact youth through the arts has helped more than 30,000 youth across Memphis with many of them performing on Broadway, American Idol,
So You Think You Can Dance, and the Apollo Theatre.
Jaylen’s biggest supporter and advocate, Crystelle Jones, his mom and manager, attests to YAG playing a huge part in Jaylen’s success. “While working for the City of Memphis in youth services, I discovered the Young Actors Guild,” says Crystelle. “After meeting with Chrysti Chandler, I knew this was where he should be. She told me Jaylen had all the tools and was ready. I took it from there.”
Jaylen played Young Simba in Disney’s
The Lion King Jr. with YAG at the Cannon Center in Memphis, and his mom decided to send his audition video to Disney. To her surprise, they responded. She was so shocked they reached out that she had to triple-check for legitimacy. “While everything was shut down during the COVID pandemic, I searched for how to submit an audition for Young Simba and sent it in,” says Crystelle. “When we got a response, I had to research to see if it was real. He got a final callback, and he killed it. I had no idea they would call me a few hours later to offer him the part.”
Jaylen recalls the moment the news came in: “I remember my mom screaming for me to come down the stairs a few hours after my audition. They flew us up to New York. That’s when I realized it was real.”
Receiving the role as Young Simba for The Lion King - Musical was a huge honor for Jaylen. “It’s a feeling that I will never forget,” says Jaylen. It gives him pure joy to know there are people not only from his hometown, but across the world that support his acting career. “I love to see people smile and laugh,” says Jaylen. “There is nothing like live theater. The expressions on their faces when I’m on the stage is priceless. When we came to Memphis, my school and Young Actors Guild came on the same night. It was electric. I had over 250 supporters in the audience, and they met me after the show. It was amazing. I also enjoy reading the comments and reviews after each city.”
Telling the story of Young Simba is pretty similar to Jaylen’s own life. “I feel like I’m just like Young Simba,” says Jaylen. “I’m very curious and I love to take chances. Playing the role taught me that it’s not always smart to not listen to your parents. It taught me to make wiser decisions in life and stay focused.”
The Hunter Family (Photo: Crystelle Jones)
One of Jaylen’s favorite memories from The Lion King - Musical tour was being able to have quality time with his mom, hanging with his new adult friends who treated him to ice cream and dinner, and being part of an extended family. “They all looked out for me,” says Jaylen. “It was all love. Christmas on the road with my family in Denver and Chicago was priceless, too.” On the other hand, his biggest challenge was being on the road away from family and friends. His stepdad would often visit, bringing his little sister to spend time with him.
Crystelle not only tackles managing Jaylen’s career and traveling cities with him, but she’s also a wife and busy mom of two. Crystelle shared that while she would not trade the experience at all, “the most difficult part is being away from our family, especially my daughter.” She still has to plan for events that involve her entire family, and now that includes gearing up for the school year again.
Back-to-school planning and preparation looks very different for Crystelle and her family. “This fall, both of my children were going to attend Briarcrest Christian School, where Jaylen was planning to play sports,” says Crystelle. “He has an equal love for acting and basketball. We were very excited to finally have them at the same school, but Jaylen booked another tour. I had to find a school for him that would be convenient while traveling on the road. It was a quick last-minute switch.”
Crystelle shared a few tips for parents on what works for her routine of managing and balancing school schedules and activities, especially for children involved in pursuing their dreams or goals outside of school. “Sticking to the schedule I have made out for the week,” says Crystelle. “If I do one thing differently, my whole day is off. They laugh at me because I have an old-school planner. Seeing those black dots in the calendar on my iPhone can be overwhelming. I like to write things down. I also make sure I add a day to rest. That’s so important. I meditate a lot. When I open my eyes, I know it is time to get things done. I wake up very early before everyone to make sure I have everything I need to start the day. It was a difficult decision to put Jaylen’s career before mine. I’m so glad I did.”
Crystelle is proud being mom to such a cool kid who not only achieved a huge breakout season of acting, but also maintained a stellar academic record in school. “It is a wonderful feeling to see your child display what they have been taught,” says Crystelle. “Jaylen grew up in a household where we pray about everything. He is someone with lots of faith. He says what he wants, we talk about it, and he executes. I always remind him that education is first. I still can’t believe that he managed to maintain straight A’s and work at the same time. He had an amazing tutor who kept him on task.”
Jaylen’s advice to other young people pursuing their dreams: “Don’t let anything stop you from staying focused on your goals and dreams. Stay away from negative energy. Think positive and put out good energy. Make a schedule for yourself so that you have balance. Keep your grades up, because you can’t perform if they are not good.”
Best wishes to Jaylen and his family in their new chapter of memorable events and making history.