Jharrel Jerome Opens Up On 'When They See Us' Role, Emmy Nomination & Spits A Freestyle!

Jharrell Jerome has been getting rave reviews for his role as Korey Wise on the Netflix film 'When They See Us' which is based on the experiences of the Central Park 5. The Emmy nominated actor stepped up to Ebro in the Morning to discuss his difficulties playing the role, finding out his was nominated for an Emmy, preparing for his role as Barry Jenkins in Moonlight, and even kicked a freestyle acapella before leaving!
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[@AfroVibez]

He is not the next Denzel Washington. He is the next Jharrel Jerome.

[@winnersclub6836]

Love that comment

[@AngieRadiant]

YES!!!!

[@deronreed2945]

exactly

[@tremaine861]

People in media love that he or she is "the next". It's horrible. They need to allow the young talents to carve their own lane..

[@marsswep2794]

SoulVibez Ditto

[@swimmonster6496]

the whole series was so heartbreaking but Korey's episode is some of the heaviest tv I've ever seen. could barely make it through

[@oluawo7933]

I watched it last night, cried all through

[@stacie1st69moonrisingvenus9]

💞I love this guy... He's so empathetic and sympathetic and a great actor. 🖤 I've seen all of his interviews and I know he's a great person with a GREATER spirit. #HUMBLE 🖤💯💙 #PhillyChick

[@christytea4691]

Stacie sympathetic*^^

[@stacie1st69moonrisingvenus9]

@@christytea4691 Thank you

[@aquariangypsy8892]

This young man is incredible! He has a God given talent. So natural. He’s been in two incredible films and he’s only 21. Imagine what’s to come? Brilliance.

[@alyssamoneyse5358]

This man is so talented God bless his career. He’s going crazy far. He ATE korey wise.

[@prissylily25]

As a Haitian woman... I can appreciate this DR man. We need to support each other more. Kudos to him and the cast. Much love 💕👏🏾

[@retrokid62]

😂 but what does his nationality have to do with this tho?

[@blkity5306]

Don Juan haitians and dominicans have bad history with each other and still have political issues currently with each other.

[@retrokid62]

blkity ok but what does that have to do with this interview ?

[@blkity5306]

Don Juan im guessing because jharrel is dominican

[@bxboro4662]

Man that’s a black man period

[@keitmon]

We should all know our rights even though we might sometimes be deprived of them. I was stopped by a cop when I was 15 or 16 as I walked to a neighborhood store. He put me in his squad car and I heard the description of someone who had snatched a woman's purse. Somehow I knew that this was the crime that I had been stopped for. The police radio gave a description that was the wrong height, weight and everything else. The clothes and footwear were different. However, the cop radioed that he had a suspect and he requested backup. Several more cops arrived and they told him that I was the wrong guy. Despite this, he put me in the back of a police wagon and took me miles away to the home of the woman who was robbed. At the scene more cops laughed at him and told him that he had the wrong guy. As we approached the woman's house I began to get nervous, believing that if she indicated that I might be guilty that there was nothing I could do. All of the cops I saw that night were white. As we were going onto the lady's porch, another cop was walking down the steps. He laughed and said that I was not the perpetrator. The idiot who had detained me got angry at this point and cursed as he asked "How do you know it's not him?!" The laughing cop said "because I saw the guy who did it; I chased him down the alley! That's not the guy!" The bullheaded idiot insisted upon parading me in front of the victim anyway. Until now I'd been unconcerned; I was an A student who had never been in any kind of trouble. But now I knew in my heart that if the victim indicated that I might be guilty, not one of the many cops who had vouched for my innocence would open his mouth to prevent me from being railroaded for the crime. Philadelphia, like New York and most (if not all) of urban America had (and has) the reputation for having many brutal policemen who are dishonest and criminal. Only a few years ago I told this story to a black officer who told me that my rights were violated when Barney Fife took me from my neighborhood to the victim's house. Legally, he was obligated to bring the victim to my location if he thought she needed to see me. I was deeply moved by the events portrayed in "When They See Us"; it was extremely hard for me to watch. I know that there are thousands of people incarcerated who are totally innocent of the crimes for which they've been accused and/or convicted. Then there are the hundreds of thousands of nonviolent offenders and mentally ill who should not be imprisoned.

[@nomsa06]

I’m so sorry that you had to go through all of that. God bless you 🙏🏿

[@SkyWalka4]

Man I'm glad your here to tell us this story because sh.t could if went left for you.....

[@chinemeremudoh3732]

This is deep man!

[@upclose22]

Proud of him👏👏👏👏 There’s also a passion in the way he raps. This young man is on his way. Emmy nominated & hopefully winner, Jharrel Jerome👏👏💕💕💕💕

[@TakeilaJeter]

Loved this interview! He's sooo talented! Congrats on the Emmy!

[@yajayralouis3167]

Necesito escuchar a este nene hablar español😭.. Tan bello😍❤

[@EdenSignal]

Brilliant actor, look forward to seeing him in some big roles.

[@young_pootie]

Freestyle was flames man

[@sarahhalifax3050]

Amazing guy! Jharrell is a damn good actor and Rapper❤️❤️

[@derrionbrown3923]

So much talent!

[@katrinaponds82]

This man is the greatest🙌🏾✊🏾

[@courtneysperfectcafe]

“acápoco” 😂 I thought it was acapella! LOL

[@VScott-uq1pj]

He really does deserve awards for his work on this project. His portrayal is flawless.

[@jorgefigueroa2317]

Hes def got that kendrick lamar bxish version flow i dig it

[@sphephelomnguni4700]

This kid is the future, that freestyle was mad nice too.

[@donttalkwet1]

This actor is amazing. Get him an Oscar.

[@dominicanguy9117]

🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🗽🗽🗽I love my people

[@sergeantwaters9668]

I'm glad he won the Emmy but he and the entire cast got straight ripped on not even getting a golden globe nomination. This mini series was better than Chernobyl which was also excellent.

[@florencemutoni1596]

Mn, you’re a great actor @Jharrel Jerome.

[@reppinNY]

he should play junior who got stabbed in the bronx i think he be good at it

[@lakeisharobertson2442]

❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏾

[@SofokeBeats]

🇩🇴

[@mzhappyfree7688]

I grew up in SC, my mom talked about this case and never believed from day one these kids were guilty… same thing with Susan Smith… and slew of others…. We’ve as a community have become numb to this reality

[@chantesewilder1350]

hes not 21 dude was in Mighty Ducks he was in the big green too I think!

[@MRSwifey559]

How about a ybn Corde collab?! They both seem to have the same view on what they wanna do with their music!

[@alessia8294]

what confuses me is how he played a 16 year old AND a 30 year old. LIKE DAMN. no but fr he’s amazing

[@lifeofvaya]

It was genius! because we still saw him as the kid being put in prison with grown men

[@alessia8294]

lifeofvaya yesss

[@IISoLiDuZII]

i love you. He is 21 u must not have watched the video

[@alessia8294]

II SoLiDuZ II clearly you didn’t watch the series, because in the series he played a 16 year old, all the way to a 30 year old, and he perfectly looked the age. im not talking about his real life age im talking about the ages he PLAYED

[@alexism.7712]

Hell yeah that shii was cold af

[@LeoMakar1]

Man his portrayal of Korey Brought me to tears. He is a phenomenal actor. I continue to wish him success in his career.

[@winnersclub6836]

Was heartbreaking

[@prestonbroyles1470]

No cap. Probably one of the 1st times tearing up over a story in a film.

[@certi2x515]

i never cry during movies or shows but this made me bawl

[@douglassimmons5011]

Real talk this guy has a carrer ahead of him

[@tyshawnagibson1839]

I honestly watched it three days in a row and made my three sons watch it n I cried so hard when I see everything that man had to endure during his time wrongfully locked up. I pray the good lord have mercy on those who have wronged them and everyone they have wronged

[@soulfulman1971]

No more Central Park Five! It's the Exonerated Five now! They were proven innocent. Jharrel Jerome will become a sought after actor if he continues. He played the hell out of that part.

[@easy8325]

Reminded me of loco in south central.

[@JoJo927198]

greeneyedsoul71 already is. This series was his golden ticket

[@Justanadmin]

@@JoJo927198 Fax, plus he recently got an Emmy a couple days ago for being an outstanding actor in a limited series. He's also the first youngest outstanding actor, as well as the first Afro-Latino and Dominican to win an Emmy.

[@andrerodman5506]

@@Justanadmin And that was emotional,unfortunately we have so many stories like that and we need them to be shown and played by acting GENIUSES like Jharrel Jerome so happy and proud.

[@inah4923]

the only time i cried was during the oprah interview, when antron was talking about how his life was ruined and seeing the actors crying as well.

[@mathieuzilli3592]

inah Indeed, that was harddddd. Antron suffered so much from his Dads behavior...

[@inah4923]

@@mathieuzilli3592 yh but was also receiving death threats , kicked out of school, friends ignored him. they all became social pariahs and his dad left after he realised he was being used as a pawn.

[@JennHayden]

yes, that part got me

[@UKLeonie]

When you see the actors holding each other in the front seats and bawling...I cried and wept in my living room, it was painful.

[@mathieuzilli3592]

inah yea.. I mean.. we can all comment and share our thoughts, I really believe that no one on this planet (others than the Exonerated 5) can even imagine 1/10 of what they have to go through. Even Antron’s dad. He was certainly an awesome man. But when life hits you so hard, who knows how we would react ?

[@davidf5449]

Jharrel BODIED that role!! Excellent job keep it up bro!!

[@Justanadmin]

Also got an Emmy for it too

[@mrxking1]

BODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDIEEEDD

[@jaysonbiggs8979]

Embodied.

[@kenyakenya9829]

Yeah he did

[@sophiadavenport3959]

Jharelle Jerome is the first afro-latino and Dominican person to win an Emmy.💕🙌🏻🇩🇴

[@Justanadmin]

WEPA WEPAAAAAA

[@chanerd5386]

Eoooo 🇩🇴❣️

[@charlotteziggy8353]

And the youngest:-)

[@rolln8ths]

Afro-Latino lol how about just Latino lol you weirdos always looking for first everything 😂

[@TWENTYTWOBeats]

Rolled 8th lmao

[@noemoneytoya8758]

He’s very handsome 😍😭

[@zycohx2391]

bruh

[@shaybug0330]

He deserve the EMMY...hands down. He was superb

[@Justanadmin]

He won it

[@u-knobreezy4035]

Spoken into existence sis. I’m so glad they didn’t snub him of what he deserved.

[@MelMarieDavis]

Just pure talent. He got a Kendrick vibe in him

[@charlotteziggy8353]

He is way above this Kendrick you speak of.

[@Beautifullyaberrant]

Charlotte Ziggy not above just in his own vibe

[@fredericandre9034]

@@charlotteziggy8353 why you gotta make it a competetion

[@MsRaquelD]

I love Jharrel. So humble and personable. He deserves all favor back to him.

[@MsRaquelD]

@THE 911 GT3 LIFE Humility is always elevated. Thank you. Respect back.

[@miss.mandiaa]

I’m starting to develop a lil crush on this guy lmaoo 😂😂 Edit: I’m in love with him now 😂😂

[@yetundepink]

He seems really down to earth and humble. He will go far.

[@ikexbankai]

He was my favorite part of Moonlight!!! I took notice then!!! One of my favorite young actors

[@NeishaNineStarz]

ikexbankai I knew he was a star from then. So talented

[@ikexbankai]

Neisha Nine Starz and now our boy got that Emmy

[@dipmeingloss]

Jharrel did a phenomenal job as "korey wise" those prison scenes was so intense & so impactful that for the next 3 days it was hard for me to eat or drink water.."💦" because i was so emotional & distraught over the abusive torturous treatment that korey was subjected too it gave me chills.😔if you watched this mini series & didn't tear up something is extremely wrong with you, the real korey wise is so sweet it warms my heart yo.💕

[@daoulaila]

Melanin Poppin couldn’t finish it till now. Am afraid, when it came out, I started the same day but me watching just the 2 first episodes, I was done. I just fast forwarded it to see the end. I was done, dehumanize, diminished and fucked up....

[@CocoBlaqueDiiamond]

I swear

[@NoLimitShonB]

Beldaoulaila Diallo I swear you are preaching to the choir!! I saw ONE episode..ONE and was emotionally fucked up. I swear I haven’t had the heart to finish. It gets worse than that?? Idk if I can finish it now 😢😢😢😞

[@nadeerabarton2618]

No seriously

[@cj8803]

He was AMAZING. He can really ACT! He made us feel fear, pain, misery, and hopelessness as a sixteen year old child.

[@jtwinny4105]

18:25 “No one has ever transitioned from being an actor to a rapper” If Donald Glover was able to transition to Childish Gambino, then so can jharrel.

[@TheLostonez]

And mack wilds

[@foodsthatstartwiththelette1745]

TheLostonez Thank you! I thought of Mack as soon as they started talking about this. I still listen to all of his stuff 🔥

[@chavonnem9020]

And Drake 👀

[@andie1010]

And Rotimi

[@madisonvee9681]

I love watching jharrel interviews. He's such an amazing person. I really would like to meet him one day.

[@insidethemusik7114]

He's multi-talented. I hope he continues to win!

[@tsmacks9]

Dang bra only 21??!? Wow

[@ShesAbsurd]

He needs every Emmy idc 😂

[@chanerd5386]

Ty Dawkins Factsss

[@Adina_Zohar]

He really dooooo 👀👀👀😂

[@liftedtolifebydannab]

My Dude!!! His portrayal took me in and out at the same time. He deserves an Oscar. The Exonerated are true Heroes!!!

[@lindsayharrell5445]

Jharrel is ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL!!! He's so down to earth and humble!!! I just love him so much!! I just absolutely love Everything about him!!! Especially his personality!!! I have been waiting for this all morning!! 😁😘😍❤🙏💕✨

[@Yngferro]

Rosenberg: nobody has ever transitioned from an actor to a rapper Drake: hold my owl

[@burgessfrederick2]

Your comment underrated bro!

[@sademichelle9282]

Definitely something there...that freestyle was off the dome. He is so talented and so pure, deserves all of the success.

[@jnelso7298]

He kind of sounded like Kendrick when he was freestyling

[@coreyd6815]

Are we not going to talk about the fact that this man can lyrically spit off the top? Once he said he used to rap by having people throw him some words I knew you could freestyle but I still wasn't expecting that. Sound/flow reminded me of Kendrick,

[@beegood3372]

I fall in LOVE with this YOUNG KING every single time I see or hear him!!!!!!!! He's humble & calm and he got BARS too 🔥🔥🔥!!!! His parents & family should be BEYOND PROUD!!!!! Nothing but God's GRACE, PROTECTION & LOVE for him!!!!! CONTINUED BLESSINGS ON BLESSINGS!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@easy8325]

The way he played that role reminded me of Loco in the South Central movie.This guy deserves and Oscar for that performance!

[@edrionnawilliams6418]

doogie Five-Four 😭😭😂that movie underrated 💯

[@Gorgeouss_Court]

I am obsessed with this dude. He been killing every performance he’s been in. And I just love how humble and down to earth he is. I’m so excited for Concrete Cowboys! This man is a legend in the making 🙌🏾

[@Bravoyara]

Well spoken young man. So proud of him 🇩🇴

[@patchuko82]

Now DR hv blacks .wowww lol

[@patchuko82]

Happy to c a young black man doing hes things .black is the truth

[@myranda777]

his rap voice is sexy...

[@sondaye_lzm]

He’s in the category of great humble talents with people like Jason Weaver.

[@jayla8301]

SonDayeLZ They actually look alike too

[@MsSoaringstar18]

So glad you guys had Jharrell on the show!! He’s such a talented actor! And that freestyle though🔥🔥

[@dontaskdontworry]

Talented, down-to-earth and fine as hell... I stan 🥺

[@p3rezd]

he deserves all the awards he can get!! he’s sooooo good. deserving of all the recognition! ❤️

[@ravenanderson1695]

He did an amazing job. I’m looking forward to seeing him in more roles, hopefully on the big screen.

[@dageniuswizard169]

Raven Anderson he in a lot of movies already since a kid...some good movies too

[@peytonwilliams6919]

I absolutely Love Jharrel so much ☻👏🏾💕 He better win some award for his performance💜👍🏾

[@darricksmith403]

He’s very well mannered, smart and talented! He has success and is on his way to be waaayy more successful. Great 👍🏿 job brother JJ!!!!

[@kameelsabri2382]

This brother's acting got me shedding tears non stop at the scene where he was told his brother passed away.

[@pinkyandthebrain99]

Clearly Rosenberg hasn’t really watched and paid attention to the documentary since he had to ask if Jharrel was the only one who played both the young and older version - smh!

[@BluDrop5]

I peeped it, too.

[@Leonion6]

He just clarified it for the viewers. And personally watching the series I didn't notice he was 1 person, so different he looked.

[@kayleythompson2548]

Leonion6 he didn't look that different you can see that's still the same person it's just in the first episodes he looked very young

[@sinceremarks8529]

I love to see my people winning,especially coming from my borough,because I know how hard it is to get out...

[@souljiagrey]

bet, ima cop the album when it drops. the man’s actually can spit as well as he can act, i wasn’t expecting that fr

[@genevievegould2304]

Ivy64 he’s got a mixtape on SoundCloud now. Granted, it’s a few years old, but still.

[@jenicaevon]

I have no words for this guy he is just absolutely phenomenal ❤ his portrayal was just so heartbreaking 💔

[@teedeonia]

He is so handsome 😫🤤

[@Noblmine24]

He is fwine. I loved him on in the netflix special

[@andrickdiatilo1042]

He sounds like Kendrick Lamar when he raps

[@jey524]

I wanna see this man in way more movies!

[@billiechriss3827]

This young man is very talented. I’m excited to witness his future successes.

[@sontiaw]

Was waiting for this! Jharrel is 🔥🔥🔥

[@erinnmjones]

How they not gonna give the man a beat?

[@lf1496]

What a beautiful spirit. Good things are on his road even after the Emmy win. He is what we need in the public space, a thoughtful, gifted young black man who sees his art as a mission beyond entertainment. Well done hermanito 👍

[@niki1736]

Jharrel Jerome=AWESOME....he is great...he better win something...🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@vintageprotoje]

HOW DID YALL MISS IT?? "There are a lot of rappers turned actors.. yh way more common" Lool like wtf Common was exactly that. A rapper turned Actor. THAT WAS TRIPPY.

[@amgaku]

His work had me really emotional at the end. Pure talent & epic performance.

[@Nunofyabizzzzz]

What a contrast from Shameik Moore in his interview. So interesting how different they're personalities are

[@BipolarPrincezz1000]

I remember exactly when u posted on IG I was so excited... I watched it 8 times.. y’all are so amazing 🙏🏽

[@ClarencePlus]

I get the impact of When They See Us but this dude has been doing some dope work for a lil while now.

[@PlayaP69]

Everytime I see this man lick his lips, I want to go back and watch the beach scene in _Moonlight_

[@marjaiiii]

William Johnson aye 😂😂

[@babyjki444]

lmaooo stop!!

[@aderiusscott2220]

Ok!!!

[@missoplimslyrics2108]

Me too whenever he talks I can feel it in my stomach !

[@dontaskdontworry]

William Johnson Saaaaaame 😭😭😭

[@activatea9105]

The multi talented Emmy nominated Jharrel Jerome

[@B._Shadow]

Props to Jharell Jerome. I remember his name and face and acting reel came across our table to play the lead actor in my In The Streets video. But I wanted someone to look undisputably young....so you can feel it through their teenage eyes. I don't regret it. They are both good actors. But Still....props to Jharell. Doing big things now. Keep doing ya thang bro.

[@themachanel8128]

god bless this guy im so proud and wish him much success #TheExonerated5

[@MrKennedyh]

Who’s here after Emmy?

[@bearspf85]

Somebody better make this man Miles Morales

[@FreshyetFilthy]

Omggg yes!!!!!!

[@warrenlondon2426]

This brother right here has a bright future ahead of him 💯 A Young King in the making 👑🏆

[@GhettoBrocooli]

All I was thinking when seeing the movie. "...I want to see more of him..."

[@queenabiola5075]

okay so noone is gonna talk about how hes giving a kendrick vibe?

[@therights6794]

This guy can ACT! Wow! He really brought Wises’ character to life. Such a sad story. I’m so glad they got the justice they deserved! ❤️🗣

[@Siayya]

Now he’s Emmy winner Jharrel Jerome! Congrats! Well deserved.

[@Power-9Hunnid]

(Separate Note: This dude look so much like my god brother. It's crazy. I notice when i was watching the movie.)

[@yomaaa26]

Is it just me or does he look like Rev Runs son Jojo?

[@Capturetheprince]

Yoma Agarin that’s a good one. I definitely can agree queen 💕

[@_k1llafornia652]

A little bit yeah.

[@kinee5116]

He reminds me of Biggie son CJ also

[@DeeDiamond2981]

A lit bit. They mixed too

[@JennHayden]

@@DeeDiamond2981 mixed with what?

[@chicitysheba4409]

Mos Def was a bit part actor then his career as an MC became more known to the mass public years later..ijs First time I saw Mos Def was on The Cosby Mysteries. He played a local hood dude name Dante Beze

[@andyvelasquez9488]

This dude is a SERIOUS actor!!!!