LeJon Stewart: A Multifaceted Journey from Southern California to the Silver Screen
LeJon Stewart, a proud native of Southern California, was born in Inglewood and raised in Compton and Carson. His passion for the arts took root at the age of 11 when he starred as Travis in “A Raisin in the Sun” with the All Peoples Community Theatre. During high school, he showcased his dance talent on Soul Train and later on American Bandstand while in college.
LeJon attended California State University, Dominguez Hills, where he earned a B.A. in just three years, rather than the typical four. In his final year, he was elected ASB Comptroller (Treasurer) and became the first member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity to pledge at his university. An English major with a minor in Theatre Arts, LeJon also served as the Polemarch (President) of the Upsilon Chapter, which encompassed UCLA, CSU Los Angeles, CSU Northridge, and CSU Dominguez Hills.
After a year at Loyola Law School, he transitioned into the entertainment industry, working at a private practice law firm in Century City before joining an entertainment business management firm, where he represented notable clients like Gene Hackman, Boz Scaggs, Kelly LeBrock, and Apollonia.
LeJon married his college sweetheart, Tandalaya Nelson, and together they raised three boys and one girl in the Inland Empire. He became a Certified Teacher, earning a Single Subject Credential in English and a Multiple Subject Credential for grades K-6 in the Colton School District. He designed and taught an At-Risk Program for middle schools and eventually taught Special Education, English, and Drama at Colton High School. Tragically, he has buried one son, Adonis, but he is a proud grandfather and celebrates the academic achievements of his daughter Parisse, a Berkeley graduate, and son Avery, a UCLA alum from the Class of 2020.
During a summer break from teaching, LeJon was cast as a background actor in Boogie Nights, leading to an epiphany that rekindled his desire to pursue acting. He joined SAG in 1998 and AFTRA in 2000, working at an extras casting company to supplement his acting journey.
In 2005, he auditioned for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, among 800 actors, and was cast as a Black Pearl Pirate and Captain Jack Sparrow’s Rifleman. Director Gore Verbinski made LeJon’s character a permanent fixture within the Disney universe, and even a Lejon Lego toy was created in his likeness. His profile has since grown, including recognition on Wikipedia as an African American actor from Southern California.
LeJon has appeared in notable projects such as Thomas Haden Church’s Cardboard Boxer, Dan Harmon’s Community, Parenthood, FX Legit, and the TV movie Art Prison alongside Randall Park. He has also starred in national commercials for Mercedes Benz (directed by Michael Bay), McDonald’s, Reebok, and an international print ad campaign for Korean Airlines.
For the past nine years, he has been a member of The Sky Pilot Theatre Company and stars in a scripted podcast titled NPRmageddon. He has a growing portfolio with ten features streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Tubi. In December 2023, he received a Channy Award for Best Supporting Actor from Channel 101 and has previously won similar accolades for his role as the Leprechaun of Cream. In August 2024, he was honored with the Dick Gregory Award by the National Congress of Black Women.
LeJon has actively contributed to independent films like Loose Ends and Water, directed by J. Luksetich and Randy Kent, and has gained critical acclaim for short films such as Lucy The Lion, directed by Academy Award nominee Kalman Apple, Echoes of the Forest, and Down & Out In Vampire Hills. In the feature film Down For The Count, he plays Soothsayer DeJa, set for streaming in October 2024.
In spring 2024, LeJon enlisted renowned publicist Micky Soler, resulting in impressive media coverage. He was interviewed live by Arica TV (Chile) and graced the cover of the July 2024 issue of Original magazine from the UK, along with appearances in multiple international publications.
Currently engaged with upcoming projects such as The Job alongside actress Dawna Lee Heising, LeJon Stewart continues to thrive in the entertainment industry. He is also part of the Skeleton Crew team from the Star Wars franchise.
As an esteemed actor and producer, LeJon has garnered numerous accolades in 2025 and early 2026, particularly for his recent critically acclaimed performance in The Job. His recognition includes the Golden Actor Award at the Nez International Film Festival in India, the Golden Bridge Award for Actors from the NEZ International Film Festival, as well as Best Improv Actor at the Golden State Film Festival and Best Actor in a Short Film at the Culver City Film Festival.
In addition to his artistic accomplishments, LeJon has been appointed as a Film & Hollywood Cultural Ambassador by the Hellenic Los Angeles Media Network, underscoring his commitment to the arts and culture.
Contact: Micky Soler originalmagazine296@gmail.com