A native of Detroit, MI, and the son of Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, Brandon T. Jackson developed an affinity and a knack for comedic antics early in life -- which reportedly helped him survive the monotony and boredom of school and ultimately convinced him to pursue a career as a standup comic-cum-actor. He parlayed his ambition into a series of behind-the-mike routines at local community and church events (including the Motor City Youth Festival), then accepted a role in the teen-oriented urban drama Nikita Blues (which, not coincidentally, was executive produced by his father), and in the early 2000s moved to Los Angeles, essaying a series of bit parts in A-list features including Ali (2001), 8 Mile (2002), and Roll Bounce (2005). Jackson subsequently rose to supporting billing with his turn in the filmmaking-themed farce Tropic Thunder (2008), starring Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, and Ben Stiller, and directed by Stiller.