Trivia

Was home schooled but was allowed to play on the basketball team at New Jersey's Newark Arts High School.

No relation to the basketball player Michael Jordan. He inserted a middle initial in his name to avoid confusion.

His middle name, Bakari, is Swahili and means "of noble promise".

Took tap-dancing lessons as a child.

Before he started booking acting gigs, he appeared in ads for Modell's Sporting Goods and Toys 'R Us.

His favorite actress is Meryl Streep.

Was considered for Harry Osborn in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), but lost to his Chronicle (2012) co-star Dane DeHaan, and for Sam Wilson/Falcon in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), which went to Anthony Mackie.

Is a huge fan of video games, anime & manga and popular culture.

He was offered the role of Dr. Dre in Straight Outta Compton (2015).

Friends with Chadwick Boseman and Amanda Seyfried.

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6201 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on March 1, 2023. Ryan Coogler and director Jonathan Majors were guest speakers at the ceremony.

Just like Chris Evans, he is the second actor to portray Johnny Storm/Human Torch (in a failed attempt at a 'Fantastic Four' franchise) before joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Owns a minority percentage in English Premier League Football team AFC Bournemouth.

Was listed in People magazine's annual Sexiest Man Alive issue (2013).

One of Time magazine's 30 People Under 30 Changing the World (2013).

He resided with his parents in a Sherman Oaks home that he purchased.

He grew up in a religious household and considers himself to be "spiritual".

Chosen by People magazine as the Sexiest Man Alive on November 30, 2020.

Appeared on The Root's list of the 100 most important black influences between the ages of 25 and 45, for 2013. The Root focuses on African-American politics, culture, and society.

Has appeared in several films featuring superheroes / powers. He was Johnny Storm in Fantastic Four (2015), Erik Killmonger in Black Panther (2018), Steve Montgomery in Chronicle (2012), and voiced Victor Stone / Cyborg in Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013).

Named as GQ magazine's Breakout of the Year for 2013.

Co-founded Obsidianworks, a full-service advertising & marketing agency.

Was considered one of The 25 Best Actors in Their 20s by Complex magazine (2013).

Appeared on Variety magazine's "Top 10 Actors To Watch" list (2013).

He was originally cast as Marcus Atwood in Triple 9 (2016), but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. Anthony Mackie replaced him.

Was considered one of the 55 faces of the future by Nylon magazine's Young Hollywood Issue.

Appeared on the 2013 Power 100 list for Ebony magazine (2013).

Ranked at #21 on GQ magazine's 25 Most Stylish Men of 2013.

Appeared on the Entertainment Weekly list "New Hollywood: Entertainers of the Rise" (2013).

Younger brother of producer Jamila Jordan-Theus.

There are 11 other Michael Jordans born in his home state of California the same year he was born (1987).

He was nominated for the 2022 New Jersey Hall of Fame in the Performing Arts and Entertainment category.

Is the second actor to win a Best Actor Oscar for playing multiple roles in the same film. The first was Lee Marvin in Cat Ballou (1965) (1965).

Born on the same date as Rose Leslie.

Born at 8:14 PM (PST).

He was nominated for the 2026 New Jersey Hall of Fame in the Performing Arts and Entertainment category.